Things to Do in Dordogne: 10 Must-See Activities

Dordogne is a highly sought-after tourist destination, and this is no accident. This region, and particularly the Périgord Noir where we will focus our search for activities, enjoys a solid reputation that is easily explained by unspoilt nature, a rich historical and cultural heritage, and varied activities suitable for the whole family.

To help you plan your stay properly, follow our guide: we have put together a selection of 10 must-see activities that will surely make you fall in love with Dordogne!

#1 Spend (at Least) an Evening in Sarlat-la-Canéda

Sarlat-la-Canéda is certainly an absolutely essential stop in the heart of the Périgord Noir! Admirable architectural heritage inherited from the splendour of the medieval period, incomparable gastronomic destination, gathering of artisan producers of all kinds… Several days can be devoted to discovering the city, pleasure guaranteed!

Streets and successive passages always reveal more unique shops, astonishing buildings and Romanesque structures. But it is certainly at twilight that wonder fills every tourist leaving a restaurant and discovering one or other of the multiple street performances on offer. The many actors, magicians, fire-eaters, jugglers and mimes create a magical atmosphere and make Sarlat a popular destination for both young and old.

• 

#2 Visit the Château des Milandes

Although it now belongs to the commune of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, the Château des Milandes was once owned by Joséphine Baker, who discovered it at the end of the 1930s at the same time as the region. Also famous for being part of the “Valley of Five Castles”, this majestic building dating from the 15th century is open to visitors with, notably, exhibitions retracing the life of the American actress.

The architecture, both interior and exterior, is sumptuous, the gardens are listed on the Historical Heritage list and, among other entertainment, you can watch a falconry display. Quite simply, there is much to satisfy the whole family!

#3 Relive Prehistory at the Lascaux Caves

The most visited decorated caves in the world, they contain numerous frescoes created almost 20 centuries ago, retracing a slice of History that the guide will passionately recount. Hall of Bulls, Nave, Apsis: the different spaces with their evocative names stretch over 235 metres, with a 30-metre drop. Thousands of paintings or engravings are visible, and archaeologists have found many objects, including tools, pigments and shells.

Visiting the Lascaux Caves – or rather Lascaux 2, a reconstruction made 200 metres from the original caves to preserve them from the tourist influx – means entering the lair of prehistoric man (or more precisely of the Upper Palaeolithic). Visits are conducted in small groups for an almost religious contemplative immersion, leaving a rather intimate impression. Do not miss this unique place!

#4 Visit Château de Castelnaud

Located on the left bank of the Dordogne, Château de Castelnaud or “Castelnaud” is the most visited castle in south-west France. In the Middle Ages, it commanded the strategic position at the meeting point of the Dordogne and the Céou, facing the French rival castle of Beynac. For the fortress remained in English hands until 1442 and its final capture by the armies of Charles VII.

Its history entirely focused on war means that Castelnaud has become a private museum housing no fewer than 250 weapons and armours from the Middle Ages. Trebuchets, perriers, arbalests, bombards and other terrifying objects await visitors from the top of the ramparts or in the dark rooms. Enjoy your visit!

#5 Climb to Château de Beynac

Since we mentioned it, do not leave the valley without visiting Château de Beynac. While it is possible to park rather close to the entrance, medieval adventurers will undoubtedly prefer to leave the car in the village and walk up the streets leading to the fortress (with the chance to refresh oneself along the way!).

Once at the top, the panorama over the valley takes your breath away. The fortified castle is no less impressive, with its impressive battlements a thousand years old and its tall towers straight out of the finest chivalric dreams. During the visit, take on the challenge of discovering Richard the Lionheart’s chamber, who took control of Beynac in the 12th century. Then listen to the guide tell you how many film stars came to rehearse their lines in the rooms or on the ramparts, from Sophie Marceau as a daughter of d’Artagnan to Milla Jovovich as Joan of Arc, via Matt Damon and Ben Affleck for The Last Duel.

#6 Discover the Maison Forte de Reignac

Near the course of the Vézère nestles against the cliff a castle that seems to want to blend into the landscape. The construction is intriguing, as it seems partly classical, partly buried in the cliff whose every natural fissure it exploits. While the facade has a lordly castle appearance, the atmosphere changes upon entering a troglodyte dwelling. These hollows were already used by our ancestors 20,000 years ago, and the exhibition of objects found pays tribute to them.

The place became a noble’s lair in the 14th century, which allows today to discover a dungeon and different rooms (of arms, of honour), sometimes mysteriously furnished and leaving the almost disturbing impression of an invisible presence… But rest assured, the part of the museum devoted to torture will be even more frightening for the most imaginative among us!

#7 Take in the Views at Domme

Citadel perched on its promontory shaped like a rocky spur, Domme dominates the valley and constitutes the finest fortified ensemble in Dordogne, comprising a village classified among the most beautiful in France. Also ancient, since the remains of a Neolithic settlement uncovered in 2001 make it one of the oldest communes in the south of our country.

You will greatly enjoy walking up the main street, lined with a thousand artisan shops, to the top of the spur where the panorama over the Dordogne valley will hold you for several minutes, to say the least. A tip: choose market day to visit, you will further multiply the appeal of your trip.

#8 Stroll Through the Gardens of Marqueyssac

Admirable for their roundness and elegant forms, the gardens of Marqueyssac offer walking among 150,000 centenary boxwoods, delimiting an astonishing length of 6 kilometres of paths enhanced with belvederes, other benches and stone huts.

Everything is romantic in this place, from the manor house with its calming appearance to the panorama offered over the surroundings and the undulating forms of the boxwoods seemingly without end. In summer, you can spend an evening by the light of 2,000 candles, dreaming thanks to the magical entertainment. The occasion also to make a stop at the restaurant and tea salon, or to take part in one of the craft workshops offered during the school holidays.

#9 Descend into Proumeyssac

Discovered in 1907, the Gouffre de Proumeyssac is the largest water abyss in southern France, a qualification it owes to its opening from above distinguishing it from a cave. Originally named “devil’s hole” because of the smoke that escaped from the natural cavity that our forefathers repeatedly tried in vain to block, its nickname has now been embellished to “crystal cathedral” as the crystallisations of its underground vault are majestic.

To admire them, two options are available to you: access via a 112-metre tunnel dug by hand, or like its discoverer Gabriel Galou, a 52-metre descent in a basket. Breathtaking…

#10 Immerse Yourself at the Aquarium du Périgord Noir

To change from the prehistoric or Middle Ages themes, you can plan a moment at the Aquarium du Périgord Noir, the largest private freshwater aquarium in Europe. Without letting yourself be overwhelmed by the 3 million litres of water it contains, set off to discover the 6,000 animals presented in 70 tanks. Be prepared to feel the cold gaze of an anaconda or alligator on you!

Good tip: in the same village you will find a traditional market, held every Tuesday morning for nearly eight centuries.

If your stay has already allowed you to discover all the activities we have mentioned, know that there are many others within a small radius: follow the local recommendations! If you are willing to travel an extra one to two hours, here are two bonus destinations of choice:

• Château de Bridoire to the west (south of Bergerac), offering visits and unique activities (play park, adventure course),
• to the east the charming hilltop village of Rocamadour, as well as the nearby Gouffre de Padirac.

Everyone’s conclusion is unanimous: a stay in Dordogne is always too short!