Dordogne embodies the incredible history, culture, cuisine and landscapes France is famous for. Discover postcard-perfect towns and villages, visit caves decorated with prehistoric art and château-hop in the picturesque countryside. Rich dishes made with local ingredients like goose, black truffle and walnuts delight gastronomes.
Things to do in Dordogne
Base yourself in the enchanting town of Périgueux. Cathédrale St-Front towers over the town and features five domes crowned with Byzantine towers. Musée Gallo-Romain Vesunna is another signature attraction and protects the remains of a Roman townhouse built in the 1st century.
Soaring ramparts and imposing stone walls greet you at Château de Castelnaud. The medieval fortress looks like a scene from a French storybook and is brought to life with costumed actors. See medieval weapons on display in the museum and climb the artillery tower for sweeping views across the Dordogne Valley.
The medieval town of Sarlat is one of the most famous in Dordogne. Admire the beautiful Sainte-Marie Church renovated by iconic French architect Jean Nouvel and shop for local delicacies like “margotin” cheese studded with peppercorns, black truffles, dried walnuts and foie gras at the Saturday market. Cafes and bistros spill onto the narrow streets and add to the bustling atmosphere.
Dordogne is studded with caves where you can see some of the best-preserved prehistoric art in France. Grotte de Rouffignac is one of the most fascinating and features more than one kilometre of maze-like tunnels decorated with ancient art. Board the electric train and chug past paintings of bears, mammoths, ibex and other animals.
Château de Beynac boasts a dramatic position on a rugged limestone bluff. Soaring cliffs and a double moat encircle the 12th-century stronghold and protect the enormous Romanesque keep. Climb the battlements for impressive views over the Dordogne countryside.
Getting around Dordogne
Trains connect major towns and villages in Dordogne, including Bergerac, Sarlat and Perigueux. Rental cars offer the freedom to explore Dordogne at your own pace. Perigueux is the largest town in Dordogne and is a 1.5-hour drive from Bordeaux and two hours by train. Toulouse-Blagnac Airport is a three-hour drive away.