Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Dordogne, France

The Dordogne’s distinctive charm is partly attributed to its unique limestone topography. The river valley features towering cliffs that historically provided defense for castles, while the landscape is adorned with caves that once sheltered prehistoric humans responsible for creating the world’s most renowned Stone Age wall paintings.

Lascaux is perhaps the most famous, and visitors can view a precise reproduction at Lascaux II, or see authentic Upper Paleolithic paintings at Grotte de Rouffignac.

During the tumultuous medieval era, the Dordogne River served as a significant boundary, leaving a remarkable collection of castles perched on rocky outcroppings above the valley.

Let us explore the best attractions in Dordogne:

1. Lascaux II, Montignac

Access to the original cave complex at Lascaux has been restricted since the 1960s due to damage caused by carbon dioxide and other contaminants.

However, opting for Lascaux II presents no significant drawback; the acclaimed 17,000-year-old paintings have been meticulously reproduced using identical pigments and techniques as the Upper Paleolithic originals.

This experience provides a profound appreciation for the amazement felt upon the discovery of the caves in 1940. Groups of 40 are admitted to partake in a multilingual guided tour detailing the images.

2. Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

Located at the confluence of the Cèu River and the Dordogne River, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is a commanding fortress dating back to the 1200s.

During the Hundred Years’ War in the 1300s and 1400s, it allied with the English Plantagenets and stood against Château de Beynac, which was under French control just across the river.

This site is recognized as a French Historical Monument featuring a gatehouse, keep, and curtain walls interspersed with loopholes, all dominating the river valley.

Visitors can participate in a 45-minute tour available in English or French, view an extensive exhibit of historical weaponry, and examine operational replicas of the formidable siege engines utilized during the Hundred Years’ War.

3. Cathédrale Saint-Front, Périgueux

To appreciate this 12th-century Byzantine Romanesque cathedral, approach from Pont des Barris and observe a captivating array of domes and towers vying for attention.

It is no surprise that this magnificent church holds UNESCO status; its Greek cross plan, accented by numerous cupolas, distinguishes it from many other churches in France—most notably, the Sacré-Cœur in Paris, which borrowed several design elements.

Each of the five domes is adorned with chandeliers used during the wedding of Napoleon III and Eugénie de Montijo, later relocated to this site.

4. Château de Beynac

Situated on the north bank of the Dordogne River and mere minutes downstream from Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, this 12th-century castle was constructed by the Barons of Beynac.

Its strategic position on a sheer limestone crag makes it less inviting to potential attackers; even today, visitors may find the ascent challenging! Beautiful architectural features await those brave enough to take the 30-minute guided tour, which breathes life into the austere Romanesque keep.

The structure features living quarters that were added in the 1600s, showcasing ornate woodwork and a painted ceiling in remarkable condition.

Other highlights include the Salle des États, with its Renaissance fireplace, and a neighboring oratory adorned with 15th-century frescoes.

5. Grotte de Rouffignac

For those wanting to view authentic art, Grotte de Rouffignac offers an alternative to Lascaux II, featuring 250 examples of Upper Paleolithic art, either etched into the rock or painted.

Visitors access the caves aboard a tourist train that follows a one-kilometer route. If you do not speak French, obtaining the audio guide—available on an iPod—is advantageous.

It is wise to arrive early, as daily entry is capped at 550 visitors, with the likelihood of further admissions being denied once this threshold is reached.

Dating back approximately 13,000 years, 158 of the depictions illustrate mammoths, alongside representations of bison, woolly rhinos, and if you are attentive, you may also find four figures of humans.

6. Markets at Sarlat-la-Canéda

Since the Middle Ages, Sarlat has welcomed shoppers and vendors to its renowned markets.

Multiple markets exist, including the extensive Day Market held in the city center every Saturday, offering a wide range of products.

Additional food markets occur on Saturdays and Wednesdays in Place de la Liberté, while a covered market operates daily in the square, alongside an Organic Night Market open from 18:00 to 20:00 at Place du 14 Juillet.

Consequently, it serves as a treasure trove for shoppers, especially those enticed by regional delicacies such as foie gras.

7. La Roque Saint-Christophe, Peyzac-le-Moustier

These expansive terraces carved into the cliffs along the south bank of the Vèzère offered shelter to humans for approximately 57,000 years, continuing until the 16th century.

Sitting 80 meters above the ground, this site extends nearly a kilometer in length.

The earliest inhabitants used the natural cavities sculpted by the river, but over the years, they began to modify the spaces by boring into the soft limestone.

This practice accelerated around the 5th century when the caves were employed as fortified sanctuaries during conflicts like Viking incursions and the events of the Hundred Years’ War.

Reconstructed exhibits illustrate how people thrived in this environment and depict the pulley systems that were used to transport supplies to the caves during the medieval era.

8. Les Jardins de Marqueyssac, Vézac

Périgord’s most visited gardens, established for public enjoyment in 1997, are nestled within the grounds of the Château de Marqueyssac, positioned high on a ridge overlooking the Dordogne.

In the 1860s, the estate’s owner planted thousands of boxwood trees, which now exhibit extraordinary topiary forms.

The arrangements had been allowed to grow wild for years until restoration efforts began in the 1990s.

The hedging showcases rounded, organic, and irregular shapes, contrasting with traditional formal French parterres.

A maze-like pathway weaves through this enchanting garden, culminating in a belvedere situated 130 meters above the Dordogne, providing one of the finest vantage points in the valley.

For those with a penchant for heights, the Via Ferrata presents an exhilarating adventure course featuring iron rungs, beams, and stairs scaling the cliff face.

9. Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum, Périgueux

Pétrocores, the Roman city underlying Périgueux, was among the wealthiest in Gaul, but following its decline, most stones from its monuments were repurposed for use within city walls.

In 1959, the remnants of this domus were uncovered, and subsequent excavations revealed the intricate layout of the building as well as its surrounding streets.

This remarkable site is showcased within a modern glass structure, which allows visitors to view intricate heating systems, kitchens, baths, and dining areas via suspended walkways.

Beautiful geometric murals embellish both the garden and numerous walls of the home, alongside an exhibition of artifacts recovered from the site, including precious jewelry, kitchen utensils, mosaics, and tombstones.

10. Les Jardins d’Eau, Carsac-Aillac

From May to October, this 16th-century park located eight kilometers from Sarlat bursts into vibrant bloom.

The water gardens enjoy a picturesque setting along the Dordogne, spanning three hectares and featuring cascading waterfalls, streams, and ponds navigable via Chinese-style zigzagging walkways.

A replica of Monet’s Japanese ornamental bridge adds an additional layer of charm to this serene environment.

This tranquil space invites visitors to disconnect briefly amongst water lilies and lotus flowers, while koi carp, frogs, and dragonflies thrive within the ecosystem.

Plant varieties originate from as far afield as Southeast Asia and South America. Shaded picnic tables enhance the experience, making it a perfect spot for lunch.

11. Maison Forte de Reignac

Among the many castles in Périgord, this one stands out as particularly intriguing and enigmatic.

The Maison Forte is carved from a cliff along the Vèzère Valley at a historically significant site used for at least 20,000 years.

This castle, as it is recognized today, was constructed in the 1500s and remains the only surviving cave castle in France.

Inside, it is far more elaborate than its formidable exterior might suggest.

The castle includes a dungeon, bedrooms, a chapel, an armory, a kitchen, cellar, and a “Great Hall of Honour.” Period furniture adorns the entire property, accompanied by a gripping exhibition detailing the Inquisition during the Wars of Religion, including instruments of torture used during that time.

12. Canoeing on the Dordogne (Vitrac)

If visiting during the summer, experiencing at least a few hours drifting down the river is essential.

This activity offers the best vantage point from which to appreciate the breathtaking beauty of the valley’s charming villages, cliffs, farmlands, woods, and castles.

During the summer months, river currents tend to be mild, providing numerous opportunities to dock and take a swim.

Throughout your journey, it is common to spot kingfishers, egrets, herons, and shimmering schools of fish beneath your canoe.

Starting from Vitrac is recommended, where various companies provide canoe rentals for half-day, full-day, or even weekend durations.

13. Château de Commarque

This castle was constructed prior to the 1100s to protect the convergence of the trading routes connecting Périgueux to Cahors and Brive to Bergerac.

The journey to navigate there is an adventure in itself, requiring traversal along a 600-meter woodland path.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the majestic semi-ruined keep and outer buildings, all made from locally sourced rock.

Exploring the various nooks and crannies within the ochre-colored walls is an exhilarating experience, culminating in a climb up the donjon tower for breathtaking vistas of the lush Dordogne countryside.

Beneath the castle lies a cave that was once inhabited by troglodytes during the Stone Age.

14. La Roque-Gageac

Recognized as one of “France’s most beautiful villages,” La Roque-Gageac’s charm is enhanced by its location along the north bank of the Dordogne, nestled between the river and soaring limestone cliffs.

The cliffs provide limited room for development, resulting in a quaint collection of houses arranged in rows connected by steep staircases, topped with customary Périgord roofs and built from the region’s characteristic ochre-colored stone.

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the riverfront, where you can savor an ice cream or coffee while watching the tranquil flow of the Dordogne.

Later, consider taking a ride on one of the village’s tour boats for the best angles to photograph La Roque-Gageac’s historic homes set against the rugged cliffs.

15. Dordogne Cuisine

In February, a foie gras festival is held in Sarlat, and across Périgord, numerous farms produce and sell foie gras directly from their properties.

A prevalent ingredient in foie gras preparation is the region’s black truffle, a coveted fungus that thrives among oak, chestnut, and hazel trees.

This delicacy is harvested between November and February, often grated over an omelet after the eggs have been infused with the truffle’s rich flavors overnight.