Dordogne is a beautiful region. Perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities with its great landscapes and rivers. It also has many castles to explore and all kind of mysterious gardens to get lost into. The region also owns several fascinating places testifying from human prehistoric origins, not to mention Lascaux famous cave art. And if the above did not convince you to come yet, imagine yourself tasting its delightful and generous gastronomy. A perfect destination for a summer family trip!
Here is a list of 10 things to do while visiting this amazing area:
1. Visit beautiful Sarlat and its renown market.
If you are a real gourmet, you will definitely enjoy wandering in Sarlat colorful and scented market and try on the local specialties: Foie gras, bolet mushrooms, preserved duck or fresh duck breast, not to mention truffles, walnuts, honey and wine… depending on the season! Also the best place to live a local experience meeting with the local farmers and caterers. This huge market takes place in the medieval town on Wednesday morning or all day on Saturday. Take also the opportunity to enjoy a tour of the beautiful city. With a history dating back to the Middle Ages, Sarlat offers you an exceptional stroll through its paved streets and architectural treasures. If you can, try to come during Sarlat famous truffle festival! The festival entirely dedicated to the truffle takes place every year at Sarlat in mid-January.
2. Visit Lascaux IV cave
The replica retraces the discovery of the paleolithic decorated cave discovered in 1940 by a group of teenagers. The original cave closed in 1963 because the huge number of visitors was damaging the interior. The International Centre for Cave Art features a remarkable, complete reproduction of the original Lascaux caves. The exhibits also include cave art from all over the world, displays revealing the Cro-Magnon way of life, and interactive digital workshops.
3. Enjoy a river cruise in Gabarre
The traditional historic boat, an authentic reproduction of the 18th century gabarre, offers an entertaining and relaxing way to discover the region and its castles as many are located nearby the river. Enjoy a unique insight into the history of Périgord and its castles and discover its nature, fauna and flora. During this river trip you will also learn about how, in the past, all local goods (wine, wood, fish, salt, chestnuts, truffles, etc.) used to be carried out by boat often under difficult conditions.
4. Visit Domme charming village and hike in its surroundings
Voted one of 'The Most Beautiful Villages in France, Domme is perched high above the Dordogne river. Discover its beautiful architectural heritage wandering in the paved streets along the creamy-stoned typical houses. Around the town, the countryside offers a rich natural environment with many wonderful walking trails. Do not forget to visit its cave, a 450 meters of galleries decorated with stalactites.
5. Attend a magical candlelit evening at the Marqueyssac Gardens.
It is probably one of the most visited garden in Périgord. The park overlooks the entire Dordogne Valley with its chalky cliffs and reveals the most spectacular panoramic view possible of Périgord. The romantic and harmonious garden is filled with round boxwoods planted during the XIXth century, Organized during the summer, the candlelit evenings is a magical opportunity to visit the gardens. The path are lit by hundreds of candles and the gardens are animated with music and a lively atmosphere. You can plan a picnic there. Definitely a not-to-be-missed experience!
6. Enjoy an underground cruise in the Padirac Cave
Located 103 meters (337 feets) under the surface, Padirac Cave is one of the biggest European cave. Edouard-Alfred Martel discovered it in 1889, when he went down for the into what, at the time, was called the "devil's hole". First cruising on its underground river, then wandering by feet, discover its breath-taking beauty. You will live a surreal experience while exploring its depths.
7. Go back in time and discover the best preserved fortress: the Beynac Castle
Perched high up on a cliff at breath-taking heights, the castle has been acting as a stone sentinel over the Dordogne for nine centuries. The beautifully preserved medieval castle offers a time travel into medieval era as well as a breath-taking view over the valley. Your kids will be amazed to learn how used to live the castle's inhabitants more than 600 years ago!
8. Visit French people's favorite village: Rocamadour
The UNESCO World Heritage Site has indeed been elected by the French people as the most beautiful village in France in 2016. The village also has a rich history : it has been a pilgrimage site for a thousand years. Discover its old stone houses and do not forget to visit its mysterious Notre-Dame and Black Madonna Chapel built into the cliff of the central courtyard where worshippers came from all across Europe in search of miracles. Rocamadour also organizes a Classical Sacred Music Festival in August each year, the perfect event for Classical Music lovers!
9. Canoeing on the Dordogne River
Here is a fun way to explore the Valley of Castles! The Dordogne river is renown for the quality of its water. Once a crucial commercial road for many salers, it is now a peaceful river where enjoying relaxing moments. From the river you will get the opportunity to see many castles and many beautiful villages such as La Roque-Gageac. Take as many pictures as you want and enjoy a swim if the temperatures are hot enough. You may want to bring your picnic for a full-day excursion.
10. Enjoy a wine trip in Bergerac
The Dordogne also has some fantastic vineyards. If you are coming from Bordeaux, you may want to plan an en-route stop near Bergerac to try the delightful Monbazillac sweet white wine. This renown wine is the perfect pairing with Dordogne main specialties such as Foie Gras or truffle. Many domains will be happy to welcome you and share with you the secrets of their production techniques. After a visit to their vineyards, you might have the chance to end the tour in their cellars, tasting their best wines accompanied with local culinary specialties.
I hope this list convinced you that Dordogne is a wonderful region. There is for every taste: history with prehistoric sites and castles, wonderful gardens, lively events, fine gastronomy and wines, enchanting villages as well as wonderful natural landscapes to enjoy outdoor activities... what more could you want !? :-)
You liked this article? send me an email at info@inland-travel.com to request your Dordogne itinerary.
Frenchly yours,
Sandra
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