The Saint-Front Cathedral, in the centre, is its most well-known landmark, with its towering domes and turrets. Perigueux is a large town in the middle of the Dordogne that you may pass through if you’re heading from south to north or vice-versa. Although he never truly lived in Bergerac, there are two statues of him in the city. Many of the best wineries in the region surround Bergerac, so you may want to look into tasting sessions!Ĭyrano de Bergerac is the subject of a late 19th-century play written by Edmond Rostand, and although he was a real man, the play only broadly follows his life. Like many towns, it sits on the bank of the Dordogne, and its historical buildings are often half made of stone and wood. However, there are other caves in the Dordogne where you can also see real prehistoric paints, for example, Rouffignac or Villars, which has a rare painting of a person.Īnd many of the other caves in the area are just as beautiful without paintings! Bergeracīergerac is the heart of the wine region in the Dordogne. In 1963 the cave was closed, and in 1983 a replica of two of the caves in the system was opened nearby, which you can now visit to see exactly what the actual cave looks like.Ĭheck out this guided tour from Sarlat if you don’t want to drive yourself! They were discovered in 1940 and it was opened to the public in 1948, but unfortunately, by 1955, damage to the paints from visitors could be seen, mainly from breathing out carbon dioxide and the dampness of opening the caves. The earliest age of the paintings has been estimated at around 17,000 years ago! The Lascaux Caves near Montignac are the most famous, as over 600 paintings were found on the ceilings and walls. The region houses hundreds of caves and, within some of them, prehistoric paintings. The Dordogne is an area of huge historical significance, home to many people over centuries. Other options are Château de Bridoire near Bergerac, Château de Hautefort in the north, or Château de Jumilhac with its classic romantic look. Visit to learn more about the history of the area. Within a stone’s throw of the above is Chateau de Castlenaud, which has a strong military history and now houses the Museum of Medieval Warfare. On some summer evenings, they light the paths by candlelight! This 17th-century chateau is most well-known for its gorgeous gardens, said to be some of the most romantic in France. Visit for the amazing views! Chateau de Marqueyssac Perched dramatically on top of a cliff over the river, Chateau de Beynac is one of the best-preserved chateaux in the region and one of the most picturesque. The castles in the Dordogne are often surrounded by small villages picturesque villages and have commanding views over the countryside.Īs you drive through the Dordogne, you’ll spot plenty of chateaux, but here are a few of my favourites to visit. The area played a central role in the Hundred Years’ War between England and France, so many of these grand structures sprung up or were fortified during this time. The Dordogne region is said to have 1001 chateaux, many of which are open to the public. Get ready for gorgeous castles out of fairytales, rolling farmlands and fields of sunflowers surrounding some of the most beautiful villages in France, and plenty of other things to keep you occupied or relaxed on your trip! Visit the many Chateaux So I decided to pull together what I could from my own experiences in the region and a large amount of research and give you the best things to do in the Dordogne!
You may also see it referred to as Périgord, which is the historic name of the area.Īfter planning a summer trip to the area, I began looking at things to do in the Dordogne and realised that as much as it has been popular with English tourists (thanks to its history around the 100-year war) there isn’t a whole lot of information out there on what to do in the Dordogne, or it’s rather scattered. It’s known for its picturesque medieval villages, prehistoric cave paintings, vineyards, and laid-back country life.Īlthough there are pockets of popular places, much of it could be considered off the beaten track, making it a fantastic place for really experiencing France. The Dordogne is a beautiful area in the southwest of France.