The Dordogne Valley is an incredible region in France. It’s got some of the best cities in France, picturesque villages and heaps of vineyards that are perfect to explore whilst visiting the west of France. There are so many things to do in the Dordogne Valley that you will be spoilt for choice.
We’ve visited the Dordogne Valley many times and love it! It’s a special French region and easy to explore if you’re already renting a car in France. Plus, you’ll get to try all the delicious cheeses, wines, and fresh produce grown on the rolling hills around the Dordogne Valley.
So, to help you get the most out of your time visiting the Dordogne Valley, I’m sharing some of our favourite places you shouldn’t miss. Have an amazing time exploring France. Oh, and as always, message us if you need any more tips on how or where to visit on your Dordogne Valley trip. We’re always happy to help.
1.) Bergerac
Nestled in the southwest corner of the Dordogne, Bergerac is a gorgeous town perfect for a night or two. Around 50 km from the city of Bordeaux (across the regional border from the Dordogne Valley), Bergerac is steeped in history and has unique quaint buildings.
You see, lots of the old town has been built using timber frames, and it honestly looks idyllic when you’re here.
Whilst here, make sure to visit Chateau de Tiregand, a gorgeous castle and vineyard that you can visit. Here, you can join a vineyard tour and even try some local wines (which are delicious, by the way). It’s incredible, especially as this place has been around since the 1600s.
Afterwards, make sure to explore the Récollets Cloister. It’s right in the heart of the city and dates way back to the 1600s. This is a much easier option to visit if you don’t fancy driving as it’s right in the city centre.
Plus, once you’re inside Récollets Cloister, you’ll get to wander around and see the old cloisters that were built on the medieval castle gardens in the city.
Oh, and don’t forget, you can also see two statues of Edmond Rostand in the city because he made Cyrano de Bergerac one of his plays’ subjects.
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2.) Rocamadour
Travelling west from Bergerac, around 2 hours by car, you’ll reach the iconic village of Rocamadour. Visiting this clifftop village is easily one of the best things to do in the Dordogne Valley, and it is steeped in history.
Now, one thing to note: it can get pretty busy in this little town, especially on the peak summer days. In fact, it’s a regular occurrence that Rocamadour has more visitors than residents. It gets very busy.
Once here, you’ll need to park. We always find it easiest to park at ‘Parking 2’ on Pl. de Chateau. Here’s the Google Map link, just in case you want to pop it in your GPS system.
After parking, put on your walking shoes and stroll the cobbled streets and hilly alleys that make Rocamadour so special. The old clifftop village is filled with small shops selling wines, oils, lavender, and more.
Afterwards, make sure to stop by the Sanctuary of Notre-Dame of Rocamadour. It’s been one of the Dordogne Valley’s most revered pilgrimage sites since Medieval times.
Inside, you’ll see the Black Madonna statue and this iconic site in the village. One thing to note is that there are lots of steps here, so be prepared with water and shade if you’re visiting in the height of summer. Alternatively, a seasonal ‘mini train transfer’ will take you from the bottom to the top – avoiding all those pesky steps.
Finally, if you want a great view of Rocamadour, drive to this point on Google Maps. The views across the valley are breathtaking.
Read more: Best things to do in Bordeaux
3.) Sarlat-la-Canéda
Just west of Rocamadour, Sarlat-la-Canéda is a picture-perfect medieval town in the Dordogne Valley that’s totally easy to visit. You see, it’s relatively close to the nearby Commarque Castle (which is another must-see spot, by the way).
You can even take tours inside and explore this medieval spot. Anyway, I’m rambling… let’s get back to Sarlat-la-Canéda.
Now, I’d recommend spending at least an afternoon in Sarlat-la-Canéda, especially if you’re visiting on the weekend like we did. You see, the town is a hive of activity, with the Sarlat Saturday Market selling the most enormous amount of cheeses, pate, cured meats and honey.
Honestly, you’ll want to eat your way around the stalls.
Just make sure to take plenty of bags with you. There are many farmers’ stalls with different local produce, which I can guarantee you’ll be taking home with you.
Afterwards, wander the cobbled streets of Sarlat-la-Canéda and see the centuries of history on foot. Now, don’t forget to visit the Lanterns Des Morts (the Lanterns of the Dead). It’s right behind the Cathedral of Saint-Sacerdos and totally unique in this area of the Dordogne Valley.
It’s the perfect way to spend a day, stopping for lunch and enjoying this wonderful town.
Afterwards, hop back in your car and drive around 20 minutes to the nearby Chateau de Beynac. It’s another medieval gem in the Dordogne Valley and an old fort that still stands proudly overlooking the region.
I absolutely love it, and it’s easily one of the best things to do in the Dordogne Valley if you’re on a road trip.
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4.) Perigueux
One of the larger towns in the Dordogne Valley, Perigueux is a gem you won’t want to miss. You see, it’s the perfect place to stay overnight (or even a few days) and act as a base to slow travel the city and the wider area around Perigueux.
Once here, make sure to visit the most famous cathedral in the region, Saint-Front. It’s absolutely colossal, and you can easily tour the inside for over 45 minutes and learn so much more about its history.
Love museums? Then, you’ll want to head to the Périgord Museum of Art and Archaeology. You can spend hours inside, especially if you’re anything like me and need to read every sign and artefact’s origins. You’ll see everything from Stone Age artefacts to modern-day art that’s beautiful.
Talking of museums, another gem in the area is the Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum. It harkens back to Roman times when this area was under Rome’s influence. To this day, you can still see remnants and learn more about the history of Romans in Perigueux, too.
Oh, and for a tasty dinner, pop into Hercule Poireau. Their menu is always seasonal and local, and the food is delicious.
5.) Domme
Around a 25-minute drive south of Sarlat-la-Canéda, Domme is a stunning little area (or commune) that’s great for a few hours of exploring. Visiting is easily one of the best things to do in the Dordogne Valley, and I am quaint to explore on foot. Yes, as you’ve probably gathered, you’ll do lots of walking in the Dordogne Valley.
After arriving, make sure to visit the Grotte de Domme. It’s a colossal cave system where you can see heaps of stalagmites and stalactites that have formed over thousands of years.
The whole experience will take around 90 minutes and is stunning once you’re inside. Just make sure to pack a jacket; it can get chilly in the caves.
Afterwards, head over to des idées à la noix for their yummy crepes. They make the tastiest, fresh-to-order crepes and galettes (a little like open pies, if that makes sense).
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6.) La Roque-Gageac
If you’re following the Dordogne River, then you’ll easily come across La Roque-Gageac. Yes, it’s small, but that’s all part of the charm of visiting the Dordogne Valley.
Now, there’s a dedicated parking area (just here on Google Maps) that allows you to pay for a few hours’ stay and wander around La Roque-Gageac.
I’d recommend heading to Les Courtines for their delicious charcuterie boards and tartans for lunch. Their garden is lovely on a sunny day and well worth eating outside if weather permits.
Alternatively, head to the Bambousaie de la Roque-Gageac. It’s a gorgeous pathway that runs through the bamboo that grows around La Roque-Gageac and is lovely to see. Plus, they have a great lunch spot within the bamboo at Bar de la Bambousaie. It’s so lovely.
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7.) Château de Beynac
One of the region’s most iconic spots, visiting Château de Beynac is easily one of the best things to do in the Dordogne Valley if you want to visit one of the region’s incredible castles.
Right on the banks of the Dordogne River, Château de Beynac is a medieval stronghold that’s stood for hundreds of years. It’s incredible, and you can easily hop over for a long afternoon trip while following the route of the Dordogne River itself.
Now, one thing to note is that (like lots of areas in the Dordogne) there are heaps of steps. It’s all good if you’ve got good mobility, but it can be a struggle if you’re feeling the ache from other walks you’ve been doing.
Once here, take a wander around the Château and peek inside the historic stone rooms. It’s like stepping back in time and it’s all been preserved so beautifully.
There is a small fee for entry, but it’s well worth it.
8.) Chateau de Marqueyssac
Around a 20-minute drive south from Sarlat-la-Canéda, Château de Marqueyssac is well worth stopping as you drive around the wider Dordogne region. Now, it’s not the place you’ll spend all day exploring, but it’s a perfect spot to stretch your legs.
Once here, make sure to wander around the gorgeous gardens, which are lovely. However, my favourite thing about the gardens is the stunning views over the wider Dordogne region.
Afterwards, drive south for about 10 minutes and visit Château de Castelnaud. It’s an absolutely mind-blowing castle that’s perfect for an afternoon of exploration. You might even catch the trebuchet being used. It’s like a massive catapult used in battle in Medieval times.
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9.) Monpazier
Placed between Bergerac and Sarlat, Monpazier is a picture-perfect village in the Dordogne that’s an absolute gem to visit.
Again, Monpazier isn’t huge but well worth spending two hours, over lunch, strolling around. Once here, make sure to explore the Place des Cornières, where you can find 23 stone houses and a lovely local market that operates seasonally.
Oh, and Le Croquant is a lovely little spot for lunch, just in case you’re struggling to find a place to eat.
10.) Martel
We had the most amazing time exploring Martel whilst road-tripping around the Dordogne Valley. It’s the kind of place that’s perfect for morning exploring, especially just before lunch.
Once here, make sure to take the steam train on the Haut Quercy Railway. Once you’ve bought tickets, the train will depart on a loop back to Martel, and it’s the best experience. Just make sure to book a ticket in advance; spaces fill up fast at the height of summer.
It is one of the best things to do in the Dordogne Valley, especially if you want to keep the whole family entertained.
For a bite to eat, stop off at Le Bistrot des Consuls. Its homely and simple menu serves up some tasty treats from the Dordogne region, and they also serve some of the region’s wines (which are so good, by the way).
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