Domme

From the panorama at the edge of Domme's rock plateau, you gaze far over the Dordogne Valley, its river bends, fields, walnut groves, and the villages on its banks. This elevated position was the reason a fortified town was established here as early as the Middle Ages. In the early morning, fog often lies over the river; in the late afternoon, light from the west streams into the valley. Our Tip: It's quietest before 10 AM and after 6 PM. Discover more perspectives with a stroll along the city walls.

At the Maison de la Noix below Domme, everything revolves around the walnut, which has a PDO in the Périgord. You'll find regional walnut products like oil, liqueurs, jams, and pastries. Our Tip: Inquire locally whether tastings or demonstrations are offered, and combine your stop with a visit to Domme's upper town.

The Porte des Tours is one of the most striking remnants of Domme's medieval fortifications, a well-preserved 13th-century bastide. This imposing double gate complex served not only as the main entrance to the town, but also as a prison. Particularly noteworthy are the two massive round towers that flank the gate and give it its name. Inside the towers, you can still see the graffiti carved into the stone by the Templars, who were imprisoned here after their arrest in the early 14th century. This lends the place a dark, yet fascinating historical depth. Passing through the gate, you step directly into the heart of Domme's historic old town. From here, you have an excellent starting point to explore the alleys and the marketplace. Our tip: Visit the Porte des Tours in the early morning to photograph its impressive architecture in peace, before the tourist crowds arrive. For a unique perspective on the towers and the town wall, a short walk along the outer ramparts is recommended.

The village of Domme is a bastide situated on a rock plateau overlooking the Dordogne Valley, founded in 1281 under King Philip III of France. Unlike many bastides with a strict grid layout, Domme, with its trapezoidal layout, adapts to the terrain. The lanes are lined with houses built of honey-coloured limestone.Parts of the town wall and several gates are preserved, including the Porte des Tours. From the Belvédère de la Barre, you look out over the meanders of the Dordogne. Beneath the village lies the Grotte de Domme, a dripstone cave whose entrance is located in the market hall.Our tip: In the early morning and late afternoon, it is quieter and the light is softer.