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    Dordogne (Périgord)

    France

    Dordogne (Périgord)

    Region

    The Dordogne, historically known as Périgord, is located in southwest France.

    by Felix Gillen

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    7. Dordogne (Périgord)
    The Dordogne, historically known as Périgord, is located in southwest France. The region is renowned for prehistoric cave art, medieval castles overlooking the river valley, villages of pale limestone, and a cuisine featuring duck, truffles, and walnuts.
    The Dordogne, also known as Périgord, is a historic region in southwestern France with prehistoric sites, medieval castles, and river landscapes. The Vézère Valley holds significant evidence of human history, such as the Lascaux Cave, whose paintings you can see today in the replica Lascaux IV. The department boasts over a thousand castles and châteaux, with Beynac and Castelnaud, for instance, standing high above the Dordogne in Périgord Noir. Villages like La Roque-Gageac and the medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda invite you to stroll. Culinarily, the region is known for truffles, foie gras, and walnuts, which you can find at the weekly markets. Spring and autumn are ideal for a relaxed trip. A canoe trip on the Dordogne reveals the castles from a different perspective.
    Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

    Place 1 of 4

    Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

    Castelnaud-la-Chapelle in the Périgord Noir is known for its castle perched high above the Dordogne. The Château de Castelnaud was repeatedly held by the English during the Hundred Years' War, facing the French-held Château de Beynac.

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    Domme

    Place 2 of 4

    Domme

    Domme, a 13th-century bastide, perches on a rocky plateau with expansive views over the Dordogne Valley.

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    Montignac-Lascaux

    Place 3 of 4

    Montignac-Lascaux

    Montignac-Lascaux in the Périgord Noir is the gateway to the Lascaux cave art. Above the town, the Centre International de l'Art Pariétal, known as Lascaux IV, showcases a faithful replica of the cave discovered in 1940.

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    Périgueux

    Place 4 of 4

    Périgueux

    Périgueux, the capital of Périgord, unites Roman history with medieval charm. Discover the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Front, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose Byzantine-inspired domes evoke Venice.

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    More places in Dordogne (Périgord)

    Sarlat-la-Canéda

    Sarlat-la-Canéda

    Sarlat-la-Canéda, the capital of the Périgord Noir, captivates with its exceptionally well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. Here you'll find an abundance of golden stone buildings, winding alleys, and charming squares that reflect the region's history. Highlights include the Place de la Liberté with its bustling market activity, especially on Saturdays, and the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos. Explore the narrow passages leading to hidden courtyards, and discover historic buildings such as the birthplace of Étienne de La Boétie. The city is also a hub for regional gastronomy, renowned for truffles, foie gras, and walnuts, which you can find in the local markets. To experience the authentic atmosphere without large crowds, a visit during the off-season is recommended, ideally in spring or autumn. For a comprehensive impression of the old town, you should take your time to appreciate the architectural details and sample the local specialties.

    Sights in Dordogne (Périgord)

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Château de Castelnaud

    Château de Castelnaud

    The castle across the valley from Beynac was occupied by the English during the Hundred Years' War. Today, it houses a museum of medieval warfare, featuring crossbows, armor, and reconstructed siege engines displayed life-size in the inner courtyard. In summer, demonstrations show the trebuchet and blide in operation. From the upper terrace, you can overlook the entire river valley with the castles of Beynac, Marqueyssac, and Fayrac. Plan about two hours for your visit.
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    Château de Beynac

    Château de Beynac

    Perched 150m above the Dordogne on a sheer cliff, the castle was the valley's French bastion in the Hundred Years' War. The 12th-century Romanesque keep, a frescoed knights' hall, and battlements, with views over the river loop to rival Castelnaud Castle. The 20-minute climb from the riverside village is via a steep cobbled lane; parking is available at the top. The interiors are deliberately sparse, highlighting its defensive character better than a furnished exhibition.
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    Gardens of Marqueyssac

    Gardens of Marqueyssac

    Perched on a narrow rocky ridge high above the Dordogne lie approximately 150,000 boxwood trees, which have been hand-trimmed into soft, wavy shapes since the 19th century. Six kilometers of paths wind through the garden up to the Belvédère at the summit, from which you can see Beynac, Castelnaud, La Roque-Gageac, and Domme at a glance. On summer evenings, the garden is illuminated with thousands of candles and remains open until late into the night. The path is partly narrow and not fully accessible.
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    Lascaux IV

    Lascaux IV

    The Lascaux Cave was discovered by four teenagers in 1940 and closed in 1963 as breath and light damaged the nearly 17,000-year-old paintings. The center, which opened in 2016, displays a complete replica of all painted rooms, right down to the rock's imperfections. The tour first leads through the dark, cool replica and then into exhibition rooms that explain individual animal depictions in detail. Tickets are timed and should be booked in advance during peak season.
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    La Roque-Gageac

    La Roque-Gageac

    The village is nestled on a narrow strip between a sheer cliff and the Dordogne. Golden-yellow limestone houses rise in tiers, topped by a medieval refuge castle within the rock. With its south-facing slope, a small garden at the village edge boasts exotic palms and banana trees. From the riverbank, traditional flat-bottomed boats, called Gabarres, depart for one-hour upstream cruises. Parking is available only along the riverside road, and spots fill up fast in summer.
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    Dining & Drinks

    Aravi

    Restaurant in 13 Rue de la République.
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    The Creamery

    Restaurant in 4 Av. du Général Leclerc.
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    La Calabre

    Restaurant in 1 Rue Jean Jaurès.
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    Chez le Gaulois

    Restaurant in 3 Pl. André Malraux.
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    Le Rex

    Bar in 18 Av. Thiers.
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    Dining & Drinks

    Das Périgord gehört zu den bekanntesten Genussregionen Frankreichs. Ente, Walnuss, Trüffel und Pilze bestimmen die Karten, die Märkte sind der beste Zugang.

    Duck and Foie Gras

    Confit, Magret, and Foie Gras are the foundation of the cuisine. Potatoes are traditionally roasted in duck fat with garlic and parsley.

    Truffles from Périgord

    The black winter truffle is harvested from December to February. During this time, Sarlat and Périgueux host their own truffle markets.

    Walnuts

    The Périgord walnuts bear a Protected Designation of Origin. Oil, cakes, and liqueur are made from them.

    Fungi

    In autumn, porcini and chanterelles emerge from the oak forests. They are simply fried with garlic and parsley.

    Wines from Bergerac and Cahors

    Bergerac in the west offers red wines and the sweet wine Monbazillac, Cahors in the southeast the dark Malbec.

    Culture, Art & History of the Périgord

    The Dordogne, historically known as Périgord, is a region of profound cultural and historical significance, with roots stretching back to the Stone Age. The world-famous caves of Lascaux and Font-de-Gaume bear witness to the artistry of our Palaeolithic ancestors and offer unique insights into prehistoric ways of life.Over millennia, Romans, Franks, and medieval kingdoms shaped the landscape and its people. The Middle Ages, in particular, left behind a wealth of architectural evidence due to the Hundred Years' War. Impressive fortresses like Château de Beynac and Château de Castelnaud perch on rocky outcrops, while the unique bastide towns, such as Monpazier or Domme, illustrate medieval urban planning as purposeful foundations of that era. Romanesque church architecture can be found in numerous charming villages.The region also preserves a rich intangible cultural heritage. Local festivals and markets continue to reflect the strong connection to agriculture and craftsmanship. Although not primarily art, the deeply rooted culinary traditions foster an authentic identity of the Périgord, closely linked to its history.

    Exploring Locally

    Getting ThereRegional trains run from Bordeaux to Périgueux and via Bergerac and Le Buisson to Sarlat. The journey takes between one and a half and three hours, depending on the destination. The nearest airport is Bergerac.Exploring the ValleyThe castles, caves, and villages are scattered throughout the river valley and are poorly connected by buses. Without a car, your mobility will be limited. In summer, parking lots in Sarlat, La Roque-Gageac, and at the caves are full from mid-morning onwards, so an early start is worthwhile.On the Water and by BikeCanoe rental companies drop you off upstream and collect the boats downstream; the usual route between Vitrac and Beynac takes about three hours. A flat cycle path runs along the former railway line between Sarlat and Cazoulès.

    Nearby

    Sarlat-la-Canéda

    Sarlat-la-Canéda

    Sarlat-la-Canéda, the capital of the Périgord Noir, captivates with its exceptionally well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. Here you'll find an abundance of golden stone buildings, winding alleys, and charming squares that reflect the region's history. Highlights include the Place de la Liberté with its bustling market activity, especially on Saturdays, and the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos. Explore the narrow passages leading to hidden courtyards, and discover historic buildings such as the birthplace of Étienne de La Boétie. The city is also a hub for regional gastronomy, renowned for truffles, foie gras, and walnuts, which you can find in the local markets. To experience the authentic atmosphere without large crowds, a visit during the off-season is recommended, ideally in spring or autumn. For a comprehensive impression of the old town, you should take your time to appreciate the architectural details and sample the local specialties.
    Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

    Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

    Castelnaud-la-Chapelle in the Périgord Noir is known for its castle perched high above the Dordogne. The Château de Castelnaud was repeatedly held by the English during the Hundred Years' War, facing the French-held Château de Beynac. The complex, temporarily in ruins, was restored from the 1960s and now hosts the Musée de la Guerre au Moyen Âge with weapons, armour, and recreated siege engines. The village, with its stone houses and narrow alleys, nestles against the castle rock. It's best to combine your visit with Beynac on the opposite river bank. During the off-season, it is significantly quieter than in summer.
    Domme

    Domme

    Domme, a 13th-century bastide, perches on a rocky plateau with expansive views over the Dordogne Valley. Its golden stone houses define the town's character, which you can explore through its narrow streets and the central Place de la Halle, where the Porte des Tours features historical Templar graffiti. A highlight is the Grottes de Domme, a cave system beneath the town, accessible by elevator. The Belvédère de la Barre offers panoramic views of the river's meanders and surrounding villages. Visit Domme in the early morning or late afternoon to savour its special atmosphere in peace.
    Montignac-Lascaux

    Montignac-Lascaux

    Montignac-Lascaux in the Périgord Noir is the gateway to the Lascaux cave art. Above the town, the Centre International de l'Art Pariétal, known as Lascaux IV, showcases a faithful replica of the cave discovered in 1940. The town itself lies on the Vézère and boasts narrow streets with stone and half-timbered houses, as well as a riverside promenade. It's best to book tickets for Lascaux IV online in advance; the early morning and late afternoon are quieter.
    Périgueux

    Périgueux

    Périgueux, the capital of Périgord, unites Roman history with medieval charm. Discover the impressive Cathédrale Saint-Front, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose Byzantine-inspired domes evoke Venice. The winding streets of the medieval old town reveal half-timbered houses and Renaissance palaces. Experience the city's Roman origins as Vesunna at the Musée Gallo-Romain de Vesunna, built around the remains of a Roman villa. The lively weekly markets (Wednesdays and Saturdays are best) are ideal for sampling regional specialties like truffles and foie gras. For a relaxed visit, spring or autumn is recommended to avoid the crowds.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash, Pexels. Each photo carries its credit.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI