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    La Roque-Gageac
    Benjamin Smith / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

    France

    La Roque-Gageac

    CityCultureNature

    La Roque-Gageac lies approximately 10 kilometers south of Sarlat on the Dordogne and is one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. France
    7. Dordogne (Périgord)
    9. La Roque-Gageac
    La Roque-Gageac lies approximately 10 kilometers south of Sarlat on the Dordogne and is one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France. Its houses, made of golden-yellow limestone, line up in a narrow strip between the river and the cliff face; down by the bank stand the old houses of the Gabarriers, the river boatmen.High in the cliff above the village lies the Fort troglodytique, a 12th-century fortification built into the rock, to which a wooden staircase with 140 steps leads up. On the slope grows a narrow exotic garden with palms, papyrus, cycads, and oleander, laid out by Gérard Dorin. The row of houses is best viewed from a Gabarre, the boat trip also tells the story of the place.

    Sights in La Roque-Gageac

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Troglodytic Fort
    Historic Landmark

    1Troglodytic Fort

    The 12th-century rock fort sits high in the cliff above La Roque-Gageac and is the origin of the village; it was never captured during the Hundred Years' War. A wooden staircase with 140, at times steep, steps leads up, from the top you gaze far over the Dordogne Valley. After rockfalls in 2010, the fort was closed for a long time; today it's open daily again. Current opening hours are available from the Sarlat-Périgord Noir tourist office. It is not accessible for people with limited mobility.
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    Manor of Tarde
    Attraction

    2Manor of Tarde

    The Manoir de Tarde in the upper town is one of the most famous buildings in La Roque-Gageac. Its passage leads up to the rock fort, so you pass directly by the manor on your ascent.
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    Restaurants in La Roque-Gageac

    A Village Under the Rock

    The Cliffside FortThe cliffside fortification, dating to the 12th century, is the village's origin. During the Hundred Years' War, La Roque-Gageac was never besieged, and the fort never taken. In the 18th century, residents left the complex; its walls then served as a quarry. It was restored in 1992 and made accessible with a wooden staircase.Living with the CliffThe cliff protects the village and threatens it simultaneously: On January 17, 1957, a rockfall destroyed several houses, killing three people. In 2010, parts of the cliff face broke off again; houses were evacuated, and the fort was closed to visitors. Today, it is open again.River and ManorsFor a long time, the village thrived on river traffic, as evidenced by the Gabarriers' houses along the banks. Among the most notable buildings are the Manoir de Tarde, through whose passage the path to the fort leads, and the Château de la Malartrie on the village's outskirts.

    Exploring locally

    Getting HereFrom Sarlat, it's about 10 kilometers.To Domme, it's just under 9 kilometers, about fifteen minutes.To Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, it's about 10 kilometers, around 15 minutes.On Foot and By WaterThe village is small and quickly explored on foot; to the fort, you climb a wooden staircase of 140, partly steep steps, making it inaccessible for those with limited mobility. Gabarres embark on tours from the river below. The marked riverside path from Domme to Beynac runs right through the village.

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    Nearby

    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.
    Beynac-et-Cazenac

    Beynac-et-Cazenac

    Beynac-et-Cazenac lies about 10 kilometers southwest of Sarlat on the banks of the Dordogne in the Périgord Noir and is one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France. Above the village, on a 150-meter-high cliff stands Beynac Castle, dominating the valley for more than nine centuries. Cobbled lanes, small squares, houses with Lauzes stone slab roofs, and fortified gates lead from the river up to the castle.From the Kalvarienberg above the Dordogne, you overlook the valley with its castles. On the opposite bank lies Castelnaud, the English adversary of the French-aligned Beynac Castle during the Hundred Years' War. Down by the river, Gabarre boats depart for cruises, and canoe tours lead upstream from here, past Castelnaud and La Roque-Gageac.
    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.
    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.
    Dordogne (Périgord)

    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.

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