The Most Beautiful Villages to Visit in the Dordogne and Dordogne Valley
Introduction: A Dream Destination for Families
The Dordogne and the Dordogne Valley are home to some of the most charming villages in France. With medieval streets, golden stone houses, river viewpoints, and breathtaking scenery, it’s the perfect region for families wanting to explore at a relaxed pace.
Visitors love:
- wandering through historic villages
- enjoying outdoor activities
- admiring spectacular viewpoints
- discovering local markets and crafts
- spending quality time together
Located in the Lot, at the heart of the Dordogne Valley, Camping Le Séquoia is the ideal base to visit both the famous villages of the Dordogne and the iconic sites of the Lot such as Rocamadour and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie.
The Must-See Villages of the Dordogne
The Must-See Villages of the Dordogne
1. Sarlat-la-Canéda: The Jewel of the Périgord Noir
1. Sarlat-la-Canéda: The Jewel of the Périgord Noir
A visit to the Dordogne isn’t complete without exploring Sarlat, one of France’s best-preserved medieval towns.
Families love:
- the bustling Saturday market
- pedestrian-friendly streets
- golden stone houses
- lively summer street performances
A visit to the Dordogne isn’t complete without exploring Sarlat, one of France’s best-preserved medieval towns.
Families love:
- the bustling Saturday market
- pedestrian-friendly streets
- golden stone houses
- lively summer street performances
2. La Roque-Gageac: A Village at the Foot of the Cliffs
2. La Roque-Gageac: A Village at the Foot of the Cliffs
Built into a cliff and bordering the Dordogne River, La Roque-Gageac is one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France.”
Things to enjoy as a family:
- a traditional gabarre boat ride
- strolling through the tropical-style lanes
- ice creams by the river
- panoramic viewpoints
Built into a cliff and bordering the Dordogne River, La Roque-Gageac is one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France.”
Things to enjoy as a family:
- a traditional gabarre boat ride
- strolling through the tropical-style lanes
- ice creams by the river
- panoramic viewpoints
3. Domme: A Hilltop Village with Stunning Views
3. Domme: A Hilltop Village with Stunning Views
Domme sits high above the valley and offers one of the best panoramic views in the region.
Family activities:
- taking the small tourist train
- visiting the Domme cave
- admiring the breathtaking lookout point
Domme sits high above the valley and offers one of the best panoramic views in the region.
Family activities:
- taking the small tourist train
- visiting the Domme cave
- admiring the breathtaking lookout point
4. Beynac-et-Cazenac: A Village Frozen in Time
4. Beynac-et-Cazenac: A Village Frozen in Time
Dominated by its imposing castle, Beynac feels like a movie set brought to life.
Don’t miss:
- climbing up to Beynac Castle
- exploring the narrow medieval streets
- incredible views over the Dordogne River
Dominated by its imposing castle, Beynac feels like a movie set brought to life.
Don’t miss:
- climbing up to Beynac Castle
- exploring the narrow medieval streets
- incredible views over the Dordogne River
The Most Beautiful Villages of the Dordogne Valley (Lot)
The Most Beautiful Villages of the Dordogne Valley (Lot)
Although these sites are located in the Lot, they are part of the same tourist area, and travellers almost always visit them together with Dordogne villages.
Although these sites are located in the Lot, they are part of the same tourist area, and travellers almost always visit them together with Dordogne villages.
5. Rocamadour: A World-Renowned Cliffside Village
5. Rocamadour: A World-Renowned Cliffside Village
Built dramatically into the cliff, Rocamadour is one of France’s most iconic landmarks — spiritual, historic, and visually unforgettable.
Families enjoy:
- the medieval streets
- the sanctuary and viewpoints
- the panoramic lifts
- nearby family attractions: Monkey Forest, Bird of Prey Rock
Built dramatically into the cliff, Rocamadour is one of France’s most iconic landmarks — spiritual, historic, and visually unforgettable.
Families enjoy:
- the medieval streets
- the sanctuary and viewpoints
- the panoramic lifts
- nearby family attractions: Monkey Forest, Bird of Prey Rock
6. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: A Perfectly Preserved Hilltop Village
6. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: A Perfectly Preserved Hilltop Village
Voted “France’s Favourite Village,” Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is perched above a beautiful bend of the River Lot.
Highlights for families:
- charming artisan shops
- cafés with terrace views
- easy lookout points
Voted “France’s Favourite Village,” Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is perched above a beautiful bend of the River Lot.
Highlights for families:
- charming artisan shops
- cafés with terrace views
- easy lookout points
7. Autoire: Cliffs, a Waterfall, and a Peaceful Village
7. Autoire: Cliffs, a Waterfall, and a Peaceful Village
Autoire combines a tranquil village with dramatic nature.
Perfect for:
- short walks
- visiting the Autoire waterfall
- exploring the natural amphitheatre of cliffs
Autoire combines a tranquil village with dramatic nature.
Perfect for:
- short walks
- visiting the Autoire waterfall
- exploring the natural amphitheatre of cliffs
8. Carennac: A Quiet Gem on the Riverbank
8. Carennac: A Quiet Gem on the Riverbank
Carennac is less crowded but full of charm — ideal for a peaceful family stroll among old stone houses and riverside paths.
Carennac is less crowded but full of charm — ideal for a peaceful family stroll among old stone houses and riverside paths.
Family-Friendly Itineraries
Family-Friendly Itineraries
Itinerary 1: Dordogne Highlights (1 Day)
Itinerary 1: Dordogne Highlights (1 Day)
- Sarlat
- La Roque-Gageac
- Domme
- Sarlat
- La Roque-Gageac
- Domme
Itinerary 2: Castles & Cliffs (1 Day)
Itinerary 2: Castles & Cliffs (1 Day)
- Beynac
- Castelnaud
- Gabarre boat ride
- Beynac
- Castelnaud
- Gabarre boat ride
Itinerary 3: Epic Lot Villages (1 Day)
Itinerary 3: Epic Lot Villages (1 Day)
- Rocamadour
- Autoire
- Carennac
- Rocamadour
- Autoire
- Carennac
What to Do in These Villages with Kids?
What to Do in These Villages with Kids?
Easy activities families love:
- enjoying local ice cream
- picnicking by the river
- short family walks
- discovering little markets
- riding tourist trains
- exploring panoramic viewpoints
For adventurous families:
- kayaking on the Dordogne
- visiting castles
- exploring caves
- wildlife and educational parks
Easy activities families love:
- enjoying local ice cream
- picnicking by the river
- short family walks
- discovering little markets
- riding tourist trains
- exploring panoramic viewpoints
For adventurous families:
- kayaking on the Dordogne
- visiting castles
- exploring caves
- wildlife and educational parks
Where to Stay to Explore the Dordogne Valley?
Where to Stay to Explore the Dordogne Valley?
Ideally located between Rocamadour, Sarlat, and Souillac, Camping Le Séquoia is a fantastic base for exploring the most beautiful villages of both the Dordogne and the Lot.
Families appreciate:
- a large aquatic area
- heated pools
- a 2,000 m² sandy lagoon
- a calm atmosphere in low season
- a lively, family-friendly mood in summer
It’s the perfect place to combine sightseeing and relaxation.
Ideally located between Rocamadour, Sarlat, and Souillac, Camping Le Séquoia is a fantastic base for exploring the most beautiful villages of both the Dordogne and the Lot.
Families appreciate:
- a large aquatic area
- heated pools
- a 2,000 m² sandy lagoon
- a calm atmosphere in low season
- a lively, family-friendly mood in summer
It’s the perfect place to combine sightseeing and relaxation.
FAQ — Visiting the Dordogne’s Villages with Kids
FAQ — Visiting the Dordogne’s Villages with Kids
Sarlat, Domme, La Roque-Gageac, Beynac, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Rocamadour…
Yes — the lifts, cafés, and surrounding parks make it family-friendly.
Around 1.5 to 3 hours depending on activities.
Spring and autumn for tranquillity, summer for the lively atmosphere.
Yes — most are 10–30 minutes apart.
In the central Dordogne Valley, near both Sarlat and Rocamadour.
Conclusion: Unforgettable Family Discoveries in the Dordogne
Conclusion: Unforgettable Family Discoveries in the Dordogne
With medieval towns, golden stone alleys, dramatic landscapes, and peaceful river views, the Dordogne and the Dordogne Valley offer a magical setting for families.
Thanks to its ideal location and its beautiful aquatic facilities, Camping Le Séquoia provides the perfect base to explore the most beautiful villages while enjoying a relaxing holiday atmosphere.
Ready to discover the Dordogne Valley?
Learn more: https://www.campinglesequoia.fr/en
With medieval towns, golden stone alleys, dramatic landscapes, and peaceful river views, the Dordogne and the Dordogne Valley offer a magical setting for families.
Thanks to its ideal location and its beautiful aquatic facilities, Camping Le Séquoia provides the perfect base to explore the most beautiful villages while enjoying a relaxing holiday atmosphere.
Ready to discover the Dordogne Valley?
Learn more: https://www.campinglesequoia.fr/en