Top 10 Things to Do in the Dordogne Valley

Nestled in southwestern France, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, the Dordogne Valley is a treasure trove of medieval heritage, breathtaking scenery, and authentic French culture. Often called the land of “1001 castles,” the valley is named after the Dordogne River, which meanders through dramatic limestone cliffs, dense forests, and rolling farmland. This enchanting area is part of the historic province of Périgord, known for its world-class gastronomy (think foie gras, walnuts, and duck confit), prehistoric caves, and picturesque villages. Unlike Tuscany—which it’s sometimes (mistakenly!) compared to—the Dordogne Valley has its own distinctive charm characterized by towering fortresses, bastide towns, Romanesque churches, and an unspoiled rural landscape dotted with timber-framed houses and cobbled alleyways.

Whether you’re planning holidays in Dordogne for a week, passing through on a grand tour of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, or exploring multiple destinations in the southwestern quadrant of France, you’ll quickly realize why so many travelers consider the Dordogne-Périgord one of the country’s most appealing regions. From the Black Périgord (Périgord Noir) around Sarlat-la-Canéda to the Purple Périgord (Périgord Pourpre) near Bergerac, and from the Green Périgord (Périgord Vert) in the north to the White Périgord (Périgord Blanc) around Périgueux, each corner of the Dordogne department offers a unique blend of landscapes, villages, and flavors.

Below is a list of the 10 best things to do in the Dordogne Valley—a curated guide that highlights what makes this region shine. Feel free to use these suggestions as a starting point for your own itinerary, tweaking each stop based on personal interests, travel style, and the amount of time you have to visit the Dordogne.

01 | Explore the Most Beautiful Villages

Dordogne-Périgord can proudly claim several villages of France listed among the most beautiful villages of France. Here, one often finds a little village perched on a rocky promontory, sometimes with a keep or remnants from the 12th century, and timber-framed (colombages) facades along cobbled alleyways.

Rocamadour: Although it lies on the edge of the Lot department, it’s often associated with the Dordogne Valley for its spectacular medieval city clinging to the cliff.
La Roque-Gageac: Listed among the most beautiful villages of France, it backs onto abrupt cliffs and overlooks the river; you stroll among palm trees, cobbled alleys, and troglodyte houses.
Domme: A fortified bastide from the 13th century, featuring old ramparts and a 180° panoramic view of the Dordogne.

We could also mention places a little farther afield like Collonges La Rouge, nicknamed the “ruby of the Limousin,” famed for its flamboyant red sandstone. Each town reveals a story: collapsed keeps, abbey church with Romanesque bell tower, or other vestiges. All are testament to the art and history of a region that has been inhabited for many centuries.

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02 | Discover the Region’s Prehistoric Caves

The Dordogne Valley is internationally renowned for its prehistoric heritage, particularly around the Vézère Valley—dubbed the “Valley of Mankind” and listed as a World Heritage site due to its abundance of Paleolithic cave art and archaeological sites.

Lascaux (Lascaux IV): Dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistory,” Lascaux is an unmissable stop. The modern visitor center in Montignac boasts an impressive replica of the original cave paintings, preserving the delicate originals while allowing travelers to admire the vivid Paleolithic artwork.
Gouffre de Padirac: Technically in the Lot department but often visited on a Dordogne trip, it involves descending over 100 meters below ground before boarding a small boat to float along a subterranean river flanked by majestic rock formations.
Les Eyzies-de-Tayac: Nicknamed the “Prehistoric Capital of France,” it’s home to the National Prehistory Museum and near many other prehistoric shelters, such as Font-de-Gaume and Cap-Blanc.

If you’re a history buff or simply curious about early human civilization, these cave complexes and cliffside shelters in Dordogne-Périgord are a once-in-a-lifetime experience, letting you walk in the footsteps of our distant ancestors.

03 | Stroll Through Spectacular Gardens

In addition to fortified towns and cliff-hugging villages, the Dordogne Valley harbors numerous French-style gardens that highlight the region’s cultivated beauty.

Marqueyssac Gardens: Near Vézac, these famed gardens feature over 150,000 meticulously pruned boxwood hedges, twisting pathways, and overlooking terraces that give you sweeping views of the river and nearby castles.
Eyrignac and Its Gardens: Emblematic of refined French landscaping, Eyrignac offers symmetrically patterned hedgerows, perfectly manicured lawns, and a stately manor house displaying Renaissance influences.

Some gardens even host candlelit summer evenings or music events, adding to the touristic appeal. Meander along topiary alleys while soaking up the warm southwestern sun—an ideal way to experience the serene side of the Dordogne.

04 | Hike the Scenic Trails of Southwestern France

With its mixture of limestone plateaus, verdant forests, and gentle hills, the Dordogne Valley presents a playground for hikers seeking varied landscapes.

Marked Paths: Opt for short loops around places like Le Bugue or Trémolat, where you might stumble upon an old abbey, a hidden Romanesque chapel, or stone vestiges from the 12th century.
Long-Distance Routes: If you’re up for a multi-day trek, consider following sections of old Compostela pilgrimage ways or the GR (Grande Randonnée) footpaths that weave through fortified villages and bastides.

Remember to bring a reusable water bottle, comfortable footwear, and a sense of adventure. The Dordogne’s microclimates can be surprisingly warm in summer, so start your hikes early if you’d like to avoid the midday heat.

05 | Bike Through the Perigord Countryside

The gently rolling terrain and quiet backroads of Nouvelle-Aquitaine make cycling one of the best ways to discover the Dordogne Valley.

Voies Vertes (Greenways): In many parts of the region, disused railways or riverbanks have been converted into traffic-free cycling routes—perfect for family outings.
Bastides and Vineyards: In the Purple Périgord, you can pedal through picturesque vines, stopping to taste local wines (Bergerac, Monbazillac, Pécharmant) and to explore lesser-known bastide towns like Eymet or Villeréal.

For more challenging routes, the hills surrounding Sarlat or Montignac can deliver scenic climbs with superb viewpoints. Electric bike rentals are increasingly common, making the region accessible to all fitness levels.

06 | Canoe or Kayak on the Dordogne River

You can’t discuss the Dordogne Valley without mentioning a leisurely drift along the Dordogne River. Canoeing or kayaking is one of the most popular activities—both for locals and visitors.

Family-Friendly: Most sections of the Dordogne River flow gently, making canoe excursions possible for novices, families, and experienced paddlers alike.
Magnificent Vistas: From your vantage point on the water, you’ll see cliffside villages, keeps perched high above, and lush, wooded riverbanks. Castles like Château de Beynac or Château de Castelnaud often come into view around the next bend.
Wildlife: If you’re lucky, you might spot local fauna, from kingfishers to herons, deer, or even an otter searching the banks for food.

Wear sunscreen, bring a waterproof bag for your valuables, and be ready to soak in some of the most memorable panoramas in southwestern France.

07 | Experience Local Markets

The Dordogne-Périgord has a centuries-old market culture that’s central to everyday life. Market days bring color, aroma, and social buzz to the region’s historic squares.

Sarlat Market: Held on Wednesdays and Saturdays, it’s one of the largest and most famous, with stall after stall of local cheeses, foie gras, fruits, vegetables, and artisanal crafts.
Small Bastide Markets: In towns like Monpazier, Beaumont-du-Périgord, or Issigeac, you’ll find equally atmospheric markets—often set beneath a halle (medieval covered market hall) or in a main square with a bell tower overhead.
Seasonal Produce: Depending on the time of year, you’ll see fresh strawberries, walnuts, chestnuts, or even truffles. Summer markets are typically filled with tourists, while winter markets offer prized black truffles and a more local, intimate atmosphere.

Grab a woven basket and explore. There’s no better way to experience daily life in the Dordogne than chatting with producers about cheeses, honey, or that perfect jar of duck confit.

08 | Savor the Wines and Gastronomy of the Périgord

The Dordogne region is synonymous with fine dining and locally sourced ingredients. Foodies will quickly see why Dordogne is a culinary capital of southwestern France.

Wines of the Bergerac Area: From robust reds (Pécharmant) to sweet whites (Monbazillac), these wines pair beautifully with local dishes like foie gras or rocamadour goat cheese (though Rocamadour is produced just over the border in Lot, it’s often found on Dordogne tables).
Duck and Goose Specialties: Foie gras is a regional emblem, but you’ll also find magret de canard, confit, rillettes, and pâtés.
Walnuts: The Périgord walnut has a protected designation, offering premium flavor whether in oil, cake, or simply toasted as an appetizer.
Seasonal Delicacies: Mushrooms (especially cèpes), strawberries, chestnuts, and black truffles—these mark the changing seasons.

For a more immersive stay, book a gîte on a farm or a B&B where the hosts serve home-cooked meals made from their own garden produce. Sitting down to dinner in a converted barn or an old stone house truly brings you into the heart of Dordogne life.

09 | Visit Iconic Dordogne Castles

Nicknamed the land of “1001 castles,” the Dordogne is awash with fortified strongholds, Renaissance palaces, and stately manor houses. Each testifies to the region’s often tumultuous history—once a border area during the Hundred Years’ War.

Château de Castelnaud: A prime example of a medieval fortress, perched high above the Dordogne River with an extensive museum devoted to Middle Ages warfare.
Château de Beynac: With its imposing keep and well-preserved ramparts, it commands a dramatic outlook over the river. Formerly held by powerful families, it once served as a strategic vantage point during the Anglo-French conflicts.
Château des Milandes: A Renaissance-style property famed for its connection to Josephine Baker, who lived there and turned it into a modern fairy-tale residence. The gardens, falconry displays, and historical exhibits make it a captivating stop.

Many of these castles host reenactments, workshops on medieval weaponry, and special tours for children—an engaging way to combine art and history.

10 | Cruise on a Gabarre - Enjoy the DOrdogne by boat

Finally, one of the most leisurely ways to discover the Dordogne Valley is aboard a gabarre—a traditional flat-bottomed boat once used to transport goods like wine, wood, and salt along the river.

Guided Tours: Most gabarre cruises provide fascinating commentary on the region’s history, from the time goods traveled downriver to Bordeaux’s estuary, to local folklore and details about the medieval trade routes.
Relaxing Pace: Unlike canoeing, a gabarre doesn’t require any paddling effort, so you can sit back, take photos, and admire cliffside châteaux or timber-framed houses from a unique vantage point.
Family-Friendly: It’s a stable, safe boat, perfect for younger kids or older travelers who still want that enchanting “river perspective.”

Opt for a late-afternoon cruise when the sun casts a golden glow over the water and the fortified villages that rise steeply on the banks. It’s a serene finish to a day of exploration in the Dordogne.

Plan Your Dordogne Valley Adventure

From medieval villages and prehistoric wonders to scenic landscapes and delicious gastronomy, the Dordogne Valley in the Lot offers something for everyone. Plan your holiday today and explore one of France’s most beautiful regions.

The Dordogne Valley in southwestern France stands out with its fortified bastides, castles, prehistoric sites, and gastronomic delights. It’s a region of contrasts, from the Romanesque chapels of Green Périgord to the flourishing vineyards of the Purple Périgord, the limestone cliffs of the Black Périgord, and the chalky plains of the White Périgord. Any trip to the Dordogne‑Périgord area reveals an endless tapestry of art and history, where keeps, market halls, and promontories recall epic medieval struggles—and where modern‑day travelers can savor market‑fresh foie gras, sip local wines, kayak beneath centuries‑old fortresses, and wander the cobbled alleys of time‑honored villages.

Whether you’re exploring Sarlat‑la‑Canéda for its living medieval heritage, delving into Paleolithic artwork in the Vézère Valley, or venturing out from your gîte to discover lesser‑known corners of Nouvelle‑Aquitaine, you’ll see why so many fall in love with this corner of France. Rich in Romanesque heritage and proud of its rural traditions, the Dordogne is a tapestry of promontories overlooking tranquil waters, gastronomic pleasures served in ancient inns, and unsuspected architectural jewels at every turn.

Visiting the Dordogne means embracing a slower pace—pausing to admire a perfectly tended Renaissance garden, taking an evening stroll through a fortified bourg, or simply chatting with a local walnut farmer at a bustling market. Welcome to a land of 1,001 castles, where cobbled streets meet cave paintings and southwestern French charm reigns supreme—an experience you’ll carry long after you’ve returned home.