Dordogne Attractions: The Top 10 Things To Do In The Dordogne
The Dordogne (Périgord) region in southwestern France is a paradise of medieval castles, prehistoric caves, picturesque villages, and the serene Dordogne River valley. Famous for its rich history spanning Paleolithic art to the Hundred Years' War, stunning landscapes, and world-class gastronomy (truffles, foie gras, walnuts), it offers an unforgettable mix of culture, nature, and relaxation.
Whether you're exploring dramatic cliff-top fortresses, paddling along the river, or wandering charming medieval towns, the Dordogne delivers timeless beauty and authentic French experiences. This guide highlights the top 10 must-do attractions, with detailed history, reasons to visit, key highlights, best time to go, and locations.
1. Visit Château de Beynac
Perched dramatically on a 150-metre limestone cliff above the Dordogne River, Château de Beynac is one of the most iconic and photogenic medieval fortresses in France. Its imposing silhouette dominates the picturesque village of Beynac-et-Cazenac and offers sweeping views over the valley.
History: Construction began in the 12th century. During the Hundred Years' War (1337–1453), it served as a major French stronghold under the barons of Beynac, loyal to the crown. It withstood multiple sieges and never fell by force, later becoming a noble residence before falling into disrepair and being restored in the 20th century by its current owners.
Why visit: To experience authentic medieval grandeur, enjoy breathtaking panoramas, and feel transported back to the era of knights and feudal power struggles.
Highlights: Climb the massive keep for 360° views; explore the great hall with huge fireplace, seigneurial chambers, kitchens with bread ovens, and small chapel; walk the ramparts; watch summer falconry displays with birds soaring above the cliffs.
Best time to go: Late spring (May–June) or early autumn (September–October) for pleasant weather, soft light for photos, and fewer crowds. Sunset visits create a magical golden glow on the stone.
Location: Beynac-et-Cazenac, Périgord Noir (15 min from Sarlat-la-Canéda).
- 12th-century cliff-top fortress
- Panoramic Dordogne River & valley views
- Authentic medieval interiors & kitchens
- Summer falconry demonstrations
2. Explore Château de Castelnaud
Directly across the river from Beynac, Château de Castelnaud stands as a dramatic counterpoint – a perfectly preserved example of medieval military architecture and now one of Europe's premier museums of medieval warfare.
History: Built in the 12th century on a rocky spur, it became an English (Plantagenet) stronghold during the Hundred Years' War, frequently clashing with French-held Beynac. It changed hands many times before permanent French capture in 1442. Restored since the 1980s, it now houses an exceptional collection of arms and armor.
Why visit: Ideal for history buffs and families – the interactive displays, full-scale siege engines, and views of the rival château make it engaging and educational.
Highlights: Musée de la Guerre au Moyen Âge with polearms, crossbows, armor, and life-size trebuchets/mangonneaux; ramparts with 360° valley views; seasonal workshops and live demonstrations; audiovisual terminals and scale models.
Best time to go: Summer (July–August) for live siege engine firings and medieval activities; spring/autumn for comfortable walking and clear vistas.
Location: Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, overlooking the Dordogne River (opposite Beynac).
- Outstanding medieval warfare museum
- Full-scale reconstructed siege engines
- Panoramic views of Beynac & valley
- Interactive & seasonal demonstrations
3. Discover Lascaux IV (International Centre for Cave Art)
Lascaux IV is a state-of-the-art replica of the world-famous Lascaux Caves, often called the "Sistine Chapel of Prehistory" for its extraordinary Upper Paleolithic paintings and engravings.
History: The original cave was discovered in 1940 by four teenagers near Montignac. It contains over 600 artworks dating back 17,000 years (Magdalenian period). Due to preservation issues, the public cave closed in 1963; Lascaux IV (opened 2016) is the most faithful full-scale reproduction ever made.
Why visit: To see humanity's earliest known masterpieces in a climate-controlled, accessible environment – an unforgettable encounter with our prehistoric ancestors.
Highlights: Guided 45-minute multimedia tour through reproduced chambers (Hall of the Bulls, Axial Gallery); immersive sound and light effects; exhibits on Paleolithic life, tools, and discovery story; permanent collection and temporary displays.
Best time to go: Year-round (indoor attraction); spring or autumn for shorter queues; book timed tickets online in advance during peak season.
Location: Montignac-Lascaux, Vézère Valley (Périgord Noir, ~30 min from Sarlat).
- Faithful replica of UNESCO cave art
- 17,000-year-old paintings & engravings
- Immersive guided multimedia tour
- Educational prehistoric exhibits
4. Stroll Through Sarlat-la-Canéda
Sarlat is a perfectly preserved medieval town with golden limestone buildings, narrow cobbled lanes, and one of France's most atmospheric market squares – often called the jewel of the Périgord Noir.
History: Originated around an 8th-century abbey; grew prosperous in the Middle Ages and Renaissance as a trading center. Largely spared destruction, it was restored in the 1960s under France's first major heritage preservation program.
Why visit: To soak up authentic old-world charm, enjoy vibrant markets, and use it as the ideal base for day trips to castles and caves.
Highlights: Place de la Liberté market square (Wed & Sat markets with foie gras, truffles, cheeses, walnuts); lantern-lit medieval streets; Sarlat Cathedral and Manoir de Gisson; evening illuminations and summer festivals.
Best time to go: Market days (Wednesday & Saturday) year-round; summer evenings for illuminated streets; December for Christmas market.
Location: Sarlat-la-Canéda, central Périgord Noir.
- Medieval town center & cobbled lanes
- Famous twice-weekly markets
- Honey-colored stone architecture
- Gastronomic & cultural hub
5. Canoe or Kayak on the Dordogne River
Paddling the gentle Dordogne River is one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to experience the valley, passing beneath castles and cliffs in a peaceful, family-friendly adventure.
History: The river has been a vital lifeline since prehistoric times – used for trade, transport, and fishing – shaping villages and castles along its banks.
Why visit: For a unique perspective of the "Valley of the Five Châteaux," with the freedom to stop for picnics, swimming, or photos at your own pace.
Highlights: Classic 9–16 km routes (Vitrac to Beynac or La Roque-Gageac to Beynac); glide past Beynac, Castelnaud, Fayrac, and Montfort; birdlife and limestone cliffs; easy self-guided rentals with shuttle return.
Best time to go: May–September for warm water and sunshine; June–early September best; avoid midday in peak summer heat.
Location: Dordogne River; popular start points: Vitrac, La Roque-Gageac, Cénac-et-Saint-Julien, or Beynac.
- Scenic & gentle river descent
- Views of cliff-top châteaux
- Family-friendly paddling
- Picnic, swimming & photo stops
6. Visit Château des Milandes
This elegant Renaissance château overlooking the Dordogne Valley is forever linked to Josephine Baker – entertainer, Resistance heroine, and civil rights activist – who made it her family home.
History: Built in 1489 for the Caumont family; rented by Baker during WWII for Resistance activities; purchased in 1947, where she raised her 12 adopted children ("Rainbow Tribe") until financial troubles forced sale in 1968. Now a museum since 2001.
Why visit: To celebrate Baker's extraordinary life of talent, courage, and humanism in a beautiful, intimate setting.
Highlights: Museum rooms with costumes, posters, photos; audio-guided tour; private 16th-century chapel; formal French gardens; summer falconry shows with eagles and vultures.
Best time to go: April–October (open season); summer for falconry and blooming gardens; spring/autumn for quieter visits.
Location: Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Dordogne Valley (near Beynac & Sarlat).
- Josephine Baker museum & legacy
- Renaissance château & interiors
- Remarkable formal gardens
- Seasonal falconry demonstrations
7. Wander the Gardens of Marqueyssac
These "Jardins Remarquables" feature over 150,000 hand-pruned boxwood trees sculpted into fantastical shapes, set high above the Dordogne Valley with one of the region's best viewpoints.
History: Laid out in the 17th century in formal French style; transformed into a romantic English-style park in the 19th century; restored in the 1990s to blend both aesthetics.
Why visit: For a peaceful, enchanting escape – the combination of topiary art, shaded paths, and sweeping valley panoramas is magical.
Highlights: Geometric boxwood parterres and whimsical shapes; 6 km of paths; belvedere with 180° view over Beynac & river; Thursday summer candlelit evenings with music.
Best time to go: Spring for fresh green growth; summer evenings for illuminated walks; autumn for golden foliage colors.
Location: Vézac, high above the Dordogne River (5 min from Beynac).
- 150,000 boxwood topiary trees
- Panoramic valley belvedere
- Romantic shaded paths & gardens
- Summer Thursday candlelit evenings
8. Explore La Roque-Gageac
Ranked among France's "Plus Beaux Villages," this golden-stone village clings to a south-facing cliff, enjoying a subtropical microclimate that supports banana trees and exotic plants.
History: Fortified since Gallo-Roman times; prospered as a medieval river port for timber and wine trade; largely rebuilt after 19th-century fires.
Why visit: For its exotic charm, romantic riverside setting, and relaxing gabarre boat trips along the valley.
Highlights: Tropical gardens (palms, bananas, bamboo); medieval streets and Manoir de Tarde; gabarre boat rides with commentary; Fort troglodyte viewpoint; manoir gardens.
Best time to go: Spring/summer for lush vegetation; early morning or late afternoon to avoid coach crowds.
Location: La Roque-Gageac, Dordogne River (10 min from Sarlat).
- "Most Beautiful Village" cliffside setting
- Subtropical microclimate gardens
- Traditional gabarre river boat rides
- Medieval streets & viewpoints
9. Visit Domme
This fortified hilltop bastide town offers commanding views over the Dordogne Valley and one of the region's most interesting underground cave systems.
History: Founded in 1281 by King Philippe III as a royal bastide; served as a Templar prison in the 14th century (knights carved crosses into the Porte des Tours walls).
Why visit: For panoramic vistas, medieval ramparts, and the unique experience of walking through natural caves beneath the town square.
Highlights: Belvedere esplanade with 180° valley view; Porte des Tours with Templar graffiti; guided troglodyte cave tour (stalactites, prehistoric remains); rampart walk.
Best time to go: Spring/autumn for clear skies and comfortable temperatures; summer mornings for views before heat.
Location: Domme, high above the Dordogne Valley (near La Roque-Gageac & Sarlat).
- Hilltop bastide town & ramparts
- Spectacular panoramic valley views
- Underground troglodyte caves
- Templar historical carvings
10. Taste the Gastronomy & Markets
The Dordogne is France's undisputed capital of foie gras, black truffles, walnuts, and duck products – a true paradise for food lovers, with vibrant weekly markets.
History: Culinary traditions trace back centuries to rural farms, river fishing, and forest foraging; markets have been central to village life since medieval times.
Why visit: To savor world-class regional specialties, meet producers, and experience the lively, social heart of Périgord culture.
Highlights: Sarlat markets (Wed/Sat) with stalls of foie gras, truffles, cabécou cheese, walnuts, cèpes mushrooms; Bergerac & Monbazillac wine tastings; winter truffle markets (Dec–Feb); farm visits & cooking classes.
Best time to go: Market days year-round; winter for black truffle season; summer for outdoor dining and festivals.
Location: Sarlat-la-Canéda markets; farms, restaurants, and markets throughout Périgord Noir & Périgord Pourpre.
- Foie gras, truffles & duck specialties
- Vibrant weekly markets
- Walnut products & local cheeses
- Regional wine & farm experiences