DORDOGNE
DRIVING ITINERARY
Embark on a Majestic 5-Day Driving Itinerary Through Dordogne’s Historical and Natural Wonders
Dordogne Discovery: A 5-Day Driving Tour Itinerary
The Dordogne Valley (Périgord in French) is one of France's most enchanting regions, famous for its prehistoric caves, medieval villages perched on cliffs, fairy-tale castles, walnut orchards, truffles, foie gras, and the gentle flow of the Dordogne River. This 5-day driving itinerary is designed to showcase the very best of the area at a relaxed pace, perfect for food lovers, history enthusiasts, and nature admirers.
Start and end in Sarlat-la-Canéda (easy access from Bordeaux or Brive airports, or by train from Paris), rent a car, and follow a logical loop through the four historic Périgord areas: Périgord Noir (black truffles), Périgord Pourpre (wine), Périgord Vert (green forests), and Périgord Blanc (white limestone). Daily distances are moderate (30–130 km), leaving ample time for visits, markets, canoeing, and long lunches. Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer ideal weather and fewer crowds; summer brings markets and festivals but busier sites.
Day 1: Arrival in Sarlat – Sarlat & La Roque-Gageac
Day 1 – Arrival & Heart of Périgord Noir
Arrive in Sarlat, pick up your rental car, and immerse yourself in the medieval charm of the region's capital and one of its most beautiful riverside villages.
Total driving distance: ≈ 30 km
- Morning/afternoon: Arrive in Sarlat-la-Canéda, collect car, check in
- Explore Sarlat's golden-stone old town, labyrinth of medieval streets, Place de la Liberté, and the Saturday market (if timing allows)
- Late afternoon: Short drive to La Roque-Gageac (~10 km)
- Admire this stunning cliffside village classified among France's most beautiful, take a gabarre boat cruise on the Dordogne River
- Evening: Return to Sarlat for dinner (try duck confit, walnuts, and local Bergerac wine)
Day 2: Sarlat to Les Eyzies – Prehistoric Heartland
Day 2 – Caves, Prehistory & Beynac
Dive into the world's richest concentration of prehistoric art and one of the most dramatically situated castles in France.
Total driving distance: ≈ 80 km round trip
- Morning: Drive to Les Eyzies-de-Tayac (~30 km)
- Visit the National Museum of Prehistory and Font-de-Gaume (Lascaux IV tickets often booked far ahead—reserve early)
- Afternoon: Continue to Château de Beynac (~20 km)
- Explore the imposing medieval fortress perched 150 m above the river, with panoramic views and film-set fame (Chocolat, The Last Duel)
- Optional: Short stop at Castelnaud-la-Chapelle across the river (rival castle with siege engines museum)
- Evening: Return to Sarlat via scenic river road
Day 3: Sarlat to Lascaux & Surroundings
Day 3 – The World-Famous Lascaux Caves
Dedicate the day to the prehistoric masterpiece of Lascaux and nearby treasures of the Vézère Valley, often called the "Cradle of Prehistory."
Total driving distance: ≈ 90 km round trip
- Morning: Drive to Lascaux IV International Centre of Parietal Art in Montignac (~45 km from Sarlat)
- Experience the stunning replica of the original Lascaux cave (discovered 1940), featuring over 600 paintings of animals and symbols from 17,000 years ago
- Take time for the immersive multimedia exhibits and explanations of Paleolithic art techniques
- Afternoon: Explore Montignac village and optional nearby prehistoric sites (Abri du Cap Blanc relief sculpture, La Madeleine rock shelter, or Le Moustier)
- Evening: Return to Sarlat; enjoy a relaxed dinner with local specialties
Day 4: Sarlat to Rocamadour & Padirac
Day 4 – Sacred Cliffside Village & Underground Wonders
Travel east to one of France's most dramatic pilgrimage sites and the spectacular Gouffre de Padirac.
Total driving distance: ≈ 130 km round trip
- Morning: Drive to Rocamadour (~65 km)
- Discover the vertical medieval sanctuary clinging to the cliff, with chapels, the Black Madonna, and panoramic views
- Afternoon: Short drive to Gouffre de Padirac (~15 km)
- Descend by lift or stairs into the enormous chasm, then take a boat ride on the underground river and walk to the majestic Salle du Grand Dôme
- Evening: Return to Sarlat via scenic countryside roads
Day 5: Sarlat Area – Markets, Canoeing & Departure
Day 5 – Relaxed Final Day & Departure
Use your last day for a classic Dordogne experience: a lively market, canoe trip on the river, and a leisurely farewell lunch.
Total driving distance: ≈ 40–80 km (flexible)
- Morning: Visit Sarlat's famous Wednesday market (or nearby Domme / Saint-Cyprien if timing matches)
- Late morning/early afternoon: Drive to Vitrac or La Roque-Gageac (~10–15 km)
- Rent canoes/kayaks and paddle down the Dordogne River past castles and cliffs (2–4 hour easy trip)
- Enjoy a final lunch at a riverside restaurant (foie gras, duck, walnut cake)
- Afternoon: Return car in Sarlat, depart by train, or drive to Bordeaux airport (~2.5 h)
Disclaimer: Distances are approximate and depend on exact routes and stops. Always check current road conditions, opening hours (especially caves—book well ahead), and market days. Reserve popular sites (Lascaux IV, Padirac, canoe rentals) in advance during peak season (July–August).