Sarlat-la-Canéda
Nestled in the heart of the Dordogne, Sarlat-la-Canéda is an exceptional medieval town, renowned for its remarkably preserved architectural heritage. Wandering through its cobbled streets feels like stepping back in time, surrounded by Renaissance mansions and houses with sun-kissed façades.
Whether you're passionate about history, nature, or gastronomy, Sarlat will captivate you with its timeless charm and authentic atmosphere.
La Roque-Gageac
Nestled between cliffs and the Dordogne River, La Roque-Gageac stretches along a picturesque valley, offering one of the most breathtaking panoramas in Périgord Noir. This charming village, officially recognized as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France", captivates visitors with its traditional architecture, narrow streets, and distinctive lauze-roofed houses. La Roque-Gageac invites you to wander through its enchanting alleys, embark on a gabarre boat ride along the Dordogne, and immerse yourself in its rich historical heritage.
Villages
Beynac-et-Cazenac
Overlooking the Dordogne River, Beynac-et-Cazenac is a true gem of Périgord Noir. With its majestic medieval castle perched atop a dramatic cliff, the village offers breathtaking panoramic views.
Its charming cobbled streets, lined with golden-stone houses, invite you on a journey through time. The village’s rich history and stunning natural beauty make it an unmissable destination for lovers of heritage and landscapes.
Domme
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Dordogne River, Domme is a true medieval gem. Its imposing ramparts offer breathtaking views, while its cobbled streets overflow with charm.
At the heart of the village, the central square, lined with historic houses, serves as its vibrant core.
An ideal destination to escape into history !
Limeuil
Nestled at the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers, Limeuil is one of the most beautiful villages in France. Its cobbled streets wind between charming stone houses, creating a picturesque atmosphere.
At the top of the village, the panoramic gardens offer breathtaking views over the rivers and surrounding countryside. An idyllic escape for lovers of nature and history !
St-Léon sur Vézère
Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère is a true gem, officially recognized as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" with its charming stone houses and picturesque alleys.
Bordered by the Vézère River, the village offers a peaceful and bucolic setting, ideal for a relaxing escape.
Terrasson
Located in the heart of Dordogne, Terrasson-Lavilledieu is a charming town known for its historic Pont Vieux and abbey church. It is especially famous for the Jardins de l'Imaginaire, a poetic journey through topiary art. It is the perfect starting point for exploring the region’s rich history. A true invitation to travel !
Rocamadour
Perched on a cliff overlooking the Alzou Canyon, Rocamadour is one of the true gems of the Lot region and has been a major pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages. This spectacular village, officially recognized as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France", boasts a unique architectural landscape, where houses, churches, and even the château seem to cling to the rock.
The medieval town is famous for its sanctuary dedicated to the Black Virgin, which has drawn visitors and pilgrims from around the world for centuries.
Castles
Castle of Beynac
Perched on a dizzying cliff overlooking the Dordogne, Beynac Castle is one of the most authentic medieval fortresses in France. A remarkable witness to the Middle Ages, it has seen legendary figures such as Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitaine pass through its halls.
From its heights, the fortress offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Valley of the Five Castles.
Castel of Castelnaud
Standing proudly over the Dordogne Valley, Castelnaud Castle is an unmissable medieval fortress. Classified as a Historic Monument, it offers a fascinating journey into the world of knights and medieval warfare.
Built in the 12th century, this strategic stronghold witnessed numerous battles between the French and English during the Hundred Years' War.
Castel of Milandes
Nestled in the heart of Périgord Noir, Château des Milandes is an elegant Renaissance estate overlooking the Dordogne Valley. Built in the 15th century, it is best known as the former residence of the legendary Joséphine Baker—an artist, resistance fighter, and human rights activist.
Visitors can also attend a birds of prey show, a unique experience that highlights the art of falconry.
Castel of Fénelon
Nestled in the heart of Périgord Noir, Château de Fénelon is a stunning example of medieval architecture, offering a breathtaking panorama over the Dordogne Valley. This remarkable fortress blends medieval strength with Renaissance elegance, creating a unique historical atmosphere.
Visitors can explore its fortified walls, beautifully furnished salons, and impressive defensive structures, immersing themselves in the rich history of the region.
Castel of Puymartin
Nestled in the heart of Périgord Noir, Château de Puymartin is a stunning blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Built in the 15th century, it captivates visitors with its elegance and intriguing legends, including the famous tale of the White Lady, said to haunt its halls.
Inside, the castle boasts richly decorated interiors, while the beautiful gardens surrounding the château offer a peaceful retreat. This makes it an essential stop for those eager to explore the history and charm of Périgord Noir.
Castel of Commarque
Nestled near Les Eyzies, Château de Commarque is a mysterious medieval fortress perched on a rocky spur, offering breathtaking views over the Beune Valley. Abandoned for centuries, the castle was rediscovered in the 20th century and has since undergone extensive restoration. A place of legends and history, Château de Commarque is surrounded by mysteries waiting to be uncovered.
Manoir de la Salle
Located in the charming village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, Manoir de la Salle is an exceptional architectural ensemble. It consists of a 12th-century keep and a 15th-century manor, offering a fascinating journey into medieval history. Visitors can explore its richly furnished interiors, admire its imposing lauze-covered roofs, and wander through its romantic gardens, home to a majestic Lebanese cedar.
Caves and Chasms
Cave of Domme
Hidden beneath the famous bastide of Domme, the Grotte de Domme is a breathtaking natural wonder shaped by time.
Stretching over 450 meters of galleries, this underground marvel reveals a mesmerizing display of stalactites, stalagmites, and translucent draperies, enhanced by a modern, eco-friendly lighting system.
Cave of Cougnac
Located in Payrignac, near Gourdon, the Grotte de Cougnac is a true geological and artistic treasure. This remarkable site consists of two distinct caverns: one showcasing a forest of stalactites frozen in time, while the other houses prehistoric paintings dating back nearly 30,000 years.
Visitors can admire stunning depictions of ibex, mammoths, and deer, offering a glimpse into the talent and sensitivity of prehistoric artists.
Chasms of Proumeyssac
Nicknamed the "Crystal Cathedral," the Gouffre de Proumeyssac is the largest developed cavern in Périgord Noir. This breathtaking underground wonder features a spectacular 52-meter descent into a mesmerizing mineral world.
Visitors can choose between a classic descent or an unforgettable experience in a nacelle, suspended above the abyss just like the first explorers.
Cave of La Cave
Discovered in 1905, the Grottes de Lacave offer a fascinating journey into an underground world shaped by time. Visitors begin their adventure aboard a small electric train, traveling through the rock before reaching 1,600 meters of galleries.
Open from February to November, these caves provide a unique experience, blending geology and enchantment.
Chasms of Padirac
The Gouffre de Padirac is France’s most famous natural underground site, offering a breathtaking descent 103 meters below the surface. Visitors begin their journey by descending via elevator or stairs, before embarking on a magical boat ride along the underground river. The adventure continues through spectacular geological formations, including the Lac de la Pluie and the Grand Dôme, whose vault rises 94 meters high.
Cave of Lascaux IV
Located in Montignac, Dordogne, Lascaux IV is a complete replica of the original Lascaux Cave, which has been closed to the public since 1963 to preserve its prehistoric paintings.
This International Center for Cave Art offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the masterpieces of prehistoric art through a modern and interactive scenography.
Gardens
Gardens of Marqueyssac
Perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Dordogne Valley, the Jardins de Marqueyssac offer a magical stroll through 150,000 hand-trimmed boxwoods. These romantic and picturesque gardens stretch across six kilometers of winding paths, dotted with belvederes, rock gardens, and traditional dry-stone huts.
The highlight of the visit is the Belvédère de la Dordogne, rated three stars in the Michelin Green Guide, which provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley and its majestic castles.
Gardens of Manoir d'Erignac
The Gardens of Manoir d’Eyrignac are a true masterpiece of topiary art. Spanning 10 hectares, these gardens offer a timeless stroll through shaded alleys, cascading fountains, and immaculate lawns.
Classified among the Most Beautiful Gardens of France, they are maintained with remarkable precision, preserving a centuries-old horticultural tradition.
The Water Gardens
Located in Carsac-Aillac, The Water Gardens offer a unique immersion into a botanical and aquatic world. This remarkable garden, recognized for its exceptional beauty, is a true aquatic arboretum, where lotus flowers, exotic water lilies, and papyrus flourish in serene ponds. Visitors can explore 4.5 hectares of lush landscapes, featuring cascading waterfalls, tranquil streams, and a 500-meter aquatic labyrinth.
La Roque Saint Christophe
Nestled in the heart of the Vézère Valley, La Roque Saint-Christophe is a monumental limestone cliff, stretching 1 km long and rising 80 meters high. Sculpted by nature and inhabited by humans for 55,000 years, it is the largest troglodytic site in Europe. Throughout history, this natural fortress was transformed into a medieval stronghold and city, serving as a refuge until the Renaissance. Visitors can explore its aerial terraces, uncover the remains of ancient dwellings and fortifications, and admire a collection of reconstructed medieval lifting machines, paying tribute to the ingenuity of Middle Age builders.
Unique places
La Maison Forte Reignac
Located in Tursac, Dordogne, the Maison Forte de Reignac is the last intact cliffside castle in France. Built directly into the rock, it blends seamlessly into the landscape while concealing an exceptional troglodytic fortress behind its façade.
Classified as a Monument Historique, this site offers an immersive journey through history, featuring furnished period rooms, prehistoric remains, and a chilling exhibition on torture and capital punishment, shedding light on the darker aspects of the past.
