The Dordogne Valley, a popular region in France for holidays

The Dordogne Valley is a beautiful area in the southwest of France, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. If you rent a holiday home in the Dordogne, you will have many opportunities to visit touristic villages, walk or cycle through beautiful landscapes and enjoy French cuisine. You can go out every day and certainly don't have to stay at your holiday park in the Dordogne – Lot region to have a great holiday. Go canoeing on the Dordogne river, visit the many castles and fortresses, stroll through the narrow streets of one of the many touristic villages and enjoy a cup of coffee or glass of wine on a terrace. We are happy to show you all that the Dordogne Valley has to offer. The region was recognized by UNESCO in 2012 as the largest biosphere reserve in France.

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Rivers in the Dordogne Valley

The Dordogne Valley in France is a region known for its beautiful rivers. There are historic villages, impressive castles and beautiful landscapes and vineyards on the banks of the rivers which you can admire well from the water.

The Dordogne River
The fifth longest river in France, the Dordogne River meanders through a landscape full of green hills, vineyards and limestone cliffs. It is the only river in France that is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Along the river are charming villages such as La Roque-Gageac, a village built against a cliff and known for its tropical gardens and historic troglodyte villages. A popular way to explore the Dordogne is by boat or canoe. The "Valley of Castles" route offers spectacular views of castles such as Château de Castelnaud and Château de Beynac, as well as picturesque villages such as Domme and La Roque-Gageac.

The Vézère River
There are impressive cliffs with settlements such as Roque Saint-Christophe and La Madeleine, along the Vézère river. You can visit the famous caves of Font-de-Gaume and Les Combarelles. The Vézère is ideal for families thank to its calm waters and villages such as Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère.

The Dronne River
The Dronne river flows through the Périgord Vert area in the northern part of the Dordogne valley. The area is perfect for enjoying unspoiled nature and spotting birds such as kingfishers and herons. The village of Brantôme, known as the "Green Venice of Périgord", has picturesque canals and historic sites such as the Cave of the “Last Judgement”.

Auvézère River
For adrenaline seekers, the Auvézère River offersmany thrills with its rugged cliffs and waterfalls. Along the Auvézère near Auberoche there is a beautiful chapel.

Wine and vineyards in the Dordogne Valley

The Dordogne Valley has a rich tradition of viticulture and offers a wide range of wines. The combination of a mild climate, rich soil and centuries-old traditions makes this region ideal for producing quality wines.

Important wine regions in the Dordogne Valley

Monbazillac
In this region, mainly noble sweet white wines are produced, made from grapes that have been affected by pourriture noble (noble rot). This process gives the wine special aromas of honey, mandarin and quince. The Château de Monbazillac is a well-known wine castle in this region and offers tastings and tours.

Cahors (Lot)
Located near the Dordogne Valley, Cahors is famous for its powerful red wines made from the Malbec grape. These wines are known for their deep color and rich flavor profile.

Bergerac
The vineyards of Bergerac are located on the hills and in the valleys along the Dordogne river and include 13 AOCs(Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée). Well-known AOCs include Pécharmant (robust red wine), Monbazillac (sweet white wine), Saussignac and Rosette. Bergerac produces red, white and rosé wines, with grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.

Activities for wine lovers

Wine routes: Drive part of the "Route des Vins" around Bergerac, with more than 140 vineyards and castles to visit.
Tastings: Many vineyards offer guided tastings, often combined with tours of cellars and vineyards.
Cultural Sights: The wine museum in Bergerac provides an insight into the history of viticulture in the region.

Cycling during the holidays in the Dordogne region

France is a country where there is little cycling, some cycling is done in cities but hardly none is done in the countryside because the distances are often too great. There are few cycle paths for tourists, there are some along the coast but hardly none inland. There are also various opportunities for cycling in the Dordogne valley, on cycle paths but also just on the road where the cars drive. There are great destinations for cycling enthusiasts, with a varied range of routes for different levels and preferences.

The region offers a mix of challenging and accessible routes:

There are specially marked cycling routes with signposting, partly on separate cycle paths and largely paved.
A popular route is the green "voie verte" between Sarlat-la-Canéda and Cazoulès, which runs over a former railway line.
The holiday park and the tourist offices often have cycling maps with routes of varying difficulty.

While cycling you can visit medieval towns such as Sarlat, Souillac and Rocamadour, the many castles along the Dordogne including La Roque Gageac, Beynac and Domme, caves such as the Gouffre de Padirac and Lascaux II and enjoy the beautiful views over the river and the surrounding landscape.

Tips for cyclists

For less experienced cyclists or families there are also flatter routes, such as the towpath along the Dordogne.
Climbing enthusiasts can indulge themselves on challenging routes, similar to those in the Ardennes.
E-bikes are a good option for those who want to conquer the hills with some extra support.
Combine cycling with other activities such as canoeing on the Dordogne or exploring "les plus beaux villages de France".

Visit castles and fortresses in the Dordogne for a day whilst on holidays

The Dordogne valley is known for its large number of castles and fortresses. Many have an imposing appearance which was ,of course, the intention, after all, the castles were intended to deter and stop the enemies. With more than a thousand castles, the region offers a unique mix of history, architecture and nature. The "Châteaux en Fête" event is organized annually, with dozens of castles opening their doors for special tours and activities. Some of the most popular castles are:

Castle of Beynac - On a cliff near the village of Beynac-et-Cazenac.This medieval castle played an important role in the Hundred Years War and offers a beautiful view over the valley. It has also been used as a filming location for films such as Joan of Arc and Les Visiteurs.
Château de Hautefort - A rare example of classicist architecture in the region, surrounded by beautiful gardens in Hautefort.

Castle of Castelnaud - On a hilltop overlooking the Dordogne river, not far from your holiday home in the Dordogne. A 12th-century castle with a museum about medieval warfare. You will see weapons, armor and knight games for children. Evening performances are organized in the summer.
Château Commarque – Lies between Sarlat and Les Eyzies. A fortified medieval village with ruins, cave dwellings and a restored castle. Ideal for history and adventure lovers.
Château des Milandes - In Castelnaud-la-Chapelle.The former home of Josephine Baker, with beautiful gardens and exhibitions about her life. The castle combines medieval architecture with glamour.
Château de Monbazillac - In the middle of the Monbazillac vineyards. A 16th-century castle that showcases medieval defensive systems and Renaissance elements. Visit the wine museum in the cellar and taste local wines.

Visit pretty villages during your holidays in the Dordogne

The villages in the Dordogne valley are known for their authentic character. It seems as if time has stood still and the villages in the Dordogne have not kept up with the developments of the past hundreds of years. The medieval character is reflected in the half-timbered houses, the narrow streets, the city wall that is often still standing and the small shops, boutiques, galleries, atmospheric restaurants and cozy terraces. Anyone who stays in a holiday home in the Dordogne should go here at least once.

Sarlat-la-Canéda - One of the best-preserved medieval towns in France, known for its narrow streets, historic buildings and lively atmosphere, Place de la Liberté, St. Sacredos Cathedral, the panoramic view from the top of the bell tower and the weekly market on Saturday mornings with local specialties such as walnuts, truffles and Bergerac wine.
Beynac-et-Cazenac - This village is located on a steep cliff face with the impressive Château de Beynac above it. It offers a beautiful view over the Dordogne valley. Ideal for walks through flowery streets and a visit to the castle.

Domme - A bastide (fortified town) located on a hill with spectacular views over the Dordogne. See the medieval gates, market hall, and lively streets full of shops and terraces.
La Roque-Gageac - Built against a cliff along the river, this village is very unique. It features an exotic garden and offers opportunities for boat trips on the Dordogne.
Monpazier - One of the most beautiful bastides in France, with a well-preserved medieval center with the main square with arcades, the historic market hall and craft shops.
Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère - A charming village on the Vézère River with a 14th-century Manor and an atmospheric church. Perfect for quiet walks through picturesque streets.
Belvès - Known as "La Cité des Sept Clochers" because of its seven church towers. The village has a historic market hall and offers beautiful views from nearby viewpoints.
Rocamadour - This medieval village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers stunning views of the Alzou Gorge. It is a place of pilgrimage with historic chapels.

Nature reserves, flora and fauna in the Dordogne Valley

Nature reserves

Parc Naturel Régional Périgord-Limousin -This natural park, created in 1998, extends over the departments of Haute-Vienne and Dordogne. The park covers 49 municipalities in the Dordogne, with a total area of more than 100,000 hectares. The area has varied landscapes with forests, fields, meadows, rivers and lakes; Great geological and biological diversity; Deciduous forests crossed by jagged stream valleys; Typical wooded landscape with small fields and meadows bordered by hedges.
De Orgues de Bort- This famous nature reserve offers a breathtaking view over the Dordogne valley with a highest peak of 789 meters, magnificent panorama over the town of Bort-les-Orgues and Mont d'Auvergne and hiking trail to the Belvédère with orientation tables.
Belvedere van Gratte-Bruyère- A quiet place surrounded by nature that offers a spectacular view. It is 200 meters above the confluence of the Dordogne and Sumène rivers and has a breathtaking view of the river that winds through the forests of the Corèze.
River landscape -The Dordogne’s meanders and cliffs form a beautiful backdrop for recreational activities such as canoeing and kayaking. The clear water is home to various animal species. In the southeastern region, the Dordogne Valley borders the Causses du Quercy.

Flora

Deciduous forests - The forests of the Dordogne Valley are dominated by chestnut trees and oaks, which provide an important habitat for many animal species.
Orchids - In spring, you can find dozens of species of wild orchids, especially in the Parc Naturel Régional Périgord-Limousin. This park has special cycling and walking routes focused on these special plants.
Herbs - The valley is known for aromatic plants such as thyme, wild garlic and rosemary, which give the landscape a unique scent.

Fauna

Mammals – The region is home to otters, stoats, martens, foxes and deer. These animals are especially easy to spot along the rivers and in the forests.
Birds - The Dordogne Valley is rich in bird species such as the black kite, owls, hoopoes with their distinctive crest, herons, kingfishers and cormorants. The quiet river banks provide an ideal habitat for these birds.
Fish species - The Dordogne river is an important habitat for fish such as sturgeon and salmon. The area is even biologically protected by UNESCO.

Various activities to do during your holidays in the Dordogne Valley

The Dordogne Valley is a wonderful destination for a versatile holiday, with plenty of activities for all ages. The activities vary in effort which means the choice of what to do is up to you during your holiday in the Dordogne. There are many activities close to your holiday home in the Dordogne.

Cycling - Go Mountain biking and discover the valley on one of the signposted mountain bike trails which vary in difficulty. Electric bikes make the trails accessible to everyone. With the touring bike you can make bike rides through forests, along rivers and through beautiful villages.
Adventurous Activities – Go on a waterfall expedition and hike through streams and gorges on adventurous trails to discover hidden waterfalls. Climbing parks and geocaching are ideal for families looking for interactive and challenging activities. There are many places where you can do these types of activities in the Dordogne.
Horseback riding and quad biking: Explore the region on horseback or by quad to discover the landscape from a new perspective.

Water sports - Enjoy natural swimming spots along the Vézère or Dordogne, which often have beautiful views of cliffs or castles. The calm banks of the rivers offer excellent opportunities for freshwater fishing, suitable for both beginners and experienced fishermen.
Canoeing and kayaking - The Dordogne and Vézère are perfect for canoe and kayak trips. You can paddle quietly past castles, picturesque villages and impressive cliffs, such as at Château Castelnaud and Château Beynac. If you are in seek of a more challenging activity, try whitewater canoeing on the Auvézère. You can also make multi-day trips where you combine canoeing with camping on secluded riverbanks for a unique experience.
Hot Air Ballooning - Soar over the beautiful landscapes and castles of the Dordogne.
Paragliding - Experience the ultimate freedom and breathtaking views.
Paintball and karting - Ideal for teenagers and adults looking for some extra thrills.

Things to do near your holiday home in the Dordogne

There are many possibilities for entertainment in the vicinity of your holiday park in the Dordogne. Together with your family or your partner, you can choose what type of activities you want to partake in during your holiday in France.

Gardens of Marqueyssac or Eyrignac- Visit these beautifully landscaped gardens that give spectacular views over the valley. There are many other gardens in the Dordogne.
Hiking- The Dordogne has numerous hiking trails, from easy routes along the river to challenging treks through rugged gorges and forests. You can get maps and guides at your holiday park in the Dordogne or at a local tourist office.
Amusement parks- Go to an amusement park like Jacquou Parc or a festival together with your family. Here you will find plenty of entertainment for young and old. Other recommendations include the adventure parks in Laveyssiere and Saint-Vincent-le-Paluel, the aquarium in Le Bugue, the zoo in Calviac-en-Perigord and the Préhisto-Parc in Tursac for a trip back in time.

Local markets- Visit lively markets in villages and towns to taste local products such as truffles, foie gras, cheese and wine.
Truffle farms: Go in search of the "black gold" of the Périgord in one of the truffle farms in the region.
Prehistoric caves- Visit the famous caves of Lascaux or explore the Valley of the Vézère, also called 'Vallée de l'Homme', a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Les Eyzies is known as the "capital of prehistory" with caves such as Font-de-Gaume and Combarelles, which contain beautiful petroglyphs. The Gouffre de Padirac is also somewhere you must visit.
Cloister of Cadouin- Between Bergerac and Sarlat, you will find the Cloister of Cadouin which is from 1115, and still has some intact parts. The abbey church, the sacristy and the Romanesque foundations of the buildings are still standing. The completely Gothic monastery itself dates from the end of the 15th century. Monastic life came to an abrupt end in 1790, during the French Revolution.