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The Dordogne, in the Périgord, combines UNESCO World Heritage sites with well-preserved medieval villages. Its river is best explored by canoe and reveals rare panoramas. For a responsible nature stay, favour gentle activities: paddling, cycling along the greenways, walking tours of the bastide towns. Wondering where to start?
Here’s an overview of the must-sees and good tips from your eco-friendly campsite to enjoy the area responsibly.
Nature activities in the Dordogne combine river, forest and villages. The Dordogne can be paddled by canoe along marked stretches, notably between Vitrac and Beynac. This 12-kilometre route crosses the Périgord noir, with views of the castles from the water.
On land, other experiences round out the discovery:
According to UNESCO, the Vézère valley contains 15 listed prehistoric sites. Lascaux remains the most famous. The original cave has been closed to the public since 1963 to preserve the paintings. A full-scale replica, Lascaux IV, faithfully reproduces the frescoes near Montignac.
At Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, the world capital of prehistory, the Musée national holds a major collection. The Grotte de Font-de-Gaume displays the last polychrome paintings open to the public in France. Visits take place in small groups to preserve the site.
Our favourite: Lascaux IV pairs well with the Abri du Cap Blanc. This site is a 15-minute drive away and features a unique carved frieze. The contrast with Lascaux IV’s high technology makes the visit a great complement. Book your time slot online: capacity is deliberately kept limited!
The Périgord has more than 1,000 castles and 10 villages ranked among the most beautiful in France. For a first visit, focus on the highlights of the Périgord noir.
The Périgord terroir is savoured as much at the markets as at the producers themselves. The Périgord walnut carries a protected designation of origin. It is used in countless local recipes, from salads to tarts.
Black truffles, nicknamed black diamonds, are sold at the markets of Sarlat and Sainte-Alvère. The season runs from December to February. Foie gras, truffles and wines from Bergerac round out the menu of gourmet Périgord, alongside autumn porcini mushrooms and chestnuts.
To meet producers directly, several options exist:
Ready to set down your bag for a nature stay in the Dordogne? Book an eco-friendly campsite in the Dordogne now and explore the Périgord while limiting your carbon footprint.
The best time to visit the Dordogne runs from May to September. May and June bring lush greenery and fewer crowds at the listed sites. July and August are the busiest, with night markets and festivals. September remains ideal for canoeing and visits without the crowds.
Allow at least 5 days to visit the Dordogne without rushing. That’s enough time to combine 1 canoe trip, 2 prehistoric visits and 3 medieval villages. To reach the north of the department or the Périgord-Limousin, plan for a full week instead.
The most beautiful villages in the Dordogne are concentrated in the Périgord noir. Sarlat-la-Canéda, Domme, La Roque-Gageac, Beynac-et-Cazenac and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle form the heart of the circuit. In the Périgord vert, Saint-Jean-de-Côle stands out for its stone-slab roofs. Each can be visited on foot in half a day.
Yes, Lascaux IV accepts visitors without prior booking. Online ticketing is nevertheless strongly recommended during peak season. Time slots fill up quickly from July to August, especially on rainy days. Arriving in the morning increases your chances of getting the visit you want.
The standout Périgord products to bring home are walnuts in every form, PGI foie gras, tinned confit and magret, dried porcini mushrooms, and wines from Bergerac or Monbazillac. Sarlat’s markets offer the widest choice straight from the producers.
Getting around the Dordogne without a car remains possible thanks to the TER regional train lines between Périgueux, Bergerac and Sarlat. The Dordogne greenway links several villages by bike over 140 kilometres. In summer, tourist shuttles serve the main sites. In rural areas, local carpooling often helps.
