Location: Dordogne
Top Things to do in Dordogne
Top Hotels in Dordogne
What to do and see in Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine: The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
Dordogne (French pronunciation: [dɔʁdɔɲ]; Occitan: Dordonha) is a department in southwestern France, with its prefecture in Périgueux. The department is located in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine between the Loire Valley and the Pyrenees, and is named after the Dordogne river that runs through it. It corresponds roughly with the ancient county of Périgord.
Restaurants in Dordogne
1. Les Noyeraies du Landers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 469 reviews
Reviewed By SuzieSarahDavies - Tavistock, United Kingdom
We have just returned from Les Noyeraies Du Lander where we spent a lovely couple of hours. We were welcomed by Julien, the owner, then Manolo took over and gave us the most interesting talk about walnuts from planting, growing, harvesting and all the many processes that goes to producing high quality walnuts and other products. We sampled different coated walnuts and a cake, all quite delicious. We bought some walnut oil to take back to England, which will also remind us of a great tour. Just to say Manolo made such an effort to translate each stage into English and was a real star.
2. Grotte de Rouffignac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 951 reviews
Reviewed By davide-a-g-i
We arrived there around 9.20 to find already a big queue. Could only get a place for 11:30, so I strongly recommend to get there early. That being said, the cave is gorgeous and I totally understand the way it is being protected by limiting the number of daily visitors, to avoid the fate of other famous caves like Lascaux. The train is a nice touch and the guide was clearly passionate about prehistoric art. Lovely place in a lovely region.
3. Cathedrale St-Front
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,002 reviews
Reviewed By ericVvB - Barendrecht, The Netherlands
Nice walking inside and the chandeliers take our breath away. Even when there is a service ongoing and when you are quite, You may visit parts of the building.
4. Chateau de Commarque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,049 reviews
Castle of Commarque, the adventure from Prehistory to the Middle Ages Once upon a time, in a legendary valley, there was a grandiose pile of stones where dungeons and fortified castle, troglodytes and prehistoric grotto were superimposed on a rocky outcrop in a breathtaking landscape. You will engrave the stone with Cro-Magnon, you will draw with the bow like a true knight, you will draw with the pen the poems of the courtly love. You will discover the mysteries of Commarque through games and workshops, medieval investigation but also with free tours, guided tours, exhibitions and 3D projections. Adventure awaits you at Commarque Castle! The ticket includes: free visit, games of yesteryear, exhibitions and 3D projections. During holidays and school holidays are included: guided tours and workshops (archery, stone sculpture, draw me a castle, parietal layout, medieval calligraphy). Medieval survey with small supplement
Reviewed By Marosja - Auderghem, Belgium
We found this place in the book and prospects. And also was close on our way. GPS worked and short walk from parking lot under the trees is great. Go in the morning to enjoy it more. It was a sunny day and when you see valley opened is amazing. No cars, no noise, just history and nature. Greatly recommended for those who love this combination. Real oasis for relax. Small info tables, kiosk to buy a ticket, get your written guide in english and go. Start with meadows, stream, caves under the rock and castle. And “english” private castle on the opposite side. Private, no access. Enjoy as much as possible and let enough time to walk around. Climb to keep to learn castle history since 13 century, with genealogy aa well. Admirable job done by the owner. My respect and all best wishes to continue. Years of precise reconstruction. Middle age games for young and adults. What an idea! Only thing I was missing was a book, booklet to buy and bring piece of it to home. But it remains in us and our pictures.
5. Chateau des Milandes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,634 reviews
Built in 1489, the stunning Chateau des Milandes in the heart of the Black Perigord on the south bank of the Dordogne became home to the black American singer and dancer Josephine Baker in 1947. Baker had become the toast of the Parisian cabaret scene in the ‘20s, being one of the most famous and highly paid entertainers of her day. A French citizen by marriage, during World War II, her status as an international star also enabled her to work covertly for the French Resistance, for which she received the Croix de Guerre. The castle is dedicated to Josephine Baker. In the grounds, bird of prey display with eagle owl and eagle; the garden is a lovely place. Brasserie is open april to first november.
Reviewed By Intlxpatr - Pensacola, United States
This chateau is beautiful. Just seeing it, and the grounds, and eating at the cafe is an enchanting and memorable experience. We toured the castle, but photos are forbidden and there are signs everywhere to remind you. So call me shallow, but I loved the gift shop and was able to find some really neat things for my grandchildren, unusual, lovely and well priced. There is a falconry exhibit throughout the day, There are self guided vox boxes that you are given, and places to hang them when you are about to leave.
6. Chateau de Castelnaud
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,573 reviews
Reviewed By phillipgodfreyv
Thoroughly enjoyed the walk around and through the chateau rooms, we were there for quite a few hours as there is so much to see and do and also fantastic views across the Dordogne Valley.
7. Chateau de Beynac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,352 reviews
Beynac, the most authentic Feudal Fortress of the Perigord. Visitor, welcome to the Feudal Fortress of Beynac. Here, between sky ans earth, time has stopped. Perched high on a cliff at breath-taking heights, the Castle of Beynac acts as a stone sentinel, which for nine centuries, has watched over the Dordogne. Château de Beynac is the most authentic Castle of the Périgord and one of the highlights of the Dordogne. Visiting Château de Beynac is an absolutlely unique and unforgetable experience, a never ending journey of discovery. Open all year, every day. From april until october, guided visit (in French) included in the ticket price. Departures every 30 minutes from 10 AM to 12 AM and from 2 PM to 6:30 PM Last departure 6:30 PM. Enjoy your visit at Beynac, the most emblematic Fortress of the Perigord!
Reviewed By docko1 - Chicago, United States
Unlike, say, Commarque, which is still only partially standing, Beynac is intact and well cared for. This fortified chateau is beautifully situated above the river, with spectacular views, even on to other such wonderful buildings. We spend two great hours there and learned a lot. Also, I'm devoted to small Romanesque churches, and the one at Beynac, perched on the edge of a precipice, is terrific.
8. Sarlat Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,384 reviews
Every Wednesday and Saturday the great Sarlat market attracts vendors from the region.
Reviewed By delainef2020 - Salt Spring Island, Canada
The markets, held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings are full of wonderful foods;breads, foie gras (a specialty here), wines, fruits and vegetables, spices & herbs, as well as other niche articles such as walnuts, walnut oil and vin de noix, which is made from walnuts when they are still green. The old walled town is built of of stone houses which date back hundreds of years and with the assistance of forward looking government officials has been refurbished to its present day glory by showing ancient architecture in modern times. A special Festival takes place in early March, the Fest-Oie, which celebrates the geese of Sarlat which provide the foie-gras gras in its many forms, some of which are offered for tasting during the Fest weekend. Sarlat also hosts weekend celebrations of film, theatre and local cuisine over the summer and the fall. It is a lovely place to visit; be sure to take part in a free walking tour which is put on by the tourism bureau of Sarlat which will give insights into the fascinating history of this beautiful town and the region.
9. Les Jardins de Marqueyssac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,495 reviews
Marqueyssac is one of the most beautiful romantic gardens of France and today the most visited garden in Perigord. Listed as a national historical monument thanks to its 54 acres park, Marqueyssac's gardens offer more than 6 kilometres of shaded paths in a maze of 150 000 hand-pruned boxwoods. From the belvedere, at 130 meters above the Dordogne river, you will see the most spectacular panorama in Perigord. This is the testimony of a rich bygone history and a gorgeous natural heritage. It's also an exceptionnal Dordogne valley point of view, you will see its most beautiful villages : Domme, Castelnaud, Beynac, Fayrac, La Roque-Gageac and its castles.
Reviewed By tk3232 - Sugar Land, United States
The Garden of Marqueyssac is the private estate that was born from the history of a family dating from the 17th century. Today it is the most visited garden in Aquitaine and it is really worth to make a stop at least for couple hours. This unique garden open all year round daily 10 am - 7 pm with free parking. This info is important - to save your time and energy : The park is divided into two parts - the garden and the park. For less time visit a GARDEN only, it is located at the very beginning after you have bought ticket in a wonderful souvenir shop. Also here are a healthy cafe/restaurant with outside and inside sitting and absolutely breathtaking view over Dordogne Valley and couple castles such as Castelnaud, Fayrac and Beynac, ac exposed dinosaur, the aviary and small Chateau with couple open rooms to public. All of them is the main and best part of this site and the reason why the people come here. Second part is a PARK - huge, long way to walk, with the possibility of getting lost, not too much places to sit and relax. Map which given by ticket box is not help. Don't go if you are not planning to spend much time here and if you don't want to walk a lot. The best part of this walk is the view from Belvedere (800 meters walking distance from entry) to the manicured Roque Gageac village and its river. Les Jardins de Marqueyssac (Gardens) today listed as a National Historical Monument and this garden is unique with its beauty, culture and history.
10. The Maison Forte de Reignac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,128 reviews
Reviewed By Richlma
Had an excellent visit to the castle set in the rock side, Guide book in English given to us which was very informative. The have done an excellent job renovating the castle, and I am sure parents and children will thoroughly enjoy the experience. No cafe on site however, just back down the road Les Eyzies de Tayac , had several cafes and bars. An excellent day out.
