10 Best Things to Do in the Dordogne

This cave is home to a gallery of over 200 carefully engraved figures which were created over 14,000 years ago. The only polychrome painting of its kind, compared to other monochrome paintings, it features painted bison, reindeer, horses and mammoths. The Chapelle de Bisons is particularly noteworthy because of the way it captures reindeer and horses in motion.

Located near Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, there is discussion of the Font-de-Gaume cave being closed to the public due to the fragile nature of the art. Only 78 people are given access daily so it’s important to be there early to join the queue. English-guided tours run twice a day in summer.

Food doesn’t get any fresher than this. Sarlat market is a celebration of local produce, allowing you to meet the farmers and enjoy a taste of their local delicacies. Depending on the season, you’ll be able to find foie gras, bolete mushrooms, duck, truffles, walnuts, honey, wine and more.

Located in the heart of Sarlat’s old town, the Wednesday market tends to be a bit quieter whereas the Saturday market draws crowds from near and far. We recommend getting there early to secure a parking place and see the best of the produce.

Built on a rocky outcrop in the 12th century, you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time as you explore this perfect example of a medieval fortress. It now houses the Medieval Warfare Museum with a collection of more than 250 weapons and armor. The collection includes a trebuchet and couillard which are sometimes used in live demonstrations.

In the heart of the Perigord Nord region, 9 kilometers from Sarlat, the strategic position of the castle will also offer you stunning views of the region. There is lots to do for the whole family with a range of demonstrations, including a guided tour in English, and an activity booklet. Entry is free for under 10s.

Built in 1489, Château des Milandes is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture with its stained glass, winding staircases, turrets and gargoyles. Home to the Caumonts until the French Revolution, it was then renovated by Charles Augustus Claverie in the 20th century. This included commissioning Jules Vacherot, the chief gardener of Paris, to design the beautifully landscaped gardens you can still see today.

Located in Périgord Nord, 16 kilometers south of Sarlat, Château des Milandes is now accessible by public transportation as well as by automobile. The castle also hosts bird-of-prey demonstrations you can even take part in. If you need an energy boost during your visit, there’s a restaurant, food truck and sandwich shop on site.

Look at any picture of Périgueux and your eye will automatically be drawn to the cathedral which dominates the skyline. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the stages on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, the cathedral is an interesting mix of architectural styles.

Located near the Isle River at the edge of the historic center of Périgueux, the cathedral was largely destroyed by fire in 1120 and was subject to huge restoration works in the 19th century. To see the cathedral in its entirety, head to one of the bridges across the river for an excellent vantage point.

First inhabited by bears, this large cave network houses an impressive collection of prehistoric art which is at least 160 centuries old. The number of mammoths depicted is what makes this collection of work particularly impressive and gives the cave it’s nickname of “the 100 mammoths cave”.

Located in the middle of Black Périgord, a few kilometers from the prestigious Vézère Valley, you’ll explore the Grotte de Rouffignac by electric train. You’ll travel through 8 kilometers of galleries on 3 levels on the specially designed trains which are designed to help preserve the art. While the guided tour is given in French, an English audio guide is also available upon request.

Not only is the prehistoric artwork stunning, but the story of its discovery is also equally interesting. After being naturally sealed for centuries, 4 teenage boys and their dog stumbled across the entrance in 1940, uncovering an incredibly valuable link to our ancient past. It was closed in 1963 to preserve the artwork before a new interpretation and cutting-edge reproduction of the cave was opened in 2016.

Located 2 kilometers south of Montignac, the artwork has been reproduced using the latest in 3D printing and laser technology to recreate it to the millimeter. You’ll be taken on a 1-hour guided tour through the recreated cave before taking a self-guided tour with a tablet. Book in advance or come early to avoid disappointment.

A city under a city, the remains of the Vesone domus were uncovered in 1959. Since 2003, the museum, designed by architect Jean Nouvel, has housed this fascinating discovery. You can now peek below the surface and discover more about this ancient city dating back to Julius Caesar’s conquest.

Located in the city of Périgueux, you’ll also find a museum on site which displays some of the archeological findings, testifying to the significance of the city and the residents’ way of life in terms of religion, food and personal care. Audio guides are available in French, English, Dutch, German and Spanish for both adults and children.

Sitting high above the Dordogne River, the Chateau de Beynac offers stunning views of the valley and a unique view into the past. Built upon a limestone bluff, the cliff offers a natural defense with the first recorded resident dating back to 1050. A double wall and a double moat add to this natural protection.

Located in Beynac-et-Cazenac, highlights include the Roman-style keep, a large State Room and a 15th-century chapel decorated with frescos. The information inside the castle is rather sparse so we recommend buying the information booklet to understand the bigger picture and wider context.

Dating back to the 19th century, the Marqueyssac Gardens offer 6 kilometers of paths surrounded by 150,000 hand-pruned boxwoods. Designated a National Historic Monument, a viewpoint on a rocky spur gives you panoramic views of the valley and its many castles.

Just 8 kilometers south of Sarlat, the Marqueyssac Gardens feature a unique blend of vegetation and species due to the calcium in the soil and lack of water. However, creatures such as peacocks and even a dinosaur have managed to make a home here. You can also see the gardens from a height by taking on the Via Ferrata, a high ropes course along the cliff edge.