Things to do in Dordogne
Discover the best attractions and experiences Dordogne has to offer
Historic Monuments
Discover Dordogne's history through its cliff-top fortresses and medieval monuments.
Château de Beynac
A cliff-top fortress overlooking the Dordogne, dating from the 12th century, offering sweeping valley views.
Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
A fortress housing an extensive collection of medieval arms with panoramic grounds.
Cathédrale Saint-Front, Périgueux
A Romanesque cathedral with distinctive domes and a central role in the city's history.
Museums
Delve into prehistory and regional culture, from ancient caves to modern interpretation centers.
Musée national de Préhistoire
World-class collection in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil illustrating prehistoric life.
Lascaux IV – International Centre for Cave Art
Modern replica and interpretation center near Montignac dedicated to prehistoric cave art.
Grotte de Font-de-Gaume
Historic cave with original polychrome paintings, open to visitors seasonally.
Religious Monuments
Visit ancient abbeys, cathedrals, and churches that shape the region's spiritual heritage.
Abbaye de Brantôme
A serene riverside abbey town landmark with centuries of monastic history.
Église Saint-Front, Périgueux
A grand Romanesque church anchoring the city’s spiritual heritage.
Abbaye de Cadouin
12th-century abbey known for its cloister and historic connections.
National & Theme Parks
Enjoy protected landscapes and family-friendly parks that showcase the Dordogne's natural beauty.
Parc naturel régional Périgord-Limousin
A vast, protected landscape spanning parts of Dordogne and neighboring departments.
Le Bournat – Le Monde d'Autrefois
Family-friendly theme park recreating a 1900s village with rides and demonstrations.
ZooParc de Calviac-en-Périgord
Zoo offering close encounters with savannah and forest species in a Dordogne setting.
Neighborhoods
Stroll through the region's charming towns and perched villages where history feels close.
Sarlat-la-Canéda old town
Wander the narrow medieval lanes and stone façades of this famed market town.
Bergerac historic center & riverfront
Charming riverside streets with arcades and traditional Perigord inns.
Domme
A perched bastide town with dramatic views and medieval charm.
Free Things to Do
Take advantage of the landscape and streets without breaking the bank.
Stroll along the Dordogne river banks
Follow scenic paths and watch boats drift by through charming villages.
Wander the medieval lanes of Sarlat
Explore stone streets, markets, and courtyards without an entry fee.
Viewpoints above Domme
Take in sweeping panoramas from clifftop terraces.
Gastronomy
Sample Perigord specialties, from foie gras to truffles and walnut products.
Foie gras in Périgord
Savor this regional delicacy in renowned delicatessens and restaurants.
Truffle products from Sorges
Taste truffle oil, salts and chocolates from Dordogne's truffle country.
Confit de canard
Classic duck confit reflecting the region's traditional cooking.
Noix du Périgord (walnuts) & walnut oil
Taste the country’s prized walnuts and aromatic oils.
Nightlife
Experience relaxed evenings in historic towns with wine bars, cafés, and views.
Evenings in Sarlat-la-Canéda's old town
Historic streets glow at night with lively cafés and ambient lighting.
Wine bars along Bergerac's riverfront
Relax with local wines in scenic, intimate settings.
Riverside cafés in La Roque-Gageac
Casual drink spots with views over the Dordogne after sunset.
Entertainment
Look for seasonal performances, medieval markets, and castle shows across the region.
Fête médiévale de Sarlat
A traditional medieval festival with performances, markets and pageantry.
Sound and light show at Château de Beynac
Evening exhibitions illustrating the fortress's history.
Seasonal markets and street performances in Domme
Vibrant town events featuring music and crafts.
Sports
Active travelers can paddle, hike, and cycle through the Dordogne's scenic countryside.
Canoeing/kayaking on the Dordogne
Paddle along calm stretches past cliffs, chateaux and villages.
Hiking in the Vézère valley
Scenic trails with prehistoric sites and limestone landscapes.
Cycling along Dordogne routes
Enjoy flat and rolling countryside on well-marked cycle paths.
Off the Track
Discover lesser-known sights like caves, Bastide towns, and unusual geological formations.
Gouffre de Proumeyssac (Crystal Cathedral)
A dramatic limestone cave famed for its airy chambers and formations.
Grotte de Rouffignac
Mammoth cave with an underground train route and cave drawings.
Monpazier
One of France’s best-preserved Bastide towns, offering quiet exploration.