2025 Dordogne Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

With its fascinating cultural heritage and beautifully preserved natural environment, the Dordogne Valley has it all. In the summer months, the clear waters of the Dordogne river provide lots of fun activities including swimming and canoeing. It is the only river in France to be part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, a prestigious recognition for an environment of exceptional quality. The Dordogne Valley retains many traces of its historic past. From cave paintings to Roman occupation, or from the Hundred Years War to the Renaissance, all have shaped the landscape you see today. The Dordogne Valley boasts no less than 5 of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, including Collonges-la-Rouge, a fairy-tale like village built entirely in red sandstone. With its cobbled streets, manors, artisan shops, cafes and restaurants, it seems to glow in the evening sun. At the heart of the Dordogne Valley stands the sacred city of Rocamadour. The Dordogne Valley is ideal for nature lovers with an endless choice of hiking, biking and riding tracks in unspoilt countryside. After all of these activities and sightseeing, there is the food to taste! Try their local specialties: truffles, strawberries, walnuts, goat cheese, chestnuts… … a platter of choice that makes the Dordogne Valley world famous for its gastronomy. #bestislandtraveltowns#naturalwonders#nationalpark

#Travel itinerary [3-day core route｜Just follow the same!] D1: Bergerac wine village → Montpazier (the most beautiful medieval market) → Sala (view of the old town from the top of the Church of St. Mary) D2: Beinac Castle → La Roque-Gageac → Dome (tea time in the cliff village) → Rocamadour night walk D3: Padirac Cave underground adventure → Lascaux IV cave painting experience → Périgou city (you must try the truffle pasta!) 🌟Must-see fantastic attractions 1️⃣ Epic scenery on the cliff • La Roque-Gageac One of the most beautiful villages in France! The village is located under the golden cliff, and the Dordogne River flows beneath your feet. The best time for taking pictures is when the morning fog is thick! Wear a bright-colored long dress and take a back shot to complete your life photo📸 • Rocamadour A medieval sanctuary built on a steep canyon! Climb the stairs of the ‘Black Madonna Church’ and you’ll see the panoramic view along the river at a glance! A magnificence where faith and nature come together. It’s even more fantastic at night with the lights on✨ 2️⃣ A fantasy experience like time travel • Lascaux IV A cave museum that recreates actual prehistoric murals in 1:1 detail! It feels like mammoths and buffalos come to life with the light. An experience of teleporting to a primitive world 20,000 years ago (guided tours must be booked in advance!) • Gouffre de Padirac An unknown adventure where you take a boat into an underground river! The stalagmites and cave domes that are tens of meters high are amazing. A phone camera can’t capture all this emotion! (Make sure to bring non-slip shoes!) 3️⃣ A must-see attraction for castle nerds • Beynac Castle The filming location for the movie Joan of Arc! If you climb the steep stone steps, you can feel the atmosphere of a medieval battlefield. The sunset over the Dordogne River from the top... It really brings tears to my eyes🌄 • Castelnaud-la-Chapelle A military museum + catapult demonstration! The best place to go with kids. You can also dress up as a knight, so it's recommended for families or those looking for a great photo🤺

#Traveling abroad strategy If you visit France, be sure to stop by Sarlat-la-Canéda in the Dordogne region! This town, which has retained its medieval charm, is known as one of the most beautiful historical towns in France, and has an atmosphere like a scene from a movie. 📍 Sarlat's charming points 💎 Old Sarlat Walking down the cobblestone alleys lined with medieval and Renaissance buildings, you'll feel like you've traveled back in time. Recommended spots: ✔ Place de la Liberté - Cafes line the streets in the center of town ✔ Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral - Beautiful Gothic architecture ✔ Tour du Manoir - Observation tower with a panoramic view of the city 🛶 Dordogne Valley Take a boat cruise along the Dordogne River to enjoy picturesque scenery. ✔ Château de Beynac - A medieval castle perched on a cliff ✔ Château de Castelnaud - A fortress with a knightly history 🍽 Gourmet experience | A must-try specialty! 🦢 Foie Gras - France's leading producer of Foie Gras. Enjoy it in terrine or sauteed 🍄 Black truffles - A local specialty known as the "black diamond." Great for egg dishes and pasta 🌰 Walnuts - Walnut cake and walnut ice cream are delicious 🍷 Wine - Be sure to try the wines from Bergerac and Pécharmant 🚗 How to get there ✈ Nearest airport: Brive-Souvere Airport (BVE) or Bordeaux Airport (BOD) 🚄 Train: Take the TGV from Paris to Bordeaux or Brive Station, then drive from there (about 1.5 hours) 🚗 Car rental: Sarlat is convenient as it is dotted with tourist attractions 🏰✨ If you want to experience the beauty of the French countryside, Sarlat is the best choice! Why not spend some special time in this town filled with history, nature and fine cuisine?

#myhiddengems Dordogne was a surprisingly refreshing stop during my visit to the south west of France. What makes it a hidden gem is the fact that it is not so well known compared to other part of France. And that adds to it's appeal. is full of medieval villages, castles, impressive churches, stunning landscapes, and more caves than any other region in France. Indeed, Dordogne is home to many prehistoric paintings, considered the finest examples in Europe. Dordogne also makes a brilliant case for family getaways as it has excellent food and wine, friendly locals, beautiful weather, and plenty of activities. Speaking of which, since it is built around the river. It offers a stunning landscape that is composed of lush forests, rolling hills and imposing cliffs. I arrived here from the Boardeux airport. The drive was almost two hours and happen to sign up for a hot balloon air tour. The best experience and way of truly appreciating the beauty of this place. The following day I had so many options in castles to pick from. Most that I visited were stunning.That and the medival village vibe was a great memory. Lastly and more importantly the food wasn't a let down. From Query lamb to walnut pies and roccadeur cheese. Dordogne has a rich cuisine history and offerings for those who love food!#myhiddengems #100waysoftravel #france #medival #familygetaway #singapore