Things to do in Dordogne
Planning a holiday in our beautiful region? Why not let a local campsite introduce you to the treasures it holds? From villages to castles, from gardens to caves, discover the most beautiful sites of the Dordogne and the Périgord Noir (Black Perigord).
The most famous cave in the world: Lascaux
Tucked away in the heart of the Vézère valley, the Lascaux cave is one of the most important ornate caves known to date. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is cut off from the public to preserve the original rock paintings.
To admire the parietal art of our ancestors, go to Lascaux IV: The International Centre for Parietal Art. It features a complete replica of the original cave. On its walls, horses, bison, deer, bears, felines and even rhinoceroses come to life before the dreamy eyes of visitors.
The museum also has a number of scenographic areas where you can delve deeper into the history of our predecessors.
The gardens, a touch of green in the Black Périgord
- Marqueyssac Gardens
- Eyrignac Gardens
- Carsac Water Gardens
These gardens are a masterpiece of topiary art. Romantic and picturesque, they offer a pleasant stroll among the meticulously trimmed box trees, ending with a breathtaking view over the entire valley.
Right next to our campsite is a lotus and water lily paradise. If you are near Carsac between May and September, stop by these gardens dedicated to 200 species of aquatic plants.
Right next to our campsite is a lotus and water lily paradise. If you are near Carsac between May and September, stop by these gardens dedicated to 200 species of aquatic plants.
Village-hopping in the Black Périgord
Tantalize your taste buds in Sarlat
Sarlat, a remarkably well-preserved medieval town, is the capital of the Black Périgord. With its stone buildings, its market, and its culinary specialities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the holidays.
Immerse yourself in history at La Roque-Gageac
Between the cliffs and the river, La Roque-Gageac hides a few surprises: an exotic garden, a bamboo grove, and a troglodyte fort. The village is easily accessible from the Dordogne River, and many kayakers stop here before continuing to explore the river.
Discover our campsite near La Roque-Gageac
Get a bird’s eye view of the village of Domme
When you see twin towers at the entrance, cobblestones lining every street, and a hidden cave: you’ve arrived in Domme. This fortified village is also classed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. It is visited on foot, offering a journey back in time to the Templars’ era.
Discover our campsite near Domme
Castles stand guard over the Périgord Noir
For a very long time, the Dordogne valley was a transit route, and therefore a place of conflict. The medieval city of Sarlat and all the castles dotted around the Périgord Noir bear witness to this. And some still stand firmly on their foundations, sometimes perched above the river like immortal sentinels.
Castelnaud Castle
Now a museum, the castle houses a superb collection of weapons and armour, as well as life-size replicas of the most powerful siege engines of the Middle Ages.
Milandes Castle
Deeming her husband’s castle too dark and austere, the Lady of Castelnaud requested the construction of a new residence: Milandes Castle.
With its Renaissance style combined with Gothic touches, it stands out from other monuments in the Dordogne region.
Beynac Castle
The reflection of a huge cliff in the Dordogne River. Cobbled streets echoing a distant past. And at the very top, a castle offering unparalleled views. Welcome to Beynac-et-Cazenac, one of the most popular villages in the Périgord Noir.
Must-do activities in the Dordogne
The Dordogne region has many rivers and streams. Once commercial routes, they are now a wonderful asset for tourism in the region.
Of all these rivers, the Dordogne is the most popular: kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and traditional flat-bottomed boats share its waters for nearly 120 km in the heart of the valley, between Argentat and Beynac. The landscapes unfold, alternating between lush green banks, sandy or pebble beaches and steep cliffs.
To discover the Dordogne River with your family or friends, you don’t need a guide. Hire a kayak or canoe and let yourself be carried away by the peaceful waters of the river.
The Dordogne is dotted with viewpoints, each more beautiful than the last. But none of them will be a match for the views from the sky. An unforgettable holiday memory and an emotionally charged moment, a hot air balloon ride is also a Dordogne classic.
As well as its historic sites and gourmet specialities, the Dordogne is also appreciated for its well-preserved biodiversity, particularly in the Périgord Vert and Noir (Green and Black Perigord) regions. The Dordogne is the only river in mainland France to be classified as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
Surrounded by such lush greenery, it’s only natural to set off on a hike. Whether you prefer cycling on the trails, leisurely walks, or exhilarating mountain biking, the choice is yours!
Near our campsite, the Dordogne Valley Greenway provides a safe and peaceful place for cycling and other non-motorised outings. From Carsac, it heads north to Sarlat or runs along the Dordogne River towards the east.
To best explore the Dordogne, opt for camping
Le Rocher de la Cave Campsite is located south of Sarlat, on the banks of the Dordogne River. A prime location for exploring the historical sites of Black Périgord whilst enjoying the benefits of the river. Come and discover our campsite and book your next stay!
