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

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

Hey travel buddies, Dordogne in France is a must-visit! This fairytale-like region boasts medieval towns, riverside castles, mouthwatering cuisine, and romantic valley landscapes perfect for boating, hiking, or simply daydreaming. It's truly the treasure of southwestern France. Here's my carefully curated Dordogne travel guide – save it now! 🎉 1. Transportation 🚗 Located in southwestern France near Bordeaux, the best way to reach Dordogne is to fly to Bordeaux first, then rent a car. Self-driving is highly recommended as public transport between towns is limited, giving you more flexibility. 2. Must-Visit Attractions 📍 • **Sarlat-la-Canéda**: Known as the "Medieval Jewel," it's packed with Gothic and Renaissance architecture dating back to the 14th century. Every alley in the old town feels like a movie set, and the bell tower of Sainte-Marie Church offers breathtaking panoramic views. • **Rocamadour**: A stunning pilgrimage town built into a cliffside, with layers of buildings cascading down the rock face. A major pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages, its churches and monasteries seem to grow right out of the stone. • **Château de Beynac**: A medieval fortress perched on a hill overlooking the Dordogne Valley, featured in films like *The Lord of the Rings* and *The Messenger*. It played a key role in the Hundred Years' War. • **Lascaux IV**: One of humanity's greatest archaeological discoveries, this cave features incredibly preserved prehistoric paintings depicting ancient life. 3. Food Adventures 🍽️ • **Foie Gras**: Dordogne is the birthplace of foie gras. Almost every local bistro serves its own version, like pan-seared foie gras with bread – crispy outside, tender inside – paired perfectly with sweet white wine. • **Truffles**: Winter is truffle season, with many villages hosting truffle festivals. Black truffles are shaved thinly by French chefs to elevate dishes like foie gras or scallops. • **Walnuts**: A local staple, often eaten raw in salads or baked into *Gâteau aux noix du Périgord* (walnut cake), served with walnut liqueur-infused cream for a sweet treat. 4. Accommodation Tips 🏨 • **Sarlat Old Town**: Lively and convenient, ideal for first-time visitors with plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. • **Gîtes (Farm Stays)**: Experience French countryside life, perfect for families. • **Riverside Campsites**: Great for outdoor lovers or those traveling with kids. 5. Pro Tips 💡 • **Opening Hours**: Attractions' schedules vary by season, so check in advance. • **Ticket Prices**: Prices differ, so research and book ahead. • **Best Time to Visit**: Spring and autumn (April–June, September–October) are most comfortable, while summer offers more activities (but more crowds). • **Other Notes**: Pack comfy shoes for Dordogne's winding paths, and motion sickness meds if needed. Dordogne’s beauty and flavors are calling! Pack your bags and start your French adventure! 💕

#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