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The most beautiful places in Dordogne !

Dordogneis a region where you will find the best of everything France has to offer, historical cities boasting of a glorious medieval past, with over one thousand castles and stately homes; and hence culture on every street corner.

Nature of course is magnificent here, as the weather is mild all year round, summers never get scorching and winters enjoy a sea breeze keeping temperatures acceptable. The Dordogne River adds to the green and charming environment, meandering across the towns and villages that are all worth visiting.

We have made a selection here which is far from exhaustive, and don’t hesitate to get curious and discover other places :

Périgord

The Périgord area is synonym to Dordogne, and is worth visiting while you are here on holiday. Get out of your holiday house for a few hours and discover the four colours of Périgord: black, white, green and purple.

This is a touristic differentiation, identifying the Périgord Noir (Black) as the region filled with forests and therefore darker, which has no less than nine villages among the Most Beautiful Villages in France.

The Périgord Blanc (White) is the administrative area and gets its colour from the local limestone in which the main buildings were constructed.

The Périgord Vert (Green) is where you will find the waterways and green plains, as well as the Natural Regional Park of Périgord-Limousin, that is home to a variety of fauna and flora.

Finally, the Périgord Pourpre (Purple) is all about grapes and wine country. Our holiday houses all have an authentic feel and great views.

Beynac-et-Cazenac

Where do we start? A magnificent village classified among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, overlooking the Dordogne River.

Its fortified castle is a fabulous example of medieval architecture, and you can enjoy the views, terraces and atmosphere with a glass of good wine. As any good knight ever did!

Then after a day’s discoveries, relax by the swimming pool at the holiday house you rented.

La Roque-Gageac

Another village classified among the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Another superb place where you can enjoy narrow medieval streets, and views of the Dordogne River.

You can even take a traditional boat called “gabarre”, use either one of the two local companies Gabarres Norbert and Gabarres Caminades.

Market day is Friday morning, don’t miss it! Bring all your goodies home for a relaxing dinner by the pool.

Bergerac

We cannot in all decency write a blog about Dordogne without mentioning Bergerac. City of art and history, culturally rich, home to one of the most famous French plays Cyrano de Bergerac.

From the various squares with their terraces, all offering fine wines, beautiful views, try the courtyard of la Maison des Vins along the Quai Cyrano where you can have a glass of wine and a bite to eat. Then head to the Notre-Dame Church and St Jacques Church next to the statue of Cyrano.

And if all this history is starting to become too much for your younger crowd, head out to the Aqua Park! After all this, relax in the comfort of your holiday house with all its modern fittings.

Domme

Yet another village classified among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, this surprising little town houses a few surprises. Visit the Chateau de Caudon and its remarkable French gardens, then right under the Office du Tourisme building, you will find the Grotto of Domme, an underground marvel. Head out to the Royal Bastide of Domme, a jewel of medieval military architecture. There you will see graffiti that was attributed to the Order of the Templars, but evidence today refutes it. Back to being a mystery.

So much excitement deserves a glass of fine wine on the terrace of your holiday house!

This is a selection of places worth visiting during your stay in the area. However, this is only a selection, and the whole area is packed with villages, one prettier than the next, excellent food and fine wines.

Drive out, discover, take pictures, and enjoy yourselves!

Rent a holiday house with a swimming pool in Dordogne or in Nouvelle-Aquitaine for a great holiday.

>> Our houses have been carefully chosen to offer you great locations and a charming stay.

Perhaps you would like to leave Dordogne for another time? Check out our extensive offer in other regions of France or Italy, and get in touch if you need our help.