Location: Dordogne
Top Things to do in Dordogne
Top Hotels in Dordogne
Countries
Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Dordogne (French pronunciation: [dɔʁdɔɲ]; Occitan: Dordonha) is a department in southwestern France, with its prefecture in Périgueux. The department is located in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine between the Loire Valley and the Pyrenees, and is named after the Dordogne river that runs through it. It corresponds roughly with the ancient county of Périgord.
Restaurants in Dordogne
1. Les Noyeraies du Landers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 469 reviews
Reviewed By SuzieSarahDavies - Tavistock, United Kingdom
We have just returned from Les Noyeraies Du Lander where we spent a lovely couple of hours. We were welcomed by Julien, the owner, then Manolo took over and gave us the most interesting talk about walnuts from planting, growing, harvesting and all the many processes that goes to producing high quality walnuts and other products. We sampled different coated walnuts and a cake, all quite delicious. We bought some walnut oil to take back to England, which will also remind us of a great tour. Just to say Manolo made such an effort to translate each stage into English and was a real star.
2. Cave of Font-de-Gaume
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 764 reviews
The Font-de-Gaume cave is a marvellous example of prehistoric art from the Madgalenian period with a truly remarkable group of polychrome wall paintings and engravings. For reasons of conservation, the number of visitors is limited to 180 each day with a maximum of 12 people per group. Cave of the Vezere valley designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open: > 15th May to 15th September: from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. > 16th September to 14th May: from 9.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Last visit at 4 p.m. Open in accordance with conservation necessities. Closed: > Saturdays. > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 7,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
Reviewed By wanderingwanda855 - Berkeley, United States
We visited on Sunday, October 13, 2019 and we arrived at 7:30 a.m., two hours before the ticket window opened at 9:30 a.m. It was dark and cool (but not cold) and we got seats #3 and #4. By 9:30 a.m., only about 15 of the 30 available seats where taken, which was surprising given all the posts indicating a much higher early turnout. Perhaps because it was after peak tourist season (?). One important note is the cave is closed on Saturdays. On the Sunday we visited, they were going to allow up to 70 people to enter the Font-de-Gaume cave that day and up to 25 people into Les Combarelles. They were only offering tours in French all day for both caves. However, because the first 9-10 people in line were English speakers, they ended up changing the first tour from French to English. For our French tour of Les Combarelles in the afternoon, there were only 5 people and the two French-speaking guests in the group agreed to allow the tour guide to do the tour in both French and English, which was nice of them and helpful for us. Font de Gaume has polychromatic cave paintings while Les Combarelles has etchings, so they are very different - both are worthwhile. Since we had several hours between the two tours, we visited Le village de la Madeleine, the remains of a troglodyte and medieval village to the north, which was also interesting and worthwhile.
3. Cathedrale St-Front
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,002 reviews
Reviewed By ericVvB - Barendrecht, The Netherlands
Nice walking inside and the chandeliers take our breath away. Even when there is a service ongoing and when you are quite, You may visit parts of the building.
4. Chateau de Castelnaud
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,573 reviews
Reviewed By phillipgodfreyv
Thoroughly enjoyed the walk around and through the chateau rooms, we were there for quite a few hours as there is so much to see and do and also fantastic views across the Dordogne Valley.
5. Chateau de Beynac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,352 reviews
Beynac, the most authentic Feudal Fortress of the Perigord. Visitor, welcome to the Feudal Fortress of Beynac. Here, between sky ans earth, time has stopped. Perched high on a cliff at breath-taking heights, the Castle of Beynac acts as a stone sentinel, which for nine centuries, has watched over the Dordogne. Château de Beynac is the most authentic Castle of the Périgord and one of the highlights of the Dordogne. Visiting Château de Beynac is an absolutlely unique and unforgetable experience, a never ending journey of discovery. Open all year, every day. From april until october, guided visit (in French) included in the ticket price. Departures every 30 minutes from 10 AM to 12 AM and from 2 PM to 6:30 PM Last departure 6:30 PM. Enjoy your visit at Beynac, the most emblematic Fortress of the Perigord!
Reviewed By docko1 - Chicago, United States
Unlike, say, Commarque, which is still only partially standing, Beynac is intact and well cared for. This fortified chateau is beautifully situated above the river, with spectacular views, even on to other such wonderful buildings. We spend two great hours there and learned a lot. Also, I'm devoted to small Romanesque churches, and the one at Beynac, perched on the edge of a precipice, is terrific.
6. Chateau de Commarque
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,049 reviews
Castle of Commarque, the adventure from Prehistory to the Middle Ages Once upon a time, in a legendary valley, there was a grandiose pile of stones where dungeons and fortified castle, troglodytes and prehistoric grotto were superimposed on a rocky outcrop in a breathtaking landscape. You will engrave the stone with Cro-Magnon, you will draw with the bow like a true knight, you will draw with the pen the poems of the courtly love. You will discover the mysteries of Commarque through games and workshops, medieval investigation but also with free tours, guided tours, exhibitions and 3D projections. Adventure awaits you at Commarque Castle! The ticket includes: free visit, games of yesteryear, exhibitions and 3D projections. During holidays and school holidays are included: guided tours and workshops (archery, stone sculpture, draw me a castle, parietal layout, medieval calligraphy). Medieval survey with small supplement
Reviewed By Marosja - Auderghem, Belgium
We found this place in the book and prospects. And also was close on our way. GPS worked and short walk from parking lot under the trees is great. Go in the morning to enjoy it more. It was a sunny day and when you see valley opened is amazing. No cars, no noise, just history and nature. Greatly recommended for those who love this combination. Real oasis for relax. Small info tables, kiosk to buy a ticket, get your written guide in english and go. Start with meadows, stream, caves under the rock and castle. And “english” private castle on the opposite side. Private, no access. Enjoy as much as possible and let enough time to walk around. Climb to keep to learn castle history since 13 century, with genealogy aa well. Admirable job done by the owner. My respect and all best wishes to continue. Years of precise reconstruction. Middle age games for young and adults. What an idea! Only thing I was missing was a book, booklet to buy and bring piece of it to home. But it remains in us and our pictures.
7. Sarlat Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,384 reviews
Every Wednesday and Saturday the great Sarlat market attracts vendors from the region.
Reviewed By delainef2020 - Salt Spring Island, Canada
The markets, held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings are full of wonderful foods;breads, foie gras (a specialty here), wines, fruits and vegetables, spices & herbs, as well as other niche articles such as walnuts, walnut oil and vin de noix, which is made from walnuts when they are still green. The old walled town is built of of stone houses which date back hundreds of years and with the assistance of forward looking government officials has been refurbished to its present day glory by showing ancient architecture in modern times. A special Festival takes place in early March, the Fest-Oie, which celebrates the geese of Sarlat which provide the foie-gras gras in its many forms, some of which are offered for tasting during the Fest weekend. Sarlat also hosts weekend celebrations of film, theatre and local cuisine over the summer and the fall. It is a lovely place to visit; be sure to take part in a free walking tour which is put on by the tourism bureau of Sarlat which will give insights into the fascinating history of this beautiful town and the region.
8. Les Jardins de Marqueyssac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,495 reviews
Marqueyssac is one of the most beautiful romantic gardens of France and today the most visited garden in Perigord. Listed as a national historical monument thanks to its 54 acres park, Marqueyssac's gardens offer more than 6 kilometres of shaded paths in a maze of 150 000 hand-pruned boxwoods. From the belvedere, at 130 meters above the Dordogne river, you will see the most spectacular panorama in Perigord. This is the testimony of a rich bygone history and a gorgeous natural heritage. It's also an exceptionnal Dordogne valley point of view, you will see its most beautiful villages : Domme, Castelnaud, Beynac, Fayrac, La Roque-Gageac and its castles.
Reviewed By tk3232 - Sugar Land, United States
The Garden of Marqueyssac is the private estate that was born from the history of a family dating from the 17th century. Today it is the most visited garden in Aquitaine and it is really worth to make a stop at least for couple hours. This unique garden open all year round daily 10 am - 7 pm with free parking. This info is important - to save your time and energy : The park is divided into two parts - the garden and the park. For less time visit a GARDEN only, it is located at the very beginning after you have bought ticket in a wonderful souvenir shop. Also here are a healthy cafe/restaurant with outside and inside sitting and absolutely breathtaking view over Dordogne Valley and couple castles such as Castelnaud, Fayrac and Beynac, ac exposed dinosaur, the aviary and small Chateau with couple open rooms to public. All of them is the main and best part of this site and the reason why the people come here. Second part is a PARK - huge, long way to walk, with the possibility of getting lost, not too much places to sit and relax. Map which given by ticket box is not help. Don't go if you are not planning to spend much time here and if you don't want to walk a lot. The best part of this walk is the view from Belvedere (800 meters walking distance from entry) to the manicured Roque Gageac village and its river. Les Jardins de Marqueyssac (Gardens) today listed as a National Historical Monument and this garden is unique with its beauty, culture and history.
9. Vesunna
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 562 reviews
UNIQUE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE Visit a unique museum in France which is protecting a vast gallo-roman house vestiges, the Vésone Domus. Opened since 2003, in the heart of archaeological and plants park, Vesunna offers a 3000 m2 itinerary of permanent presentation of antique Perigueux. AN ARCHITECTURE BY JEAN NOUVEL Jean Nouvel the building project architect has completed a great number of works throughout the world. He is in particular the architect of the Quai Branly museum in Paris. A large umbrella, which is protecting the antic walls, floats above it. From the mezzanines, an impressive view opens onto the vestiges. Further on, the high glass walls reveal the landscaped gardens of the Vesone Tower and the IVth century rampart vestiges. The building is like a window onto the past which is buried under the modern city.
Reviewed By eddie365 - Alrewas, United Kingdom
What a wonderful experience visiting this exceptional Roman villa complex that has been excavated and expertly enveloped in a weatherproof building. The space is light and airy, the attention to detail is fascinating, and you can really visualise what you are seeing and how it looked in its heyday. There is an excellent film that is worth seeing to show the development of the site and aide visualisation that runs for about 10 minutes and alternates between French and English. The audio guide is functional, and dual / triple language descriptions around the exhibit would be useful for non-French speakers, but this is not to detract fom a great experience,
