Location: Dordogne
Top Things to do in Dordogne
Top Hotels in Dordogne
Countries
Top 10 Nature & Parks 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. 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.
2. Les Combarelles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
Reviewed By wanderingwanda855 - Berkeley, United States
Since it's the same line to get tickets to both caves, and the etchings in this cave are quite different from the polychromatic cave paintings at Font-de-Gaume, it is worthwhile to buy tickets to this cave if they are available, even if there are no English tours. Fewer people are allowed into this cave than Font-de-Gaume but the history is similar. So if you get an English tour at Font-de-Gaume but only a French tour to Les Combarelles, you'll already have learned about the background and history.
3. Grotte de Rouffignac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 951 reviews
Reviewed By davide-a-g-i
We arrived there around 9.20 to find already a big queue. Could only get a place for 11:30, so I strongly recommend to get there early. That being said, the cave is gorgeous and I totally understand the way it is being protected by limiting the number of daily visitors, to avoid the fate of other famous caves like Lascaux. The train is a nice touch and the guide was clearly passionate about prehistoric art. Lovely place in a lovely region.
4. 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.
5. Reserve Zoologique de Calviac
6. Les Jardins du Manoir d’Eyrignac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,162 reviews
7. Grotte de Bernifal
8. Les Jardins d'Eau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 827 reviews
Au coeur du Périgord noir dans un cadre magnifique où la nature vous apporte une qualité de vie exceptionnelle, bienvenue dans ce site dédié à la magie de la nature. Les 3 hectares des JARDINS D'EAU offrent un nouveau lieu de promenade qui ravira petits et grands, vacanciers ou scolaires. Leur originalité réside dans les éléments qui les composent : diversité des bassins, eaux calmes, cascades, ruisseaux, végétation luxuriante conférée par les lotus, fleurs aux multiples coloris et plus belles les unes que les autres. Les variétés présentes, venues d'Amérique et d'Asie, se sont parfaitement adaptées ici (floraison étagée de mai à octobre).
Reviewed By AnneLouise228 - Montaigu-de-Quercy, France
We visited during the Confinement when we were allowed to travel 100 kms from home but before any restaurant activity. We took a picnic and were so delighted by this beautiful place. Boardwalks separating the different pools showing water lilies, lotus flowers, all manner of water plants and gorgeous koi fish in a beautiful setting with fountains playing - makes it a delight for children as well as adults. There were lots of shady places to sit, including the picnic spots. We were planning a small water garden at home and enjoyed buying our plants there with helpful advice and instruction from the friendly staff (possibly the owners). Delightful gift shop. All in all, a fabulous day out.
9. Les Grottes de Maxange
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 454 reviews
In the heart of Perigord, the caves of Maxange were discovered in 2000. It didn't take long for them to be recognize as one of the most beautiful caves of France. Maxange is classified since 2013.Don't miss this incredible journey.Au coeur du Perigord,Les Grottes de Maxange, decouvertes en 2000 n'ont pas mis longtemps a etre reconnues comme l'une des plus belles grottes a concretion de France. Venez les decouvrir au plus vite.
Reviewed By Lowleytheworm - Cynwyd, United Kingdom
Lovely cave where we took our somewhat reluctant 7 and 11 year old boys. They loved it with spectacular stalactites and unusually shaped formations in vast quantities. Well worth the time to visit
10. Grotte de Villars
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