Discover the Dordogne

Discover the Dordogne – endlessly varied, always enchanting

The Dordogne is not only the name of the river that winds gracefully through the landscape, but also the name of the region itself – a place that continues to surprise and delight, no matter how often you visit.

Whether you're strolling through authentic French villages, taking in the elegance of a city like Périgueux, browsing a brocante market, or exploring one of the region’s thousand castles – there’s something new to discover every day.

The variety is truly impressive:

  • 556 kilometres of river to canoe, paddle or simply dip your feet in

  • over 190 historical monuments

  • 70 museums showcasing art, history and local heritage

  • 2000 watermills, each with a story to tell

  • 32 gardens and parks, many of them breathtakingly beautiful

And then there’s the food and wine. The Dordogne is a paradise for lovers of French cuisine – from truffles and walnuts to confit de canard and foie gras. And of course, the local wines: rich, refined, and deeply rooted in tradition.

The famous wine city of Bordeaux is just an hour’s drive away – ideal for a day filled with flavour, culture and inspiration.

The Dordogne-Périgord

Dordogne-Périgord – where every village has a story to tell

The Dordogne-Périgord region may not have large cities, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s a landscape dotted with small towns and authentic villages, each with its own character, charm, and heritage – and all worth discovering.

Périgueux, Sarlat & Bergerac

The capital Périgueux is a true Ville d’Art et d’Histoire, home to Gallo-Roman ruins, medieval alleyways and elegant Renaissance houses. Sarlat and Bergerac share the same title. Sarlat boasts more protected buildings than any other city in Europe – 253 in total – and feels at times like a journey back to the Middle Ages. Bergerac is celebrated for its wines and its literary icon, Cyrano de Bergerac.

Charming countryside towns

Don’t miss Brantôme-en-Périgord, also known as the "Green Venice of the Périgord", or Nontron, famous for its handmade knives. Villages like Saint-Aulaye-Puymangou, Excideuil, and Saint-Cyprien offer history, nature, and a peaceful rhythm of life.

Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

The Dordogne has more villages awarded the “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” label than any other department. These beautifully preserved medieval villages are living postcards of French history, perched on hilltops or nestled along rivers.

Route des Vin

oute des Vins – a journey of taste through the Dordogne

Hop on a bike, jump in the car, take the camper or motorcycle – and set off on the Bergerac–Duras Wine Route, a scenic 20-kilometre trail winding through rolling vineyards and picturesque villages on both sides of the Dordogne River.

Along the way, you’ll pass châteaux, family-run domaines and charming wineries where you can stop for tastings, tours, or to bring home a favourite bottle.

This route introduces you to seven distinct terroirs, each with its own expression and story:

  • Bergerac – balanced reds and fresh whites

  • Duras – elegant, approachable wines

  • Monbazillac – lush, sweet wines for desserts or cheese

  • Saussignac – refined and expressive

  • Rosette – delicate, floral and rare

  • Pécharmant – bold, structured reds perfect for food pairing

  • Montravel – from crisp sauvignon to velvety merlot

Whether you’re a connoisseur or a curious wine lover, this route is the perfect way to taste the heart of the Dordogne.

1001 Castles

There are more than 1.000 castles in the Dordogne. Many can be visited. Some say the Castelnaud Castle is the most beautiful in the area.

Sports enthusiasts welcome

The Dordogne – a paradise for active travellers

If you love to stay active on holiday, the Dordogne is made for you. This region is a playground for mountain bikers, canoeists, hikers, anglers, golfers, and horseback riders – with endless space, peace and natural beauty.

Here you can:

  • paddle along 556 kilometres of river by canoe or kayak

  • hike over 600 marked trails through forests, vineyards and hills

  • play on more than 10 golf courses, from 9 to 27 holes

  • fish in clear rivers and tranquil lakes

  • explore on horseback via winding paths and open fields

The Dordogne invites you to move, breathe, and reconnect with nature in a way few other regions can offer.

Historic cities

There are many historic cities in the Dordogne. Nearby Les Rocailles you can visit Bergerac. At 70 km is the beautiful city of Sarlat de Canada, it is considered as the pearl of the Dordogne. Furthermore we can recommand; Belvès, Eymet and Périgueux.

Visit the markets

Charming markets to explore

Near Les Rocailles, there’s a market to visit almost every day of the week. From lively brocante fairs to atmospheric farmers' markets – there’s always something to discover.

Browse for that perfect vintage dish or a quirky antique, sample local cheeses, sausages and sun-ripened fruit, or sip a glass of wine from a nearby producer.

There’s so much to see and taste – and of course, we’ll happily share our favourite markets with you during your stay!