The central towns for exploring the Valley of the Dordogne are Argentat and Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, both attractive small towns offering all facilities and numerous leisure opportunities, and each with tourist offices to give you lots of useful information.īe sure to spend time in both towns - especially don’t miss the quai area in Argentat, a very picturesque stretch of river with several cafes where you can sit and enjoy the view across the river, enjoy the sunshine and relax in peace, and the old town in Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne. The countrsyide is largely unspoiled and there are many traditional houses and smallholdings to admire as you explore.
The landscape consists of steep wooded hills climbing up both sides of the river valley, with small picturesque villages both in the valley itself (eg Brivezac and Saulieres) and also nestling deep in the ‘side valleys’ (eg Neuville and Albussac). The Valley of the Dordogne developed because of the importance of the river as a transport route and trade originally developed around the wood and leather industries. Hence it is on the river Dordogne but is not in the Dordogne department - it falls within the southern Correze department.Ĭlick here for places in the Dordogne department. The Esplanade du Belvédère, which offers sweeping views over the valley, is the best spot to take in the scenery.The Valley of the Dordogne is the name given to the part of the river that falls within the Correze department, heading upstream along the Dordogne river from Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne (south-west) to the Barrage de Sablier, Barrage de Chastang and on past these dams to Bassignac. The fortified medieval village of Domme is one of the most beautiful in France, and it boasts impressive 13th-century ramparts along with spectacular countryside views. The vineyards were first planted by the Romans roughly 2,000 years ago and continue to thrive in the sun-soaked hills today. Most famous for producing some of the finest wines in the Bordeaux region, the town remains a popular base on the Dordogne’s wine route. Guarded by no fewer than seven imposing medieval gates, the UNESCO–listed town of Saint-Émilion features Romanesque churches and ancient ruins hidden along its narrow, cobbled streets. Some tours combine these caves with the National Prehistory Museum in Les Eyzies de Tayac and the UNESCO-listed Rouffignac Cave. Believed to have been painted over many generations, the images depict hunting scenes from daily life at the time. No visit is complete without heading up to the 14th-century hilltop castle to gaze out over the landscape below.Ī UNESCO World Heritage Site, the prehistoric caves at Lascaux are home to primitive drawings of animals dating back to the Upper Paleolithic era, about 50,000 years ago. Visitors come for the maze of cliffside chapels and spectacular scenery in equal measure, and highlights-that can be enjoyed via a guided tour-include the sacred Notre Dame Chapel and sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Nestled in a gorge overlooking the Dordogne River, Rocamadour has been a popular pilgrimage site for centuries. Take a walk along the Rue de la République, then use Sarlat as a base for other destinations in the region. With more than 250 buildings dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, the town’s sense of history is strong. The medieval town of Sarlat in the Périgord region draws many visitors, especially in summer. Here are a few ways to make the most of your time in the Dordogne River Valley. Charming towns dotted with medieval architecture, dramatic French countryside scenery, fertile vineyards, and rich culture: the Dordogne region is an alluring corner of rural France.
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