Attractions In France: Spotlight On The Dordogne
Some of the most fascinating attractions in France are located in the Dordogne and southwest France.
The region is famous for its astonishing lascaux cave paintings…
Heading into a cave in the Dordogne!
…as well as a seemingly endless supply of clifftop chateaux. These alone could easily fill up a holiday!
The natural beauty of the Dordogne villages and countryside attracts thousands of visitors every year. The medieval town of Sarlat is a highlight, with its charming narrow lanes, gas lamps and beautifully preserved stone buildings.
Sarlat has an excellent weekly market on Saturday mornings – selling truffles, walnuts, flowers and mushrooms.
Sarlat
Even in winter, Sarlat can be fun. The town has a film festival in November, as well as truffle and foie gras markets in December, January and February.
If you’re interested in exploring the surrounding area on foot, you can pick up some information on hiking and bike trails from the Sarlat tourist office (3 Rue Tourny).
The pilgrimage town of Rocamadour is one of the most popular tourist attractions in France. Built on a spectacular rocky outcrop, the town is perched dramatically over a gorge on the river Alzou.
If you’re feeling energetic, you can climb up the 200-odd steps to see the chapel of Notre Dame, famous for the Black Madonna. Rocamadour is officially in the Lot département but can be reached as a day trip if you’re based near Bergerac or Sarlat.
Rocamadour
Other villages worth visiting include Beynac, Brantome, Limeuil, and La Roque-Gageac (the list goes on…)
La Roque-Gageac
Despite the region’s beauty, the Dordogne has had a turbulent past. Years of war have left their mark with the many castles and bastides (medieval fortified towns) that can be found here – try and visit Monpazier if you can – one the finest bastides in the area.