6 favourites in the dordogne valley

1. Time travel back to prehistory

It is not by chance that prehistoric humankind chose to settle in the region 18,000 years ago. Exceptional works of art such as the cave paintings of Lascaux, the 15 prehistoric sites concentrated in the Vézère valley, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage sites... today, a whole range of tours and experiences are available.

Lascaux IV – The International Parietal Art Centre in Montignac

The Lascaux cave is a masterpiece of prehistoric art with paintings presenting about 600 animals (horses, bulls, deer, felines, ...) and mysterious symbols. Rediscover the site at the International Parietal Art centre, an 8.000 sq. metre venue at the foot of Lascaux hill. This exceptional site includes a brand new replica of the famous Lascaux cave which takes visitors back to the origins of human history through sensory and interactive tours.

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Parc du Thot

Right next to Montignac, exploring the Thot is an ideal complement to visiting Lascaux. A theme park that offers an approach to cave art with augmented reality animation.

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Prehistory workshops

The National Prehistory Museum, International Prehistory Pole and the Roc de Cazelle Caves in Les Eyzies offer different types of workshops: silex-carving, fire-lighting, prehistoric painting…

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The Neanderthal Man Museum in La Chapelle aux Saints, in Corrèze

On  August 3rd, 1908, La Chapelle-aux-Saints became one of the world's great prehistoric sites: a nearly complete skeleton of a Neanderthal man was found there, the first known at that time. The Man of La Chapelle-aux-Saints is still known worldwide and remains a historical, archaeological and anthropological reference. Around the reenactment of a Neanderthal burial site, visitors are invited to discover a detailed presentation of the results of the anthropological study, to see the stone tools discovered on the site and to learn about the game hunted by Neanderthal man.

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2. A journey through 1001 castles

Magnificent buildings such as castles, manors and bastides dot the valley and are an attraction for culture and heritage fans. Of you enjoy old buildings and traditional villages, this is the ideal spot for you! There are 191 sites and monuments open to visitors.

Château de Castelnaud

Learn all about the medieval world and the customs of the time and have fun while you do! This registered historical monument towers above the Dordogne valley and offers a beautiful panorama over the river.

Good to know : tours include discoveries and experiments for both children and adults (French/English)

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Château des Milandes

Milandes’s fame began with Josephine Baker. She purchased the castle in 1947 and created an indoor and outdoor stage on which she performed for her friends and set up the first amusement park in the region. Today, the spirit of Josephine Baker is still alive at Les Milandes with a museum dedicated to her and to the beautiful French gardens around the castle.

Good to know : your ticket includes a tour of the castle with an audio-guide, a birds of prey show, a tour of the gardens and activities for children (feed the exotic birds, falconry). Open every day. (French/English)

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Château de Val

Château de Val, a 15th century fortress, overlooks the Upper Dordogne Valley. Flanked by six towers crowned with machicolations and topped with pepper pot roofs, it offers an exceptional visit. Exhibitions are organized from mid-March to mid-October. Musical entertainment takes place in the castle courtyard, in summer.

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3. 100% nature experiences

Canoeing down the Dordogne

It is also a chance to meet the fauna and flora and to take a real refreshing dive into the heart of the majestic Dordogne River. Many canoe rides along various itineraries are available for visitors of all ages.

Further informationwww.dordognecanoe.com | www.tourismecorreze.com

Hiking in the valley

The Dordogne Valley offers nature lovers many hiking opportunities on marked and preserved routes, be it for a few hours or even several days, the. Here are the 6 most reliable walking routes in the valley: In the footsteps of the Men of Lascaux - 90 km, On Barker's Paths in the Dordogne Valley - 80 km, The GR de Pays du Midi corrézien - 118km, From Périgord to Rocamadour - 180 km, The Dordogne from villages to dams - 200 km. 

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Pedal along cycling routes and greenways

For safe riding, cycling routes or greenways built on former towpaths or disused railway lines no longer in use, are to be preferred. The itineraries dedicated to cycling include major routes such as La Flow-vélo - 290 km, the Isle Valley Greenway Cycle Route - 120 km, In the Wheel of Lawrence of Arabia - 370 km, the cycle route connecting Peyrelevade to Liourdres. 

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4. Gourmet experience at the Sarlat market

The organic night market in Sarlat is a must for gourmets. You can find foie gras, the famous cep mushrooms, duck or goose breast and confit, truffles, nuts, strawberries and many other delicious local products. The Sarlat belvedere with its panoramic view, nestled in the heart of the bell tower of Sainte-Marie church, offers visitors a unique experience. Once at the top, the lift gives you a 360° view of Sarlat, a medieval city not to be missed and registered as a "Town of Art and History": cobblestone streets, honey-coloured stone walls, slate-covered roofs...
What’s more, take advantage of guided gourmet tours or visits to nearby farms, and discover the many other typical markets in the villages of the Périgord Noir: Issigeac, Beaulieu, Domme etc...

5. Tour of the Dordogne Valley’s remarkable gardens 

Whether they are French, English, Italian, thematic or contemporary, the Valley’s gardens are worth a visit. Each one offers visitors a moment out of time. 

The Marqueyssac hanging gardens in Vézac

The site’s biodiversity is outstanding. Varied, quality habitats, 22 hectares of preserved nature, 6 km of walkways lined with 150,000 pruned box trees. The itinerary is divided into three routes up to the Dordogne belvedere, 130 m above the river. From there, admire the panorama of the Dordogne river, the surrounding fortified medieval towns and castles.

Good to know: on summer evenings, candlelight tours are available (in French and English)

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The gardens at Château de Hautefort

Château de Hautefort is famous for its French gardens and the 30-hectare English park surrounding it. The château has been awarded the first ecolabel for a cultural site, which includes film shootings, themed guided tours, an experimental vegetable garden and workshops on biodiversity and sustainable management. (French/English)

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Sothys gardens in Auriac, Corrèze

These gardens, inspired by the world of cosmetics and aesthetics, offer a new look at nature. Over 4 hectares, the gardens alternate between French gardens, Japanese gardens, rose gardens and Egyptian escapades. Nature activities and musical events are offered.

Good to know: you can take a hot air balloon flight over Sothys Gardens. 

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6. Unusual sites 

• The 12th century troglodytic fort of La Roque-Gageac, towering 40 metres above the village roofs, has been open to visitors since summer 2020. It offers visitors a breathtaking view of the Dordogne valley and can be reached by climbing a steep 140-step staircase built above a void! This amazing new place to visit, clinging to the cliff and overlooking the Dordogne river, offers a modern museography based on portraits of people who have marked the history of the region as well as a breathtaking view of the Dordogne valley.

• In Périgueux, the brand-new tour of the roofs of Saint-Front cathedral offers a new look at the architecture of the city of Périgueux, a "Town of Art & History". The unusual, guided ascent in small groups offers a 360-degree panorama of the city of Périgueux. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, the cathedral is a jewel inspired by Romanesque-Byzantine architecture, recognizable by its cupolas enhanced by bells.

• The Correze route of the Dordogne Valley, in the Upper Valley, from Bort-les-Orgues to Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, offers a breathtaking scenery with steep and spectacular gorges, dams and reservoirs.

Balade en gabares, Château de la Malartrie, Dordogne

The Dordogne Valley

The Dordogne Valley, just under a 2 and a half hours’ drive from Bordeaux and 4 and a half from Paris, is a paradise on earth, with a kaleidoscope of...