The definitive guide to sightseeing 
in the Dordogne region

What to visit in the Perigord Vert:

1. Jumilhac le Grande (22mins/18.3km) (See top 12)

2. St Jean de Cole (22mins/22.7km) (See top 12)

3. Grottes de Villars (20 mins/19.4km) (See top 12)

4. Chateau Puyguilhem (24mins/22.9km)

Sits in a spectacular setting with forests closing in on the back and open meadows to the front. It was constructed in the 16th century and it is similar in style to those of the Loire Valley.

5. Boschaud Abbey (24 mins/24km) 

The Cistercian Abbey of Boschaud is today a stunning ruin, its name derives from Bosco Cavo meaning wooded dell which best describes its beautiful location. Founded in the 12th century and partly destroyed during the Wars of Religion, the Abbey has an air of spirituality about it.

NB Grottes de Villars, Chateau Puyguilhem and Boschaud Abbey are right next to each other

6. Nontron (28mins/24km)

Set up high, Nontron is the centre of the Perigord Vert and is building a reputation for the arts which can be found in the ‘Espace des Arts’. Nearby you can visit the workshops of the famous ‘Nontron Knives’ which have been made there for over 500 years. 

7. Piégut-Pluviers (29 mins/24km)

Since 1642, an important market has been held here on Wednesday mornings which lines the pretty streets. Great selection of Dordogne and Charente food and a great place to buy the famous Charente slippers.

8. Velorail du Perigord Vert (29mins/29.4km) (See top 12)

9. Brantome (36min/35.1km) (See top 12)

10. Excideuil (37mins/37.9km)

This pretty town with a very busy Thursday market has several reasons to visit. It has a lovely market square near the 12th-century castle which is reputed to have repelled Richard the Lionheart on three occasions.  Excideuil is also the home of the oldest building on the Dordogne, the 12th-century hospital. A village fountain and a selection of other old buildings make this a popular place for tourists.

11. Chateau Hautefort (55mins/53.9km)

Stands proudly above the village and is listed as a historical monument. It’s, without doubt, one of the most remarkable 12th-century chateaux in the Dordogne. Its elegant rooms inside are luxuriously decorated with furniture from the 17^th and 18^th However, it’s the meticulous French-style gardens that most people go to see which are particularly beautiful. Landscaped by top French designer Comte de Choulet in 1853, the geometrically cut flower sections and topiary are very photogenic. Below is the village, where there is a small museum dedicated to medicine.

12. Bourdeilles (43min/44km)

This stunning village has a castle, mill, medieval village and panoramic viewpoints over the river Dronne. The castle is two inside the same grounds, a 13th-century fortress, and a 16th-century Renaissance building.  Inside this can be which displays found some beautifully furnished rooms featuring items from the 16^th to 19^th century. The most beautiful is the ‘Salon Dore’ or golden room. The gardens are laid out in a typically French style. Visit the 12th-century church and see the attached medieval garden leading down to the river. This village is a lovely place to stop off for lunch and watch the world go quietly by.  

13. Grotte de Tourtoirac (49mins/47km)

The village itself is very pretty centred on a Benedictine abbey which displays tools and weapons found in excavations. See the 18^th century ‘Manoir de la Farge’ and tannery. Just outside the village caves were discovered in 1998 which opened to the public in 2010 showcasing illuminated stalactites and stalagmites. It also has some quite rare small twisted stalactites called excentriques.

 

What to visit in the Perigord Noir/Dordogne valley:

1. La Roque Gagnac (1hr 26mins/83.2km)

Another of France’s beautiful villages, it's picture-perfect with houses made of golden stone. Walk up the hillside past a delightful tropical garden to reach the fort on the top. This is another place you can take the ‘Gabarre’.

2. Sarlat le Caneda (1hr 44mins/104km)

This is the most visited place in the Dordogne and is a superb example of a restored medieval town. It has the highest density of historic and classified monuments in France. Narrow cobbled streets in the centre are filled with small boutiques selling local produce including foie gras and walnut-based items. There is a market on Wednesday mornings but the size is amplified on a Saturday morning when the whole centre is filled with stalls and is the best market in the region by far.  Visit the cathedral and the ‘Manoir de Gisson’ for a glimpse into a world gone by. Finally, the panoramic lift open in the summer gives a wonderful 360-degree view of the town.

3. Beynac et Cazenac (1 hr 46mins/114km)

One of France’s most beautiful villages, located on the banks of the Dordogne River, has a stunning 12th-century castle which towers over the village. A 45-minute trip on a traditional ‘Gabarre’ boat is the best way to view the area including several chateaux that follow the river line.

4. Chateau Milandes (1hr 53mins/116km)

Built-in 1489, this lovely Renaissance castle has many Gothic features. Bought in the 1920s by the dancer Josephine Baker, it houses a fine collection of her clothes and covers the history of her life at the chateau. The adjoining park is beautiful and there is a bird of prey aviary there too.

5. Gardens of Marqueyssac (1hr 53 mins/117km)

The suspended gardens of Marqueyssac are listed as a national monument and are the most popular gardens in the Dordogne. Situated on a spur it has probably the best advantage point to see a panoramic view of the Dordogne valley. Much of it is in clipped and softly shaped boxwood, dating back to the 19^th century and is very much in keeping with its environment. 

6. Chateau Castlenaud (1hr 53 mins/119km)

This 12th-century medieval fortress offers superb panoramic views over the Dordogne valley. It houses an important collection of weapons and armoury. See a recreated siege machine from the Middle Ages.

7. Domme (1hr 55 mins/116km)

A third of a trio of beautiful villages in the area, Domme doesn’t disappoint. The village is pretty and is located quite high up the hillside, offering a fantastic view of the river. Visit the cave system under the main square called the ‘Grottes de Domme’. The public park is a lovely place to have a picnic.

8. Chateau Felenon (2hr 6 mins/116km)

The 13th-century castle on the banks of the Dordogne is furnished in the style of the Middle Ages. Interesting curiosities room from world travels. Three bedrooms of mention too, Louis 13^th, Louis 16^th, and 1st Empire style. Drew Barrymore was filmed here in ‘Ever After’…

9. Chateau Biron (2hr 7 mins/130km)

This 13th-century castle on the bank of the Dordogne has an extremely interesting history.  The ramparts are reputed to be haunted by Charles du Gontaut, beheaded there in 1602.

What to visit in the Perigord Pourpre:

1. Issigeac (1hr 19 mins/146km)

Issigeac is a charming medieval village just southeast of Bergerac known for its lively Sunday morning market. The town's history dates back to prehistoric times, with buildings from the 13th to 16th centuries still standing. The layout of Issigeac features narrow, winding streets lined with ancient structures, some of which have been recently restored. As the village gains popularity, many homes are being purchased and refurbished, preserving its historic charm.

2. Limeuil (1hr 27mins/96.7km)

Discover Limeuil, a charming village nestled at the meeting point of the Dordogne and Vezere Rivers. With opportunities for canoeing and a serene river beach, Limeuil is a gem waiting to be explored. It holds the prestigious title of being one of "the most beautiful villages of France". Stroll through the village's meandering cobbled streets, lined with enchanting honey-coloured houses and enjoy fabulous views of the Dordogne river from the beautiful hilltop garden. Don't miss the various gateways that punctuate the fortified walls, adding to the village's historic charm.

3. St Avit Senieur (1hr 38mins/113km)

The bastide village of Saint Avit Senieur is home to an abbey dedicated to Saint Avit, a hermit who passed away in 570. Avitus, as he was known, caused a pagan temple to collapse with a prayer and the sign of the cross, leading him to become a hermit in the area. The abbey, now mostly in ruins, still features an impressive 11th-century church, presbytery, and monks' dormitory. The church is adorned with frescoes and remnants of painted designs on the walls.

4. Bergerac (1hr 39 mins/103km)

Bergerac is a treasure trove of art and history. Explore the charming old town, where you'll find the iconic statue of Cyrano and the fascinating 'Tobacco Museum' showcasing millennia of history. Wander along the quay to discover the elegant 'Maison du Vin de Bergerac' housed in a magnificent 17th-century building, where you can enjoy a complimentary wine tasting. Don't miss the bustling market near the Notre Dame church on Wednesdays and Saturdays. For a unique perspective of Bergerac, take a leisurely cruise on an old riverboat.

5. Cadouin (1 hr 40mins/107km)

This quaint medieval village is considered one of the top three attractions in Aquitaine, thanks to its renowned abbey established in 1115. During the Middle Ages, it was a significant pilgrimage site, as it was believed to house a fragment of the shroud of Jesus Christ. Although the cloth was later discovered to be from the 12th century in 1930, the abbey remains a fascinating destination to explore.

6. Monbazillac (1 hr 40mins/109km)

The small village of Monbazillac found just a short drive south of Bergerac, is renowned for its castle. The castle, a designated historical monument, was built in the 16th century. It boasts an early Renaissance design and is surrounded by beautiful woodlands, offering stunning views of the region. Inside, visitors can explore elegantly decorated rooms and apartments.

However, the main attraction of the Monbazillac area is its wine. With 3500 hectares of vineyards, this region produces one of the most famous and highly regarded sweet white wines in the world. The castle holds wine tastings, a double reason to visit.

7. Beaumont-du-Perigord (1hr 53mins/118km)

The hilltop village of Beaumont-du-Perigord stands out as a remarkable bastide in the Périgord area. It was constructed with a dual layer of fortified walls, featuring 16 stone defence gates. Today, only the Luzier footbridge remains. The Tour de Bannes is a part of the original town defences, offering a chance to stroll around the old rampart and admire the Porte de Luzier and the tower.

The impressive Eglise Saint-Laurent-Saint-Front in Beaumont du Perigord is a rare example of a 14th-century church blending Military and Gothic styles. It is considered the most stunning fortified church in Southwest France, with two towers flanking its facade.

8. Montpazier (1hr 58 mins/122km)

Monpazier, another of France's most beautiful villages, was founded in 1284 by King Edward I of England and has a rich history as a bastide town. The central square, the town's highlight, is surrounded by ancient buildings, original arcades, renaissance windows, and wrought iron balconies. Over 30 buildings in Monpazier are classified as national monuments, preserving the village's charm for over 700 years.

What to visit in the Haute Vienne

The Haute-Vienne is the north-western department of the Limousin region of southern-central France, with the Centre (Loire Valley) region to the north, Poitou-Charentes to the west and the Dordogne to the south. As you might guess from the name the River Vienne crosses the department.

While many visitors are first attracted to the Haute-Vienne by the quiet unspoiled countryside, which includes parts of two Regional Natural Parks (Perigord-Limousin and Millevaches) there are also a good number of interesting villages and towns, museums, and historic monuments, to add variety to your visit.

Places to visit:

1. Chateau de Chalus Chabrol (16mins/15.8km) (See Top 12)

2. Chateau de Montbrun Dournazac (17mins/11.7km)

Built in 1179, this historic castle has been completely renovated with 500 acres of land and is today up for sale.  It is located on a moated island and is a stunning location for photography, especially at the start and end of the day. Dournazac village has a Chestnut museum and an annual weekend fete dedicated to the Chestnut in late October.

3. Chateau de Brie (22mins/18.3km)

On the Richard the Lionheart route, this fortified house was built in 1484 in Gothic style. Fully furnished the castle also includes an automata world where 70 animated characters take you to the four corners of the world.  Used nowadays as a wedding venue.

4. Chateau de Lastours (28mins/25.4km)

On the Richard the Lionheart route, the castle is now a ruin and is used in the summer months for period events and medieval festivals. At 10 pm on selected days, costumed volunteers will take you for an atmospheric nocturnal walk.

5. Le Jardin de Liliane (29mins/31.3km)

A beautiful French garden located in the village of St-Laurent-sur-Gorre near Limoges. This 8000m garden has been developed over the last 30 years and if you speak French then you can discuss the plants with Liliane herself. 

6. St Yrieix la Perche (33mins/38km) (See top 12)

7. Chateau de Nexon (36mins/34.9km)

This chateau is surrounded by 38.5 hectares of ground around which you can take a 3-mile walk and take in the lovely forest scenery. This includes a waterfall and ‘Jardin des Sens’. In the chateau, you can visit the stables and a small chapel.

8. Rochechouart (38mins/36.3km)

A pretty walled town with a large 13th-century Chateau which now houses a modern art museum. The church St-Sauveur is famous for its octagonal-shaped spire. The town itself was hit by a meteor some 214 million years ago, although little evidence remains today, except for a museum dedicated to this phenomenon. A visit to the cemetery will reveal the tomb of Leonce Chabernaud, a wholesale wine merchant who died in 1953. He designed his tomb in the shape of a giant wine barrel which shocked both the clergy and the press at the time.

9. Saint Junien (46 mins/47.8km)

A relaxing town situated on the banks of the rivers Vienne and Glane, each spanned by a lovely 13th-century bridge. The church is one of the largest and oldest in the region and the Saint Amand Abbey is open in the summer. Famed for glove making a guided tour from the tourist information centre picks up a glove factory visit and the other sites to see. Those with a sweet tooth like to try Le Gateau Arena (Almond cake), a chocolate-coated prune, soaked in liqueur and filled with nougat called Le Cyrano and Le Bourgou a cake filled with chestnuts and honey. Just outside the village lies Site Corot, a beautiful mill beside a river, and the hut where the 19th-century artist painted. 

10. Limoges (49mins/52.5km) (See top 12)

11. Oradour sur Glane (49mins/57.3km) (See top 12)

12. Chateau de Chalucet - St-Jean Ligoure (52 mins/52km)

This fortress is one of the most beautiful ruins in France. Take a guided tour during July and August otherwise, there is a trail in the surrounding forest that gives you information about the area. Or you can discover Chalucet through a group riddle on your smartphone.

13. Chateau de Coussac Bonneval (53 mins/45.8km)

This beautiful castle surrounded by lavender, oak and chestnut trees has been the home of the Bonneval family for over 1000 years. Take a timed afternoon guided tour and discover the chateau’s fascinating history. In the grounds is a visually very interesting chapel.

   14. Mortmart (1hr 2mins/57km) is the only beautiful village in the Haute Vienne which certainly lives up to its name. Enjoy the remains of the dukes of Mortemart's château, fabulous granite houses, two former convents and the delightful 16th-century wooden covered market hall. 

   15. Saint Leonard de Noblat (1 hr 12mins /68.9km)
A charming medieval town and one of the oldest in Nouvelle Aquitaine. The beautiful church is well worth a visit and houses a lock of St Leonard’s hair which you can touch if you want to get married that year! Find here a museum dedicated to the 18th-century chemist, Guy-Lussac who developed a gas chemistry law. Look out for shops selling marzipan for which it is famous.

    16. Moulin de Got (1hr 13mins/69km)
This lovely 16th-century paper mill (situated just outside St Leonard de Noblat) is a living museum and exhibition centre. Located by a river with picnic facilities.

17. Eymoutiers (1 hr 25mins/87km)
A delightful medieval town on the banks of the river Vienne renowned as the birthplace of the 20th-century artist Paul Rebeyrolle, who has a museum dedicated to him here. There is a mineral museum to visit and it’s possible to take a steam train through the local countryside.

    18. Lac de Vassiviere (1 hr 57mins/111km) One of France’s largest man-made lakes with an island in the centre dominated by a chateau. The lake is both a nature reserve but also very important for water sports. There is a free water taxi to get you about.

What to visit in the Charente:

The Charente in the department of Poitou-Charente is named after the river that runs through its two main towns of Angouleme and Cognac.

1. Cassinomagus (41mins/42km)

The most monumental Gallo-Roman baths in Northern Europe outside of Rome were first excavated in 1958. Built at the beginning of the 2nd century AD, the baths covered 12,500m2 and included a 30m high temple. You can walk through the many types of bathing rooms and wall pictorials show a reconstruction of how it would have looked in its prime. This is an excellent site and well worth a visit.

2. Villebois-Lavalette (1 hr 2mins/66km)

Is dominated by a large hilltop 12th-century Chateau de Villebois. The Saturday market is worth a visit alongside the old houses and buildings that make up this very scenic village.

3. Confolens (1hr 4mins/69km)

This medieval town with over 60 half-timbered houses and its 13th-century bridge make a.  Famous for an annual International Folklore Festival held in August, it's well worth a place to stop off at.

4. Angouleme (1hr 17mins/75km)

Is surrounded by large boulevards which stand above the original ramparts that protected the town. Known for both art and history there is much to see in the old town including a very ornate cathedral. Museums include Fine Arts, Archaeology, Paper and Comic books. It has two famous annual events; an International Comics Festival in January and a Classic car race in September, which first started in 1939.

5. Aubeterre sur Dronne (1hr 21mins/78km)

Located on a steep hill, this is the only one of France's most beautiful villages in the Charente. It has welcomed tourists for over 1000 years and was an important stop on the pilgrimage route to Compostella in the Middle Ages.  Of particular interest is the unusual Troglodyte (Underground) church of St Jean which is well worth the visit. The lovely Romanesque church of St Jacques church with its stunning facade and the many delightful small streets brimming with eateries, boutiques and galleries make this village a delight to visit.

6. Cognac (1hr 48mins/120km)

Not only renowned for its brandy this lovely city also has other things to offer besides the obvious. It has several historic buildings including the Valois Castle and the Chateau of Cognac. The Cognac Museum is dedicated to local art and history, whereas the Arts of Cognac Museum is dedicated to the story of brandy. Several of the major Cognac brands offer visits and tastings.

7.Saintes (2 hr 14mins/147km)

Although this place falls into the Charente Maritime region, for those who have an interest in the Roman Period, it's a must-visit. Situated by the river, it's a pleasure to meander through its medieval streets, on route to the Roman Amphitheatre, which is the best-preserved example you are ever likely to find.

So, in conclusion, the above list is not exhaustive but includes suggestions for some of the most popular places to see.