Holidays in Dordogne: what to do and visit during your stay in Périgord

Throughout history, Périgord has been at the heart of events, and it still retains countless remains of the sometimes eventful history that unfolded there.

The castle of Castelnaud is one of the most impressive, with the eight centuries of history it tells us. It seems straight out of an adventure book, and one expects knights and lords to appear at any moment. It houses an exhibition of ancient weapons and playful workshops that immerse us in the medieval world.

“Dive into the medieval world by exploring the superb castle of Castelnaud!”

Considered the most beautiful in Dordogne, the castle of Beynac has often served as a film set, and it is easy to understand why. Built at the top of a remarkable village, it stands at 150m in height. Everything impresses at Beynac, from the immensity of its golden walls to the majesty of its crenellated terraces, not to mention the breathtaking view of the valley.

Some castles have the singularity of combining the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Thus, the castle of Bourdeilles is made up of a 13th-century fortress and a 16th-century palace, very refined. From the banks of the Dronne, its 32-meter dungeon does not go unnoticed, and the summer events are an excellent way to discover it from an unusual angle.

The castle of Hautefort has also continued to develop over time. First a medieval fortress, it has been enriched with a residence and then gardens. Today, architecture and nature are one, and one is captivated by the whole.

Of a completely different style, the castle of Puyguilhem dates from the 16th century. In the heart of the woods of Green Périgord, it is a monument of rare elegance whose furnished interiors can be visited while admiring the rounded architecture.

Slightly older, the Milandes castle also displays a lot of grace. The building testifies to the fascinating life of its famous owner, the artist and resistance fighter Joséphine Baker, and organizes grand raptor shows. A visit that has become essential in Dordogne.

In the region, there are fifteen prehistoric sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, indicating the incredible richness of these lands. The terms “Valley of Prehistory” or “Valley of Man” are used to designate the most remarkable ensembles in the Vézère Valley, where the Neanderthal man, Homo Sapiens, and Cro-Magnon man once lived.

The troglodyte sites like the village of La Madeleine and the fortress of La Roque-Saint-Christophe are incomparable witnesses to prehistoric life, with shelters carved into the rock. There are also chasms, Paleolithic deposits, caves, and endless treasures of cave art.

Visit the caves of Dordogne

The first visit to make during your holidays is the Lascaux caves. First, there is Lascaux II, the representation of the original cave, which is called the “Sistine Chapel of Prehistory” because of the value of its paintings, observed by candlelight. More recent, Lascaux IV completes this experience with a museum and digital activities to approach this grand theme in a playful way.

“Discover the Lascaux caves: the Versailles of Prehistory!”

Near Périgueux, the Villars cave is also remarkable with its 13 km of underground galleries and walls of calcite shaped by time. Its paintings are also of great value, especially one of them, extremely rare, representing a human. The Rouffignac cave also preserves many examples of prehistoric art, as well as traces of the passage of animals that lived there. It has the peculiarity of being visited by electric train.

To go further in the discovery of prehistoric Dordogne, a visit is essential: the National Prehistory Museum in Les Eyzies. There is also, in the municipality, a real hub of prehistory, an ornate cave (the Font-de-Gaume cave), straight from the Paleolithic.

And for good reason, five rivers cross it, totaling 150 km of navigable waters : the Dordogne, of course, but also the Dronne, the Vézère, the Isle, and the Auvézère. The bonus is that these waterways are generally calm and flat, allowing for an activity open to all. Many nautical bases offer the rental of canoe-kayak or group outings with a guide.

“Explore the wonders of Dordogne along the water!”

Canoeing can be a sporty activity if you are able to venture into whitewater. In this case, you will find your happiness upstream of the Auvézère. But this activity can also be simply playful, especially on the Dordogne itself, known for its calm and good-quality water. A canoe ride allows you to discover the tourist sites of Périgord from a different perspective, especially the perched villages and fortresses of the Valley of the Castles.

Navigating the Dordogne along the water is a wonderful way to visit the department while taking in a breath of fresh air. Accessible to all family members, canoe rides are unanimous. Glide on the water, admire the landscape that unfolds before you, and enjoy the river beaches for moments of tranquility… We bet you’ll want more!

Festive and gourmet, all three are epicurean! It’s impossible to escape the delicious truffle dishes, confits, foie gras, and other walnut delights, not to mention the wines, especially Monbazillac.

From the city of Périgueux, the cathedral of Saint-Front with its atypical Byzantine domes is often known. It is a city with two faces, divided between its medieval monuments and its Renaissance heritage townhouses. There is also a renowned Gallo-Roman Museum designed by Jean Nouvel.

Sarlat-la-Canéda is as golden as Périgueux is white. The capital of Black Périgord and local gastronomy, it captivates with its mysterious alleys dotted with buildings from another time. And its market is a piece of heritage, its reputation extending far beyond the borders of Dordogne.

“Discover Sarlat-la-Canéda, the capital of Black Périgord!”

Bergerac is, of course, the city of Cyrano (whom you often come across in the streets) and is also a city that charms in all its aspects. From its quay where gabares moor to its paved squares surrounded by half-timbered houses, Bergerac is a city of heritage and terroir.

Several municipalities also have the label “Small Town of Character,” such as the superb Brantôme. Known as the “Venice of Périgord,” it owes its charm to the Dronne that crosses it from all sides. Green, the city lives to the rhythm of the water, with water jousting and sound and light shows. It is also an extraordinary abbey, integrated into the cliff, and a troglodytic monastery.

The Most Beautiful Villages in Périgord

The Dordogne is also a multitude of typical villages, many of which are labeled “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages of France). Between thatched and tiled roofs, the stone villages, each more charming than the other, are nestled in the bends of the river or perched on top of hills.

La Roque-Gageac is undoubtedly the most famous, a village clinging to the mountainside, with troglodytic houses carved into the rock. Every corner is enchanting, and the scenery is magnificent, whether admiring the commune from a boat ride on the Dordogne or ascending the cobbled streets. For the most dizzying viewpoint, climb to the belvedere of the Marqueyssac gardens, 130m above the river!

Domme and Monpazier are among the 18 bastides of Dordogne, villages born just before the Hundred Years’ War and characterized by their very geometric organization around a square. Today, they retain a decor that seems drawn from a period film. The atmosphere also seems unchanged in Belvès, anchored in the Middle Ages, with a superb hall and a treasure hidden in the underground part of the village where beggars sought shelter.

If you visit Beynac-et-Cazenac during your holidays, don’t just visit the castle; also, take a stroll through the village, which has a lot of character. Set in one of the most beautiful corners of Dordogne, it appears proudly on the edge of the river, towering above. Here’s a little secret: it’s a magical place to watch the sunset.

While good legs are needed to storm the castle of Castelnaud, there is a reward: the beauty of the village you pass through to reach the top. You will hardly find a more authentic one, with its paved streets adorned with little gems: fountains, vaulted passages, and ancient houses.

Limeuil is the charming asset, a true hidden treasure, and the words are not overused. Nestled at the confluence of the Dordogne and the Vézère, its magnificent banks set the tone. The beauty of its ochre houses and, above all, the breathtaking viewpoint from the fabulous panoramic garden at its summit quickly make you forget the effort required by its steep streets to climb to the top of the village.

Through a tunnel or even in a basket, descend 52 meters underground to discover a fascinating collection of crystallizations, enhanced by a sound and light show. A place of a thousand legends, it is called the “Crystal Cathedral” because the places are extraordinary.

“The Proumeyssac Abyss, a place of many legends in Périgord!”

The Gouffre de Padirac is in the Lot region but very close to the Dordogne Valley, and its visit is also a must. Everything in this chasm is monumental: its 35-meter diameter entrance, the river flowing 103 meters underground, and its endless network of 40 kilometers of galleries. The visit is done by boat, to have the best view of the different halls of this breathtaking natural cavity. The largest chasm in France, it is one of the most renowned tourist sites.

Stroll through sumptuous gardens

Among the charming visits that the Dordogne can offer, there are very beautiful gardens to discover, especially the Gardens of the Manoir d’Eyrignac. Over 10 hectares, stroll through the paths of a very elegant ensemble, shaped around a private manor. French gardens, English gardens, a flowery ensemble, a romantic corner, boxwood trimmed into animal shapes… Everything is there! Just steps from Sarlat, it is a peaceful and delightful place.

The Gardens of the Château de Jumilhac, on the other hand, follow all the classic codes of gardens attached to castles, inspired by Le Nôtre. Terraced gardens, a labyrinth, a rose garden: it is a timeless and charming visit.

In a completely different style, the Bamboo Gardens of Planbuisson are no less enchanting. Imagine, they bring together 250 varieties of bamboo! A tropical atmosphere is guaranteed during the walk, where you suddenly feel transported to another continent.

“Discover over 250 species of bamboo in the Planbuisson Gardens!”

The same effect is also produced by the Water Gardens of Carsac-Aillac. The stars here are the lotus and water lilies. The successive basins bring a particularly pleasant refreshment, all with a set of colors reminiscent of Monet’s Gardens in Giverny.

The Dordogne, a department that will delight the whole family!

The list of visits to be made in Dordogne could never end. It is a tourist region with many attractions, a favorite destination that leaves no visitor indifferent. Castles, caves, authentic Périgord villages, walks along the water… You will be amazed in this warm and history-laden department, where timeless treasures blend with sublime landscapes. Not to mention that happiness is also in the plate!

An excellent family destination, Périgord will delight both young and old with an endless choice of activities. Between nature and heritage, you will have a thousand discoveries to make during your camping holiday in Dordogne!

There are many campsites in Dordogne, starred or not, with different types of accommodations and rentals at attractive prices. Campsites usually each have their specialty: campsites with water parks, campsites with children’s clubs, others with unusual rentals (tree houses), but also more lively campsites located sometimes around lakes and rivers, such as sports campsites that offer hiking or horseback riding. Not to mention ecological camping or some starred campsites offering luxury accommodations…

So how do you make your choice?

Les Truffières de Dordogne – La Bouquerie can proudly display its advantages with comfortable mobile homes, increasingly attractive entertainment, games, and activities, not to mention flexibility on the reservation of your accommodations, and if necessary, payment cancellation. Most importantly: Our customers are always at the center of our concerns!

With its magnificent covered and heated water park, three water slide tracks, and a lazy river, have fun between two visits in our campsite! If Dordogne lacks no water points, having a water park in your campsite is an almost mandatory asset for children always demanding activities and animations. They will be delighted to enjoy slides, pools, not to mention the mythical water jet games. For the youngest among them, who don’t quite sleep through the night yet, a paddling pool is also available. So, aquatic animations are not reserved only for the older ones. Your water park notably has an outdoor pool as well as a heated pool.

Our water park still has many surprises in store, like the buoy river, which is also one of the most popular water activities at your campsite in Dordogne.

Equally pleasant moments for parents who can enjoy moments of tranquility by the pool or around a break during their stay to savor appetizing specialties. On the menu: truffles and foie gras, which are also specialties of this beautiful region of France. Don’t forget, you are in the land of gastronomy in Nouvelle-Aquitaine!

Mobile home and accommodation rental in your Dordogne campsite

Our rentals, accommodations and mobile homes offer spaces that can accommodate 2 up to 11 people, allowing you to make the most of Dordogne with friends or family with additional rooms and spaces. All our mobile homes are very comfortable and guarantee you a peaceful night in our establishment.

For a nature and luxury holiday in Dordogne, try Glamping by staying in one of our Sahari lodge tents. Also, enjoy beautiful fully equipped mobile homes and shaded pitches for tents, caravans, and shaded motorhomes.

Games and entertainment, for the little ones… and the big ones!

To occupy your moments and evenings at the campsite, trust our entertainment team. On the program shows (fire, magic), concerts, themed evenings, sports classes, walks, mini-golf, discovery workshops… Throughout the season, enjoy fun activities, festive animations, and sports or cultural activities during your camping holiday.

Daytime activities are numerous: Archery game, family Olympics, board games, discovery walks in Dordogne, gyropode ride on the trails of Périgord Noir.

Evening entertainment is not lacking! There will be plenty to rhythm your nights. On the menu: Live Concert, circus and magic show, dance evenings, Pool & Beach Party, not to mention local market nights in Saint-Geniès.

Children and teenagers are kings at Les Truffières de Dordogne – La Bouquerie. They will also have a wonderful holiday in Dordogne camping with the Eden Kids club and the teen club offering them numerous animations and activities from morning to night for unforgettable memories! If the pool remains No. 1 among children and teenagers, our entertainers will also ensure they make the most of their holidays in our starred campsites. Between games and entertainment: At Eden Villages, we guarantee that your children won’t be bored for a single minute during their stay.

Feel free to leave us a review when you visit, our teams in Dordogne, like in all our starred campsites, are attentive to our customers.

See you soon at the camping Eden Villages Les Truffières de Dordogne – La Bouquerie !