Discover the land of a thousand castles from your Dordogne holiday home!

Picturesque nature blending with historical landmarks – that’s what awaits you on a holiday in the Dordogne! Ancient castles proudly overlook a landscape of rivers, dramatic gorges and centuries-old fortified towns. And did you know that this region is home to more than 1,500 castles? Wake up to the sounds of crickets and birds in your Dordogne holiday home and collect a wealth of adventures that this French department has to offer!

Hiking from your Dordogne holiday home

There’s always something to see when hiking in the Dordogne. Walk along green river cliffs, past rock walls in the woods or enjoy panoramic views! Looking for hidden gems in nature? Take a walk in Champs-Romain along the waterfalls of Chalard. And speaking of gems – the Dordogne Valley offers charming villages officially listed as "the most beautiful villages of France".

Périgord Vert and the Gorge de l’Enfer

The northern area of the Périgord is known as the Périgord Vert. As the name suggests, it’s a green and lush region, perfect for walking. Tip: follow the scenic trail along the old railway line between St. Pardoux and Thiviers. The route passes through varied landscapes and offers lovely picnic spots. For something unique, walk through the Gorge de l’Enfer! This 10-kilometre trail takes you through a lush valley framed by rocky, wooded slopes and wildflower meadows.

Step into prehistory

The Dordogne is rich in prehistoric heritage. The region is known for its many caves once inhabited by early humans. In Les Eyzies, you’ll find two museums and several caves. In Lascaux, you can admire lifelike replicas of prehistoric cave paintings depicting animals such as bison and cave bears. In the Villars cave, an underground river carved out the limestone, creating spectacular formations. Prehistoric drawings can also be seen here as you walk beneath dripping stalactites.

Visit castles from your Dordogne holiday home

France is a land of castles, and in the Dordogne, they appear seemingly out of nowhere – while driving, hiking or paddling along the river. Looking for the most remarkable castles to visit from your Dordogne holiday home? Here are a few highlights:

Château de Hautefort

A white castle-meets-manor perched on a plateau, surrounded by English gardens, rolling meadows and forests. Everything at Château de Hautefort looks postcard-perfect, and the two round towers overlooking the lush Vézère Valley create a fairy-tale image.

Château de Castelnaud

Located in the Périgord Noir, this castle with massive defensive walls sits atop a rocky hill. Explore the grandeur of medieval warfare and see giant catapults set up on the roof.

Château de Marzac

At first glance, Château de Marzac looks like a charming castle surrounded by forest. But inside, history meets adventure – the castle houses an escape room. Travel back in time and solve riddles to escape from its stone walls!

Culinary delights in fortified towns

In the Dordogne, you can indulge in traditional cuisine within ancient fortified towns. Known as “bastides”, these towns are marked by arcaded squares lined with cosy restaurants. Settle at a terrace table and enjoy local dishes like duck or truffle-based specialties. While waiting for your meal, raise a glass of local wine and soak in the French atmosphere!

Beynac-et-Cazenac and Domme

Beynac-et-Cazenac is a must-visit. You’ll find cobbled streets, a charming riverside setting and a majestic castle perched high above. Another gem is the medieval town of Domme, with its massive gates and stunning panoramic views – a true fortress village worth exploring.

Canoeing on the Dordogne River

Along the river that shares its name, there are countless sights to discover by canoe – one of the most popular activities in the region. Glide through the waters and enjoy views of picturesque villages and riverside castles.

Paddling from Vitrac to Beynac

The river seems to call you in, and the stretch from Vitrac to Beynac is one of the most scenic. Here, the Dordogne winds in deep bends through lush landscapes, passing charming villages and hilltop castles. Let your paddles rest – the current is strong enough to carry you gently along. Keep your eyes open: Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is one of the most photogenic highlights on this route, appearing atop a green hill beyond a graceful arched bridge.

The Benedictine abbey of Brantôme

Another historical gem is the village of Brantôme, famous for its white Benedictine abbey. Set against a wooded cliff and along the River Dronne, the abbey is a true showpiece. A white arched bridge spans the water nearby. This peaceful setting is ideal for a walk, where you’ll hear gentle streams flowing beneath the bridge. Tip: grab a table at Moulin de l’Abbaye restaurant by the river and enjoy the picture-perfect ambiance.

Rent a holiday home in the Dordogne

The Dordogne is a region of captivating charm! Its castles, fortresses and prehistoric caves tell stories of the past, while the rivers offer endless opportunities for hiking and canoeing. Whether you're seeking daily discoveries or dreaming of traversing the rocky foothills of the Massif Central – a holiday home in the Dordogne is your perfect base for nostalgic adventures and a rich encounter with la belle France!