Find and book your dream holiday home or villa in the countryside in Dordogne
The Dordogne Valley is one of the most beautiful jewels in France's crown, and its many gorgeous sights should not be missed. Book a holiday cottage or villa for a laidback holiday drinking the region's famous wine, or book an apartment or b&b in one of the bigger towns such as Bergerac or Périgueux to explore the central attractions of the region more easily.
When to go
Any time from the early spring to the end of autumn is pleasant in the Dordogne, with mild temperatures and a fairly warm summertime. To get the most out of the beautiful gardens and scenic villages and countryside roads, plan your trip during the summertime when the weather is a bit warmer.
How to get there
From the UK, there are several ferry routes to Brittany and Normandy, not far from the Dordogne region. This option is best for tourists bringing a car, as the towns and villages of the Dordogne are usually not served by direct train services, but you can enjoy a leisurely drive through the beautiful French countryside on your way to your holiday rental in the Dordogne. Alternatively, you can fly to one of the two airports in the Dordogne area: the Aéroport Bergerac Dordogne Périgord, near Bergerac, or the Aéroport Brive Vallée de la Dordogne, which is near lots of the key attractions of the region. Bordeaux and Toulouse airports possibly offer flights to and from a wider range of destinations, though Toulouse is a little further afield, and takes around 3 hours in a car from the airport to Dordogne centre. It could be a good idea to make the most of your time in the city by renting an overnight stay in a holiday apartment in Toulouse where you can recharge and take in the sights, before continuing on with your journey to Dordogne.
As Bordeaux is close to Dordogne, why not choose to visit this mountainous haven for the day? You could be back at your holiday home in Bordeaux in only an hour and a half after a day exploring Dordogne.
How to get around in Dordogne
If you take a ferry from the UK and have a car with you, the Dordogne and all its sights will be practically at your doorstep. The region has quiet, beautiful country roads that allow for a calm and picturesque road trip around its different towns. To take in the scenery even more, you could even hire a bike to cycle shorter distances. On the public transport front, there are good rail services throughout the valley that run regularly and punctually. If you have decided to take the ferry, why not break up your journey on the road by stopping overnight along the way. There is no better place to stop than the beautiful capital of Paris, where you can experience some of the most popular French landmarks. Reserve a holiday apartment in Paris for one night, (or even longer!) before enjoying the natural splendour of Dordogne.
Where to stay in Dordogne
Bergerac
This town is famous for its wine, so a trip here promises to be good! Bergerac is probably best for a low-key holiday in the Dordogne with plenty of down time, as its main attraction is the quality of its wine. Whether you're a seasoned expert or just looking to have some fun, wine-lovers will relish the Maison des Vins. Continue the relaxing theme with a boat trip down the Dordogne River, or keep the party going with a trip to the tobacco museum: whatever you choose to do in Bergerac, wine is sure to be at the centre of it all.
Sarlat
The food capital of the Dordogne, this is the perfect place to stay if your mouth is watering at the thought of French wine and cuisine. Restaurants here are homely and affordable, meaning you can really take advantage of the incredible delicacies the Dordogne has to offer. Book a B&B nearby to experience the authentic French farm life, or if you prefer to live in the lap of luxury for a short break, book a villa in the hills above the town.
Périgueux
This beautiful town is the capital of the Dordogne region and its distinctive white buildings do not disappoint. With several cultural things to do, including the beautiful cathedral, the Gallo-Roman Museum and the museum of art, Périgueux is the perfect place to stay in the Dordogne if you like to keep busy while on holiday. However, there is also the opportunity to relax and unwind from a busy day at the tranquil Arènes Garden. Book a holiday apartment in the centre of Périgueux to be in the middle of the action, or look on Airbnb for a holiday rental cottage or B&B in the quieter surrounding towns and villages for a more peaceful trip.
What activities to do
Jardins de Marqueyssac
These ornamental hanging gardens are absolutely breath-taking: planted in the 19th century, they contain 150,000 boxwoods which are trimmed by hand twice a year into beautiful patterns. Taking a walk around these gardens offers beautiful views and a chance to be at one with nature during your trip to the Dordogne. They are listed as a National Historical Monument and are the most visited gardens in Périgord: definitely don't miss this!
Château de Castelnaud
The Dordogne is famous for its picturesque castles, all of which offer a variety of activities and sights for tourists depending on the age and size of your group. This château is huge and imposing and houses the Museum of Medieval Warfare. This, combined with its affordable ticket prices, makes it the perfect day out for the whole family: children can learn lots and have fun at the same time whilst checking out the huge collection of medieval armour and weapons.
Lascaux Caves
Discovered in 1940 by a group of teenagers, the Lascaux Caves are a World Heritage site with wall paintings from around 17,000 years ago. The real caves were closed for their preservation in the 1960s, but a decade later, these replica caves were opened. This is a unique experience in the Dordogne and the replicas have been praised for their accuracy. Here you can experience awe-inspiring history without putting the artwork at risk, making it the perfect place for parents to take their children to have a taste of history without having to worry.