The Dordogne is bursting with medieval villages and towns. The great fortune of the Dordogne is that this region escaped the industrial revolution and everything associated with it. Below is a small selection of all the beauty that the Dordogne has to offer. But actually you can also just drive and that will take you to the most beautiful places. Most houses in this area are traditionally built. Most of them date from 1700 or earlier.
Sarlat is the undisputed pearl of the Perigord, there is no doubt about it. Anyone who likes to enjoy delicious regional products in a connecting atmosphere should definitely not miss the place Sarlat. The old historic center of Sarlat is car-free and therefore offers the tourist a wonderful destination to explore. Especially in the summer months the terraces are well filled and you will be entertained here and there by street artists. The most beautiful and oldest part of the city can be found around the Place du Peyrou with its beautiful St.Sacerdos Cathedral and the Présidental Palace. Many houses date from between the 14th and 18th centuries. The Place de la Liberté is often the most to do. The Theater Festival is also held here in the summer. On the Place du Marché-aux-Obies you will find a weekly regional products market.
Around 1281 the place Domme was founded as a bastide (fortified town) on a rock. It is thus about 250 meters above sea level. Because of this, it quickly acquired the name "Acropolis of Périgord". The place Domme is tastefully decorated and has not lost its old character. The small houses, narrow streets and cozy squares give the city a very friendly atmosphere where time seems to stand still. There are stalactite caves in the area. On Thursdays there is a very pleasant stitch market. Upstairs you have a fantastic view over the valley at the top of Domme.
This town is actually a must if you go to the Dordogne. One of the most beautiful places in France. The village under the care of the magnificent castle is built against a steep cliff on which the impressive castle rules the area. On the hill opposite is the castle of Cazenac, the two castles lent their name to the municipality. It is worth walking up the steps along the castle walls. You will then arrive at the old Beynac. Here are also nice tourist shops, a few terraces and the entrance to the castle. If you walk a little further you have fantastic views over the Dordogne valley with various castles.
Officially, La Roque-Gageac is one of the most beautiful villages in France, and rightly so. The village is built on and on a rock wall projecting straight up. The houses seem to form part of the rock wall. In the Middle Ages, this village was a real town where the bishops of Sarlat had their summer home. The river provided the port and trade. Stroll through the streets of this beautiful village and feel and smell the Dordogne in full. The stones and plants here have a special color and scent. Also pay attention to the different vegetation due to the high rock that keeps the heat in the village.
The large square with its characteristic arcade arches reflects the center of the city. There is also a very beautiful authentic market hall here. The adjacent houses date from the thirteenth century. In the narrow alleys and streets you will often find workshops and antique shops. Furthermore, many old crafts are still performed. The core of the city still exudes the atmosphere of the thirteenth century. It is possible to take a walk through this fortified city accompanied by a guide. There are also many villages/towns that are worth visiting, such as the fortified town of Belves, Cadouin with its beautiful square and monastery, Beaumont, Meyrals, Tamnies, Marquay, St. André d'allas, Marcillac St Quentin , Vezac, St. Nathalène, Vitrac and so on.
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