You will be richly rewarded with gorgeous scenery and tons of unexpected finds. If you go by car, which we recommend, get a good map and explore some back roads. Perhaps the most compelling reason to visit the Dordogne is that wherever you go and whatever you do, you are surrounded by a magnificently preserved natural beauty. Trail bikes for trekking, electric bikes, kids models, and toddler carriages are available, too. All bikes can be transported and picked up as needed. Insider Tip: Joel, the affable, English-speaking owner of Bike Bus will map out a route tailored to your needs and time frame. If you prefer dry land, spend a glorious afternoon riding along miles of bike paths past pristine rivers, walnut and fruit orchards, woods and wildflowers. Canoe rentals are easily found around the main towns and outlying campgrounds. The Vézere river snakes past ancient grottoes and archeological sites, with plenty of castles to admire along the way, as well as picturesque picnic spots. Having viewed the countryside from on high, the meandering Dordogne river provides an excellent vantage point from which to behold its many castles from below by canoe or kayak. Take a walk along the scenic grounds or stop into the charming garden cafe for house-made foie gras, fresh salads, and desserts in a lovely outdoor setting. Tours in English are available.ĭon’t Miss: The Vézere Valley is also known for its many picturesque chateaux along the Vézere river, like the beautiful Chateau de Losse’s graceful gardens and 16th-century castle. Insider Tip: In summer, tickets for Lascaux must be reserved by phone (0) 3 to 4 days prior to your visit and are purchased in Montignac, next to the tourist office. To track a route through the area, Pole International de la Prehistoire’s detailed maps and information on the region’s vast trove of prehistoric sites are invaluable. Lascaux may be the best known of the prehistoric caves, but scores of caves and grottoes are scattered throughout Dordogne’s Vézere Valley, notably the Grotte du Grand-Roc, Grotte de Font-de-Gaume, and the Grotte des Combarelles, all near Les Eyzies-de-Tayac. Prehistoric Capital of FranceĪlthough the renowned Lascaux-discovered by 18 year-old Marcel Ravidat, a local resident, in 1940-has been closed to the public since 1963, a perfect replica of the 17,000-year-old drawing-festooned cave’s main chambers, called Lascaux II, was opened just 200 yards away. A scenic 10-minute drive from the Grotte du Grand-Roc, the Auberge is the perfect finale to a day of exploring. ![]() Insider Tip: Intrepid foodies hungry for a taste of Old France have beaten a path to the kid-friendly Auberge de Layotte to feast on seasonal delicacies, some scavenged from the chef’s own land: nettle soup, heaping platters of house-cured ham, wild boar terrine and rough-cut cornichons, confit de canard with forest cepes, beef cheeks stewed in the local red wine, and a hearty walnut gateau topped with elderberry, rose, or pine confiture, all for 30 Euros ($40), with wine, coffee, and digestif included. Locally made ambrosial walnut liqueur or fortified ratafia are served as apéros. Aficionados love the elegant red Pécharmant and sweet Monbazillac is traditionally paired with foie gras. Of the 13 wines produced here, red or white Bergerac enhances most regional dishes. If you can’t make it on a market day, the year-round covered market at the Sainte Marie church is open daily from 8:30 am to 1 pm (except Thursdays in the off-season). Look for a wide range of fresh produce, prepared dishes, and preserved local foods. Sarlat’s proximity to many of the region’s top attractions makes it a good choice for home base and the area’s hundreds of rental cottages are an excellent option, many with pools.ĭon’t Miss: Wednesdays and Saturdays are market days in Sarlat (8:30 am to 1 pm at Place de la Liberté). ![]() The Dordogne’s Périgord Noir tops the charts for its many attractions: cliff-top villages Domme and Beynac-et-Cazenac, with a 12th-century castle and to-die-for views charming La Roque-Gageac built right into the cliff side the hilltop Jardins de Marqueyssac with shaded paths, mazes, and formal parterre gardens and enchanting Sarlat-la Canéda’s picture-perfect medieval buildings and winding streets. But with such a plenitude of riches, how does one begin to choose? Here are five compelling reasons why travelers who want it all can head straight to the Dordogne, where an astonishing array of medieval towns and ancient castles, prehistoric caves, hanging gardens, spectacular views, and luxuriant countryside awaits you. ![]() La Belle France isn’t the world’s number one travel destination for nothing.
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