The Dordogne in 4 days: The perfect Guide for everyone

Visiting the Dordogne? It's a very good idea ! How to organize an unforgettable stay, making the most of the riches that this department like no other can offer you? Not easy, because a multitude of possibilities are available to you! We have organized a tour guide in 4 days, starting from 3 strategic and safe points of the department: Périgueux, Bergerac or Sarlat. Choose a drop-off point, pack your bags and read our article to explore and visit the best sites of Périgord, the most beautiful villages of the Dordogne!

4 days in Dordogne from Périgueux

Changing your accommodation every day is not always the best way to make the most of it, so settle in for 4 days in Périgueux and discover the wonders that surround the capital of Périgord Blanc.

Day 1: Visit of Périgueux and its surroundings

For your first day, get to know the historic city center of Périgueux. It is a beautiful city, which deserves to be discovered and no need to take the car: the historic center can be visited on foot! Walk the small alleys, go to the market, discover the small shops and charming restaurants of this beautiful city. On the banks of the Isle river, Périgueux is a little gem. You can, for example, visit the Cathedral and even its roofs (make sure you book in advance). You can also stroll in its green spaces, on the Gallo-Roman route (fr) and why not visit the Vesunna Museum? Unless you prefer to take a bike or walk on the green lane of the banks of the Isle?

Day 2: Discovering the Venice of Périgord Vert: Brantôme

Brantôme is a very pretty village on the banks of the Dronne river, a must-see. Surrounded gracefully by the waves, it is even nicknamed the Green Venice. Brantôme is not far from Périgueux, there are good restaurants, charming barge rides and the discovery of the city's heritage: the troglodyte shelters of the Abbey or Bimbillou Parc, the troglodyte world of the Dronne, which means "to go everywhere and nowhere". This historic site offers a guided tour of life in the past. Brantôme is also a city of craftsmen, enter their stalls to immerse yourself in their know-how and why not treat yourself to a beautiful piece of jewelry or a handmade object?

Not far from Brantôme, for the end of the day or the afternoon, you can go explore Bourdeilles, another pretty village where the Château de Bourdeilles is located, a tourist site where you will be told about 2 castles. You can also go and explore Saint-Jean-de-Côle, to stroll and enjoy the scenery. A little further on are Villars and the very beautiful caves with concretion of the village, which will be an interesting introduction to the beauties hidden under the soil of Périgord... Not far, another Castle, that of Puyguilhem (fr). To find hikes, contact the Périgord Dronne Belle Tourist Office, which has more than one trick up its sleeve!

Brantôme, the Dronne and its Abbey

Bourdeilles and its Castles

Day 3: Périgord Vert and the Regional Natural Park of Périgord Limousin

Yes, one day will not be enough to enjoy the Périgord Vert, but it is a taste of a future trip perhaps? Nature lovers love to go hiking in this lush green territory where daring walks can be organized. To prepare your getaways, trust the Périgord Nontronnais Tourist Office. Waterfalls, forests, fertile plains, this is nature in all its splendor. Pass by Nontron to visit the town where Nontron's famous knives are made. If it's the hot season, go cool off at the beautiful Saint-Saud-Lacoussière pond and if you like to play sports, take a ride on the only Vélorail du Périgord (fr)!

The Périgord Vert Vélorail and the Auvézère Valley

Day 4: L'Isle Valley

L'Isle is a large river which waters a multitude of villages. Why not take a canoe trip or rent an electric boat (in Neuvic)? There are also barges rides at the Moulin de Duellas (fr), it's picturesque! Start the day with Saint-Astier, a large, pleasant village where it is good to wander on the banks of the river. Go to Neuvic, visit its castle and botanical park. There is also Mussidan, a town of pilgrims on the Vézelay route and to discover it by walking, a 5km circuit offered by the town. Contact the L'Isle Valley Tourist Office to find activities that appeal to you!

Other ideas: Explore the surroundings close to Périgueux. For example in Boulazac, the Aero Club organizes tourist flights by small plane or glider (thrills guaranteed!!). Show lovers will be able to watch the programming of the large hall of the Palio, which also hosts the matches of the Boulazac basket Dordogne club. Take a walk in the trees at Cornille Aventure Parc or visit the intimate chateau of Château l'Évêque.

4 days in Dordogne from Bergerac

Come and spend a holiday in the Dordogne based in the largest town in the Périgord Pourpre: Bergerac. This is where wine lovers should stop off, to learn all about Bergerac Duras wines. In the region, we have no less than 10 appellations! Monbazillac, Pécharmant, Montravel... and many others! Come and discover them, do wine tourism and visit the surroundings of the town of Cyrano.

Day 1: Discovery of Bergerac and its surroundings

You have to start your stay with a visit to Quai Cyrano, it is a good starting point because there is the Tourist Office and the Maison des Vins de Bergerac Duras in one place. You are not far from the Gabarres de Bergerac, take a ride on the waters of the Dordogne! Take a stroll in Bergerac, it is a pretty town with very beautiful half-timbered buildings, narrow streets with a medieval feel, charming squares and a lot of very nice shops and restaurants. In the afternoon, meet wine growers and winegrowers, visit châteaux, indulge yourself and explore the Wine Route. You will see sublime landscapes (at the end of the day, with the low sun, it is exquisite) and will have the possibility of buying wine at producer prices! Remember to have it delivered when possible so as not to clutter your car! Click to see our selection of producers. A great unmissable will be the Château de Monbazillac!

Bonus for the day, make the children happy and take a trip to the Miniature Port of Bergerac, to be the captain of an incredible and real tiny boat, a meticulous reproduction of a liner, ferry, trawler or barge!

Are the children older and athletic? Go see Nicolas and take an electric scooter ride through the vineyards or on a quad bike with Les Randos de Nico (fr).

Walk in Bergerac

Miniature Port and vineyard walk with Les Randos de Nico

Day 2: Go up the Dordogne

For this second day, I suggest you go up the Dordogne. Go to Creysse (nice fish market on Sundays), a few steps a little further on there is a parking lot at the edge of the EDF station (which can be visited) and the Tuillières dam, bike enthusiasts can catch the green route of Bergerac and return to town by this very pleasant car-free route, arranged from villages to town. We set off again along the Dordogne, en route, then stop at the educational site of the Moulin de la Rouzique in Couze-et-Saint-Front, where you will learn all about the manufacture of paper pulp, a once flourishing industry in the Department. You arrive in Lalinde, a nice country house. Nearby is the smallest (unfinished) bastide in Périgord: Molières (fr)! Continuing on (and therefore moving away from the Dordogne) you arrive in Cadouin, a small village which houses a beautiful abbey and a cloister that lovers of religious buildings will be happy to visit, to learn about the legend of the Shroud of Cadouin (fr)... Going up towards the Buisson-de-Cadouin to take the course of the Dordogne, you can visit the pretty Caves of Maxange. But also the Planbuisson bamboo garden, which has many herbaceous surprises in store for you.

Day 3: We get up early and we visit quaint bastides and villages

On the third day, I suggest you continue the discoveries of the day before. Leave early in the morning, visit the first royal English country house, Beaumont-du-Perigord (market on Tuesdays and Saturdays) and admire the very beautiful Saint-Front church. Just enough to have breakfast, a coffee and on the way to the superb bastide of Monpazier which is the best preserved in Périgord, it is incredible! In summer, lively on all sides, it is a lively place. Further south, climb towards Biron… Visit the pretty village and above all, the Château de Biron (fr)! It is one of the four baronies of Périgord, a real panorama on the Lot-et-Garonne plateau just opposite. If you still have time, go to Villefranche du Périgord, further east, another charming bastide to discover, perhaps for a pleasant dinner?

Alternative route: When you are in Beaumont or Monpazier, you can go straight east and reach Belvès, which is one of the most beautiful villages in France, a very pretty medieval jewel perched on the ground. There are some surprising troglodyte dwellings to visit there, but also a stone's throw away, the Belvès spinning mill which will teach you all about wool and all the things to do with it: carding, dyeing, knitting or felt it.

Day 4: We relax!

For this last day, I suggest you take a lighter circuit and discover the beauties around Bergerac. Let's start with the cute village of Pomport, which is surrounded by vineyards, continue towards Sigoulès which will charm you with its small heritage and continuing towards Lot-et-Garonne, the pretty bastide of Eymet awaits you.

You could also set off in the direction of Issigeac, which is not far from the Château de Lanquais (fr) and the Château de Bridoire, the castle of games!

4 days in Dordogne from Sarlat

Ahhh Sarlat! The capital of gastronomy in Périgord, the heart of Périgord noir, the landmark for heritage lovers! You will not be bored, you could even stay 1 or 2 weeks, come back every year that you have not finished touring the Périgord Noir. Some vacationers, by dint of coming back, we end up buying a business or coming to live here!

Day 1: Discovery of the Medieval City of Sarlat

Are you probably going to arrive on a Saturday? So do not move and take the basket with provisions, it is the day of the inevitable market of Sarlat. It is strewn with colors, bursting with flavors, dense with temptations... It is a very beautiful market, which is held in the city center (leave the car far...) and which takes place throughout the pedestrian heart of the medieval city. The other days, there are many shops, boutiques, artisans, stores to discover. All winter, there is also the Truffle Market and in January, the famous Truffle Festival and the Truffle and Foie-Gras Academy.

Would you like to know more about the history of the city and visit a bourgeois house? Meet at the Manoir de Gisson, right in the center.

Unusual! To discover Sarlat, take the elevator! It is hidden in the Sainte-Marie church and designed by Jean Nouvel, the panoramic elevator of Sarlat is a must-do. For more information, contact the Sarlat Tourisme Tourist Office.

Sarlat, the beautiful medieval city

Day 2: On the way to the Dordogne Valley

Today, it's serious, we go to a magical place, just a few minutes from Sarlat: the majestic Dordogne Valley. Several choices are available to you.

You will arrive towards Vézac and from there, you can go west to discover the beautiful hilltop village of Beynac, its castle and its picturesque houses, its breathtaking view. And why not take a hot-air balloon or canoe-kayak ride? You can then continue to Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse and the port of Enveaux, a more intimate destination. A stone's throw away, there is the Museum of the Rue du Temps qui passe, a journey through time, coupled with a beautiful family story. You can then return by passing towards Saint-Cyprien, which is a beautiful little town (nice market on Sundays) with a curious metal bridge that will remind you of the Eiffel style.

Canoe in Beynac! The view from the heights of the village

Second route, when you arrive in Vézac, go east and go to the village of Roque Gageac, there too, you can canoe, but not only! There are the famous barge rides which will bring you a magnificent view of this corner of the valley from the Dordogne, like the traders of the time. Hot air ballooning is also an option! After having tasted the pleasures of water and the beauty of this cliff-side village, go to the bastide of Domme, a few kilometers further on, on the other side of the water. At 150m high, it's an incomparable belvedere over the Dordogne valley, from the village esplanade, it's breathtaking! Visit the caves under the Tourist Office, stroll through the alleys and discover the shops, producers, artisans... Eat an ice cream while admiring the view, and taste the amazing Vin de Domme!

La Roque Gageac, on the cliff side

Third possibility, still in Vézac when arriving from Sarlat, go straight ahead. You can walk to the Marqueyssac gardens are remarkable, with beautiful views and spaces adorned with French boxwood. Continuing, cross the bridge and looking up, you will see the Chateau de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, a real fortified castle that children love. A charming visit can be found a few kilometers away, that of the Château des Milandes, the home of Josephine Baker and her family, where the visit of the gardens is refreshing, followed by a superb spectacle of raptors and then the moving visit of the castle, in the privacy of the journalist. If you like local products, I invite you to discover the Ecomusée de la Noix next door, where you will learn all about the small sacred fruit of the Dordogne. The more sporty can rent a bike and enjoy the great (it's my favorite in the department!) Greenway of Céou which will take you to charming villages (Saint-Cybranet, Daglan, Saint-Ponpon) through fields of drown, and along the Céou river.

The Château de Castelnaud and the Véloroute du Céou

The making of walnut oil at the Ecomusée de la Noix and the Château des Milandes

Day 3: The Vézère Valley

Will we have enough of a day? No, not at all, we will have to choose and come back! To organize your stay in the Vallée de l'Homme, I recommend that you contact the Lascaux Dordogne Vallée Vézère Tourist Office!

Going up towards the Vézère Valley, you have the pretty slate village of Saint-Geniès (Sunday morning market), then Coly-Saint-Amand, one of the most beautiful villages in France with a very beautiful Abbey. Then it is Montignac Lascaux and the famous Caves of Lascaux and the International Center of cave art. A fairly unmissable visit to our department, which will appeal to the whole family. Don't forget to discover Montignac, a town crossed by the Vézère, with pleasant restaurants by the water (market on Wednesdays and small market on Saturdays). We then continue to Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, another of the most beautiful villages in France, which is nestled in a bend in the Vézère. It's charming, there are many artisans, restaurants, a superb Romanesque church… Don't miss the nearby Côte de Jor viewpoint, a 180-degree view over the entire valley. And also to take a tour on the Vézère in a Canoe (the most fun and beauty / time ratio route goes from Saint-Léon to Tursac, in 3 hours you can make the most of it!) All around Saint-Léon, tourist sites, such as Le Thot (fr), Le Conquil, La Roque Saint-Christophe in Peyzac le Moustier, but also Le Village de la Madeleine, La Maison Forte de Reignac, the Château de Marzac... We then arrive at the village of Eyzies, the real capital of Prehistory in Périgord Noir. There are so many tourist sites nearby… The Prehistory Interpretation Center, the National Museum of Prehistory, the Cro-Magnon shelter, the Laugerie Basse shelters, the Grand Roc Cave, The Sorcerer's Cave, the Grotte du Roc de Cazelle (fr) and so many others that I have no more room!

The Roque Saint-Christophe

Day 4: The Dordogne Valley, towards the Lot

A little sport for this last day? Get on the bike (you can also do this by car) and take a ride on the Sarlat greenway. It climbs a bit on some passages, but the surface is of excellent quality and the environment is cool and pleasant. It is built on an old railway line and sometimes we go through long tunnels, the children scream with joy (and make tchoutchou…)! What to see on the way and around?

In Carsac-Aillac, you can canoe on the Dordogne. I also recommend a visit to the superb water gardens of Carsac Aillac, it is really picturesque, we discover ponds, organized on a beautiful set of terraces, with small bridges, walkways, a multitude of plants and many sure, water plants. There is also the Reserve Zoologique de Calviac in Calviac-en-Périgord, which is a conservatory of certain species, especially small monkeys.

In nearby Sainte-Mondane, there is the Château de Fénelon to discover, it is open all year round (fr)! If we continue, we go towards Carlux, a pretty hilltop village with the remains of a castle to discover (free of charge). I recommend the Jardins de Cadiot next to Carlux, which are maintained with the principles of permaculture and especially with a lot of love!

Alternative route: Not far from the start of the cycle path, there is Monfort, its Castle and its superb cingle to observe (a loop in the river).

The Calviac Zoological Reserve and the Château de Monfort

Here we are at the end of our escapades, all these proposals are of course not exhaustive, they are the essentials to discover over 4 days in our beautiful department. It is possible to survey the whole Dordogne in 4 days, but tiring because we have a large department. Sectorize as I suggested, will allow you to enjoy a region, while having good ideas for a future stay?

I wish you an excellent stay in Périgord. Remember to join the Facebook page of the Guide du Périgord for wonderful photos and articles regularly. We also have a very nice Instagram page @guideduperigord. Visit our BLOG to read all the articles, sorted by “desires”!