Things to do in Dordogne

Discover the magic of Lascaux IV, the International Center for Cave Art. With this ticket, begin your visit by entering Lascaux IV, the faithful replica of the entire original cave. Inside, you will leave the real world to rub shoulders with the dreamlike and artistic world of Lascaux artists. Then, your journey unfolds freely, at your own pace, in the different scenic spaces: workshop, theater, cinema, Imagination gallery and Immersion room. A visit to Lascaux IV is a must in the Périgord region to share an unforgettable moment with family and friends.

Wondering where to canoe in the Dordogne ? The question deserves to be asked, since indeed, the Dordogne valley is very close to Sarlat (8 km exactly) and it would be unthinkable not to go there! You can only see it for yourself, the charms of the valley of the castles are numerous! At Canoes Loisirs, we reserve you the best canoe trip on the Dordogne. The five castles valley by canoe. How does it work ? You come to our office at Domme, you will take your canoe for the Trip Vitrac Beynac. You will be just you and your friends or your family. There is no guide with you. Don't worry, the trip is verry easy for everybody. No rapids, no watertfalls, it's just for the view ! The duration is 3 hours trip without break. But of course you can take a break along the way to visit a village, a castle, to have a drink or a picnic. Just stop when you want , leave the canoe and enjoy. At the end of the trip at Beynac. We have a shuttle back every hour until 6 a clock to pick you up and brings you up at your car. You understand ? You can do the trip in 3 hours or in 6 hours, you have all the time you need to go at Beynac ! What kind of thing you will see ? The village of Domme, the Castle of La Malartrie with the village of La Roque Gageac, The village and the castle of Castelnaud and Beynac. The castel of Fayrac, of les jardins de Marqueyssac and Les Milandes when you will arrive at the end ! All our team will be there to explain how you can enjoy your day with us.

This is THE ultimate route of the Valley. On the natural border that separated the Kingdoms of France and England during the Hundred Years War before becoming a trade route for the "gabarriers" of yesteryear, this route allows you to marvel at the picturesque villages and emblematic castles of the Dordogne. From our base ideally located at the foot of the Bastide de Domme, a few steps from the beautiful troglodyte village of La Roque-Gageac, it is an ideal route to discover the various castles along the water. You will sail to one of the most beautiful villages in France, La Roque-Gageac a troglodyte cliff-sided village, at the exit of the village you will then see the beautiful castle of Malartrie. Then head to the fortress of Castelnaud la Chapelle and the castle of Beynac, two splendid imposing medieval castles on the edge of cliffs and facing each other: a breathtaking view from your canoe! In addition to these two majestic monuments of French history, you will also discover the castles of Marqueyssac and Fayrac. The finish point of your route is after the village of Beynac, at the Milandes. You will have the opportunity to sail along the village at the foot of the fortress, a unique feeling and a spectacular view from the canoe!

Drive to the beautiful village of Domme. With its trapezoid city plan, Domme is a bastide (a fortified medieval town) adapted to the surrounding terrain, and thus falling short of the rectangular city plan characteristic to bastides. The village is classified as one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France" ("The Most Beautiful Villages of France"). In 1307, Knight Templars were imprisoned in Domme while during the Hundred Years' War, the bastide was coveted by the English who first took the town in 1347 and repeatedly changed rulers throughout the war until 1437 when it finally fell under French rule again. Then drive to La Roque Gageac and enjoy a peaceful cruise on the the Dordogne River on board an authentic Gabarre to admire mighty castles that line the river. Finally, reach Beynac to admire the village and the Castle. This Middle Ages construction, with its austere appearance, is perched on top of a limestone cliff, dominating the town and the north bank of the Dordogne River. The castle was built from the 12th century by the barons of Beynac (one of the four baronies of Périgord) to close the valley. The sheer cliff face being sufficient to discourage any assault from that side, the defences were built up on the plateau: double crenellated walls, double moats, one of which was a deepened natural ravine, double barbican.

This is the longest and most complete route, it will reveal you all the secrets of the Périgord noir. For those who want to spend a whole beautiful day on the Dordogne's waters, it is ideal! 25 kilometers to discover the incredible historical and natural treasures of the Valley.     This is the most complete course! a morning and an afternoon to discover the Dordogne in the diversity of its landscapes but also to enjoy some beautiful swimming! The History route goes from Carsac-Aillac to Beynac. You cross the old border between the kingdoms of France and England, during the Hundred Years War. You will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Bastide of Domme, the villages of La Roque-Gageac and Vitrac and all the castles and fortresses that monitored traffic on the Dordogne (Marqueyssac, Beynac, Castelnaud , Fayrac). This canoe trip is an escape in the heart of the most beautiful landscapes of the Valley where contemplation mixes with wonder: panorama on steep and spectacular cliffs, viewpoint on the meander (the Cingle of Montfort), then discover the picturesque village of Turnac before reaching the level of the splendid Bastide de Domme overlooking the Valley (our canoe base is almost at its feet), finally discover the famous cliff-sided troglodyte village of La Roque-Gageac. The apotheosis of this course is the incomparable view below the majestic castles that watch over the Dordogne.

Dordogne is the world capital of prehistory. Here, Cro Magnon, the first early modern humans, settled and left some of the most fascinating artwork inside caves created by thousands of years of erosion. This 8-hour tour will take you to the most famous caves at Lascaux, and to admire the drawings and etchings of Rouffignac Cave. The tour begins at Les Eyzies de Tayac, where the first 5 skeletons of the Cro-Magnons were discovered in 1868. You will take a guided tour of the National Prehistory Museum, which opened in 2004, and possesses the largest collection of prehistoric artifacts in the world. Continue to Montignac, where you will visit the famous Lascaux IV Cave. A perfect reproduction of the original cave and its cave art, Lascaux IV opened in 2016 as a triumph of technology, unique in the world. Rigorous scientific and artistic methods were used to recreate the incomparable atmosphere of the original cave. A reinforced concrete shell was created using shipbuilding techniques, and the relief of the cave was reconstituted down to the tiniest detail. The polychromatic paintings were executed just as the originals were 17, 000 years ago, using natural pigments. End your tour at Rouffignac Cave, to see original etchings and drawings. The Renaissance poet and author François de Belleforest mentioned the Rouffignac Cave as long ago as 1575 in his “Cosmographie Universelle.” The cave paintings proved a popular tourist attraction back in the 19th-Century. Famous archaeologists, such as Henry Breuil, André Glory, and Martel, had visited the cave in the early 20th-Century, but it was only in 1956 that 2 historians from the Pyrenees confirmed the cave art as from the Upper Paleolithic period. Rouffignac Cave, which had once served as a shelter for Resistance fighters in World War 2, was officially opened to the public in 1959, and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

*** This tour is not accessible for people with reduced mobility *** Discover the great sites of the "Golden Triangle" on this unique sightseeing tour with live commentary. After meeting in Sarlat-la-Canéda it's only a short drive to the Dordogne Valley, where you'll visit many fascinating historical sites. After a private guided tour of Richard the Lionheart's castle at Beynac (replaced by a visit to Castelnaud castle from January to mid February as Beynac castle will be closed), stop at the foot of Castelnaud Castle, an impressive fortress occupied by the English during the Hundred Years' War. Then take a guided tour of La Roque Gageac, one of the most beautiful villages in France, built into the cliffs along the Dordogne river. Afterward, continue to the hilltop village of Domme for breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding area. Walk around the village to get a feel for the local atmosphere.  For the afternoon tour only (longer) : Visit the medieval village of Montfort. Stop at a romanesque church from the 12th century, built on an ancient site of Celtic worship, before returning to Sarlat-la-Canéda.

Discover the most beautiful landscapes of the valley! Cliffs, meander (The Cingle of Montfort), picturesque village, the castle of Montfort, exceptional fauna and flora! Discover the high-rised village of Turnac, then look into the crystal clear waters of the Dordogne to discover one of the most fishy areas of the river: a real wonder! Then let yourself be caught by the breathtaking view of the impressive cliffs, be attentive and have a sharp look to try to detect some nest spotters or a varied fauna. In the middle of this precious natural setting, you will see the castle of Montfort and the Bastide of Domme which from the top of its rocky promontory watches over the Dordogne (to visit once your canoe ride is over!). All along your journey, you will be the spectator of the unique and beautiful fauna and flora, a rich and welcoming nature which will be also punctuated by castles, charming villages and a few ideal beaches for quiet breaks, naps or a swim. With family or friends, young and older adventurers alike will really enjoy this route.

Immerse yourself in a verdant haven with this admission ticket to the Gardens of Eyrignac Manor in Salignac-Eyvigues. Make finding your way around the vast gardens easy with a map in 6 different languages. Get access two nature trails so you can see the flora and fauna of the Dordogne region. Take a stroll through hornbeam, yew, boxwood, and cypress trees that offer different views in each season. Discover the unique collection of topiaries (shaped plants) in the French garden. Walk through the white rose, kitchen, and the flower gardens. Marvel at views of the hills from the white garden. Have the chance to walk through the picturesque oak forest. The garden and the 17th-century manor are classified as historical monuments and have been in the same family for over 500-years. Enjoy access to the Botanical Paths which are comprised of two nature trails of 2.5 and 4.5 kilometers.

*** This tour is not accessible for people with reduced mobility *** Climb aboard a comfortable van in Sarlat and after a 1-hour trip punctuated by photo stops through the majestic landscapes of the Dordogne Valley, you will reach Rocamadour. Rocamadour is one of the most beautiful medieval villages in France, built in a vertiginous setting against a cliff face nestled in the heart of the Alzou canyon, a thousand-year-old historic UNESCO site. During this guided tour you will learn about the legends at the origin of this sacred place. After crossing the main street of the village, you will discover the sanctuary and its chapels by climbing the 216 steps of the Grand Pilgrim's Staircase (elevator also available). You will admire the miraculous chapel and its black virgin, the sarcophagus of St. Amadour dug into the rock of the cliff, and the legendary sword Durandal. On the way back , you will cross the majestic and wild landscapes of the Causses du Quercy and make a stop to visit a unique place either the Cougnaguet medieval watermill (april to october) or Souillac Romanesque church (november to march) or a village of the Dordogne valley (La Roque Gageac or Domme - available all year - on request)