What to do and see in the Dordogne Valley
The Lot and Dordogne departments of south west France are crammed full with beautiful villages and towns, vineyards and castles, wide rivers, dramatic caves and canyons to explore. Many of which are dog friendly. Below are a few ideas to get you started…
Canoeing on the Dordogne
There are many canoe hire companies operating along both the Dordogne and Lot rivers, with options ranging from half-day trips to multi-day routes for more experienced paddlers. Cap Evasion canoes, based in St Julien (around five minutes’ drive from the gîte), is a popular local choice. Canoes-loisirs is another reliable provider, and both companies are well regarded.
Cycling in the Dordogne and Lot Valleys
Numerous cycle routes criss-cross the Lot and Dordogne departments and cater for a wide range of abilities. One popular example is the route from SARLAT - GROLEJAC - CAZOULES starts a few kilometres from the gite. Or combine a days’ cycling with a vineyard tour along the Lot river – the vineyards are beautiful and the fully signposted velo-route is suitable for even the most casual rider.
Walking and hiking
There is an excellent choice of walking routes throughout the area. The tourist office websites provide a wide range of mapped walks and trail suggestions, including those listed by the Lot Tourist office walking routes and the Dordogne Tourist Office walks.
Dog walking in the Dordogne Valley
A growing collection of favourite dog walks in the Dordogne Valley is being shared on the blog, many of which start directly from the gate of the gîte. These routes offer easy access to countryside paths and quiet lanes. Visit the blog pages and search for Dog walks for inspiration.
Chateau de Castelnaud-la-Chappelle
Chateaux
Chateau de Fenelon
Located just ten minutes from the gîte, Chateau de Fenelon is an impressive medieval castle with strong links to regional history. Set on a wooded hilltop, it offers an interesting and less crowded alternative to some of the larger sites in the area.
Chateau de Castelnaud-la-Chappelle
Built on a rocky outcrop in the heart of the Périgord Noir, the Chateau de Castelnaud-la-Chappelle
enjoys sweeping panoramic views across the Dordogne Valley. Founded in the 12th century, it is a striking example of a medieval fortress.
Today, the château houses an extensive collection of historical weapons and armour. Along the ramparts, large-scale siege machines from the Middle Ages have been reconstructed and positioned to illustrate how the fortress was defended.
Chateau de Beynac
This 12th-century fortress is one of the most authentic and best-preserved castles in the region. From the heights of the medieval keep, visitors are rewarded with outstanding views across the valley of the five castles.
Carved directly out of the cliff face, around 150 metres above the Dordogne River, the Château de Beynac dominates the surrounding Périgord landscape and is a highlight of any visit to the area.
Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (translated as “the most beautiful villages of France”) is an independent association founded in 1982 to promote small rural villages with a strong cultural and architectural heritage. There are currently 172 member villages across France, many of which are within easy reach of the gîte.
These villages are recognised for their historic character, setting and preservation, and make excellent destinations for day trips.
Dordogne
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Domme – 30 minutes
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La Roque-Gageac – 30 minutes
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Beynac-et-Cazenac – 35 minutes
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Castelnaud-la-Chapelle – 40 minutes
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Saint-Amand-de-Coly – 40 minutes
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Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère – 50 minutes
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Belvès – I hour
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Limeuil – 1 hour
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Monpazier – 65 minutes
Lot
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Rocamadour - 40 minutes
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Carennac – 55 minutes
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Autoire – 1 hour
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Loubressac - 1 hour
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Capdenac-le-Haut – 1 hour 5
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Saint-Cirq-Lapopie – 1 hour 10
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Cardaillac – 1 hour 10
Correze
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Martel - 35 minutes
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Turenne - 45 minutes
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Collonges la rouge - 1 hour
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Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne - 1 hour 10
The most beautiful villages in France
Bustling market towns
Popular towns and markets to excite your senses
Most villages and towns in the area hold a weekly market, and these are well worth visiting to experience the character of the region. Regional specialities include confit duck, truffles, cèpes, honey cake and walnut tart, along with the well-known Malbec wines produced along the Lot river. The area is particularly appealing for food lovers and wine enthusiasts.
Gourdon – 15 minutes
A small but attractive medieval hilltop town with narrow streets and far-reaching views. The Saturday market is a highlight, with an additional Thursday evening market held during the high season.
Souilliac – 20 minutes
Home to an impressive cathedral and a good selection of local shops. The weekly market takes place on Fridays, with additional Wednesday evening markets during the high season.
Sarlat-le-Caneda – 30 minutes
A favourite with both locals and visitors, medieval Sarlat is known for its lively atmosphere and exceptional architecture. Large markets are held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, with hundreds of stalls filling the historic streets. The town is packed with restaurants, shops and beautifully preserved buildings.
Rocamadour – 40 minutes
A unique and unforgettable town built vertically into a dramatic 120-metre cliff overlooking the Alzou valley. Rocamadour forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela. It is an extraordinary sight, though visiting early in the day is recommended to avoid the busiest periods.
Cahors – 1 hour
The capital of the Lot department, Cahors is a charming city set within a loop of the Lot river. It features a magnificent cathedral, narrow medieval streets and the famous 14th-century Pont Valentré. A daily indoor market is expanded on Wednesdays and Saturdays when stalls extend around the cathedral. Cahors also makes an ideal base for combining a visit with wine tasting along the river, where many vineyards can be found.
Plan your trip with this map which details market days throughout the Lot department
Caves
The Lot and Dordogne are home to some of France’s most remarkable caves, featuring impressive natural formations as well as important examples of early human art. Several well-known sites are located close to the gîte:
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Grottes de Cougnac – 15 minutes
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Lascaux (World Heritage site) - 40 minutes
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Gouffre de Padirac (highly recommended) - 50 minutes
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Grottes de Pech Merle – 1 hour
Gardens
The region is also renowned for its beautifully maintained gardens, many of which are within easy reach of the gîte. A few particularly popular examples include:
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Marqueyssac – 35 minutes
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Jardins d’Eyrignac – 25 minutes
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Les Jardins de Cadiot – 10 minutes
