Top 10 cool places to visit in Périgord

Is it summer, or the shoulder/early season? Do you long for a shady or sheltered spot, a pleasant place to unwind and better cope with the heat? Follow our top 10 list of places in the Dordogne to plan a visit or a getaway to a cool location. You can also keep these great ideas in mind for the hottest hours of the day, between noon and 4 pm!

What to visit or do in Dordogne when it's hot?

the caves of Périgord

What better place to escape the heat than a cave ? Our ancestors knew this well! The temperature stays a comfortable 13 degrees Celsius year-round, so in summer, remember to bring a sweater or jacket to avoid sudden temperature changes. Whether you choose caves adorned with parietal paintings and engravings, or caves with concretions where nature and limestone have sculpted magnificent draperies, columns, and stalagmites… you'll be in paradise in the caves of the Périgord!

The rock shelters of Périgord, visits into the past

Rock shelters, sinkholes, and troglodyte villages… This is an exceptional natural and historical heritage in the Périgord! Immerse yourself in the lives of our ancestors and understand the way of life of the cliff dwellers. Come and explore the troglodyte houses, once inhabited, which allowed humanity to settle in our valleys. The beauty of the landscape, the presence of the river, the safety afforded by elevated viewpoints and the abundance of wood, and plentiful food made the Dordogne a paradise at the dawn of humankind.

Gardens to visit, havens of coolness and beauty

In Périgord, we truly have magnificent gardens… Even if you're not a botany enthusiast, you can't help but be captivated by these flowerbeds, sometimes arranged in formal French gardens, or left wild and untamed! Nature at its most beautiful, the cool shade of the trees… Come and discover the gardens of the Dordogne!

the castles of Périgord to restore old stones at their own expense

What better way to protect yourself from the sun's heat than with walls over a meter thick? Come visit the castles of the Dordogne, feast your eyes on their beauty, and learn more about the history of our region. Family castles, grand historic castles, smaller but charming residences… There are 1001 castles to discover in the Périgord !

Swimming spots to cool off in the Dordogne

Of course, in Périgord, we don't have the sea, but we have plenty of ideas! We have lakes with leisure centers where you can cool off, relax, and enjoy water sports with your family. Do you like fishing? Come and try your luck in our lakes and rivers. Did you know that you can also swim in the rivers (both the larger ones and the smaller ones)? There's always a designated beach area (sometimes with lifeguards) or a secluded cove waiting for you. Be very careful when swimming in the fast-flowing, natural waters!

Tree climbing and treetop adventure courses in the Dordogne

Looking for an active outing, a way to keep the kids or teens entertained, but without the heat? Discover the many treetop adventure courses in the Périgord region. We're spoiled for choice; there are plenty to choose from, with varying levels of difficulty. The treetop courses are very safe and supervised by professionals. Sometimes it's a simple hike in the trees, but sometimes it's a real sporting challenge – there's something to suit your desires and skill level!

A trip on a gabarre, the flat-bottomed boats typical of the region

Gabarres are historic boats, once used, particularly on the Dordogne River, to transport wood, wine, cannons, and various other goods. It was a true epic undertaking, beginning with the construction of the gabarres. Then, the courageous bargemen would wait for high water (as dams regulating the water level didn't exist at the time) and set off for Bordeaux to transport their wares! The gabarre was then dismantled and sold as is. You'll learn more by taking a gabarre trip. Be warned, it can get very hot on the water! So, if you're looking for cooler temperatures, it's best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon!

A Canoe Kayak Trip in Périgord

It's the same principle! Set off early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Those more athletic and seeking adventure won't hesitate to inquire about multi-day canoe/kayak trips ; many rental companies offer this service. Canoeing and kayaking are very popular activities in the Périgord region. The rivers are magnificent, the scenery breathtaking, and you can swim and picnic on the banks.

Try caving in Périgord

Does caving seem complicated to you? In the Dordogne, there are hundreds of caves, and some (besides the tourist sites) are open for guided caving excursions. You can either go through a professional who offers these kinds of outings year-round, or you can take advantage of the "Active Summer" program (ask at the Tourist Offices). But be warned, never go alone!

Take up fishing

Come and try your luck at fishing in Périgord. By our ponds and rivers, the air is cool and refreshing. Relax, enjoy the natural surroundings, and participate in a sport that's great for the whole family. Bring your own equipment if you're an experienced angler, or join an introductory session!

We wish you a wonderful holiday in the Dordogne!

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