What to do in Dordogne Périgord when it rains?

Is it raining during your stay in the Périgord ? Bad luck, but don't panic: the Dordogne has plenty of rain-free activities to enjoy. The green pastures and lush forests of the Périgord owe much to its rainfall, which is rather rare in summer, but more frequent in spring and winter. In autumn, a few rainy days quickly give way to sunshine. So, what is there to do when the sky is gray?

Key takeaways: our ideas by type of outing

Visits sheltered from the rain

If our ancestors sought shelters under rocks to protect themselves from the rain, visiting troglodytic sites and caves will bring you the same comfort.

The decorated caves

They reveal the fascinating legacy of our ancestors, those artists who already knew how to use the rock's contours to bring their animals to life. Among the must-sees:

• Lascaux IV, the international center for cave art, and Lascaux II, in Montignac. Lascaux II is a guided tour open seasonally : be sure to check the dates.
• The Rouffignac Cave, which can be visited by miniature train.
• The Sorcerer's Cave in Saint-Cirq.

Caves with concretions

Stalactites, stalagmites, limestone draperies: water has taken millennia to sculpt these enchanting shapes. Discover them:

• The Grand Roc Cave in Les Eyzies;
• The Maxange Caves at Buisson-de-Cadouin;
• The Villars Cave and the Tourtoirac Cave;
• Even more famous, a chasm rather than a cave: the Gouffre de Proumeyssac.

Rock shelters and troglodyte sites

Caves are enclosed spaces. If you prefer to keep the scenery in view, opt for the rock shelters, keeping your umbrella handy: part of the route is in the open air.

• La Roque Saint-Christophe, in Peyzac-le-Moustier, offers a beautiful view of the Vézère from its sheltered terrace. A visit best suited for a grey day.
• The troglodytic village of La Madeleine, in Tursac, is superb if clear skies arrive at the end of the day.
• The fortified house of Reignac, perfectly sheltered, will thrill you with pleasure.
• The troglodytic houses of Belvès.
• At Les Eyzies, the Cro-Magnon shelter, both a prehistoric site and a place of remembrance.

Museums to visit when it rains

Safely sheltered, discover the museums of Périgord : diverse, specialized, interesting and sometimes gourmet.

The museums of Périgueux

The city, capital of the Périgord Blanc region, is home to several museums:

• The MAAP, Museum of Art and Archaeology of Périgord.
• The Vesunna Museum, dedicated to the Gallo-Roman villa, whose remains can be seen under a glass gallery designed by Jean Nouvel.
• The Périgord Military Museum, rich in a vast collection of objects.

Food and craft museums

• The Walnut Ecomuseum in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, and the Truffle Ecomuseum in Sorges.
• The Cognac and Wine Museum, in Saint-Aulaye, to taste the cognac produced between Périgord and Charente.
• The Nontron cutlery workshop to admire the craftsmanship of the artisans.

In Bergerac and elsewhere

• In Bergerac, the Tobacco Museum.
• The Museum of Passing Time Street, in Allas-les-Mines, delves into the years 1840 to 1960: a family collection that will delight lovers of old trades and classic cars.
• The National Museum of Prehistory, in Les Eyzies, to complete your knowledge after visiting the sites in the region.

Castles to visit in Périgord

There's no shortage of castles in Périgord, and the hardest part is choosing. Many can be visited year-round or by reservation : a quick phone call is all it takes to find out if your chosen castle can open its doors to you.

• The must-sees: Hautefort, Biron, Commarque, Beynac, Bourdeilles, Les Milandes and Puymartin.
• The lesser-known, but charming ones: Lacypierre, Fénelon, Bridoire, Losse and Château l'Évêque.

Wine estates: enjoy a tasting in comfort

Winegrowers open their doors to offer tastings of their work. Wine estates and smaller properties alike offer tastings and tours : call ahead, especially during harvest time, to ensure their availability.

In the Bergerac region, begin your stay at Quai Cyrano, home to the tourist office and the Maison des Vins de Bergerac Duras. There you will meet winemakers and get all the addresses you need to plan your visits.

• The Château de Monbazillac and its sweet and sugary nectar, pride of the Bergerac Duras wines;
• Still in Monbazillac, the Domaine Grande Maison ;
• In Pécharmant, the Château de Tiregand and the Château Champarel ;
• The Domaine du Siorac, a dynamic estate, regularly offers wine tourism activities;
• The Domaine de Grange Neuve, run for five generations.

Indoor leisure activities

Whether you have a playful or sporty spirit, you're sure to find something to do indoors.

• For families: the Aquarium du Périgord Noir, in Le Bugue, blends local and exotic aquatic species. Nearby, the Prehistoric Labyrinth promises a few thrills.
• To expend children's energy: playgrounds and trampoline parks, such as Giga Parc in Creysse, near Bergerac, Les P'Tits Castors in Bergerac, and, around Périgueux, Wakari in Marsac-sur-l'Isle (Wakari is a playground reserved for the youngest children), as well as Fly Arena in Boulazac.

• Swimming pools and aquatic complexes: municipal swimming pools all over the place, and more recreational complexes like L'Ovive, near Nontron.
• Climbing and padel: Le MurMur, a climbing and sports hall in Marsac-sur-l'Isle, near Périgueux, for an afternoon defying gravity, or the indoor and outdoor padel courts of La Bandeja, in Coulounieix-Chamiers.
• Escape games: to play detectives in teams, the Château de Tiregand, a giant escape game in a historic castle near Bergerac, L'épée des ancêtres, at the Château de Puymartin in Sarlat-la-Canéda, La prison infernale in Journiac and Cornille Aventure in Cornille.
• Laser game: No Limit Laser Game in Boulazac, Laser Play in Saint-Laurent-des-Vignes, Lazzer City in Journiac and Cornille Aventure in Cornille.

Gourmet and artisanal tours

Delicious food will overcome the rain. Discover the local products of Périgord.

• Producers and canneries: truffles, foie gras, walnuts, strawberries… Many producers welcome visitors to their farms or workshops, and some offer tours with tastings. Put together a basket for a future picnic or a meal at home, and call ahead.
• Market halls and covered markets: in Périgueux, the market halls on Place du Coderc bring together local produce to take home in your luggage.
• Breweries: the Périgord region has many, for example the BAM brewery or La Chavagn' brewery in Coly. Discover almost all the microbreweries in Dordogne.
• Mills: fascinating visits to the region's heritage, such as the Moulin du Trel in Vézac, the walnut oil mill in Landry or, in Neuvic, the Veyssière watermill.
• Craftspeople: potters, glassblowers, painters, sculptors, leatherworkers, jewelers… The Dordogne Craft Route leads you in their footsteps. The villages of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, Limeuil and Monpazier, as well as the towns of Bergerac and Périgueux, are home to many of them.

You see, even in the rain, the Périgord remains warm and welcoming. Moreover, there are more and more sites open year-round and villages that are vibrant and lively.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which caves can you visit in the Dordogne when it's raining? The decorated caves (Lascaux IV, Rouffignac, the Sorcerer's Cave) and the caves with concretions (Grand Roc, Maxange, Villars), as well as the Proumeyssac Abyss. Check opening dates before you go.
• What to do in Périgord with children on a rainy day? Aquarium, Prehistoric Maze, indoor playgrounds, swimming pools and water parks, bowling, living museums like the Belvès Spinning Mill.
• Which sites can be visited indoors year-round? Many castles, vineyards (by appointment), several museums, and indoor leisure facilities. A quick phone call will confirm opening times.
• Where can you find ideas for activities when it rains? Check our calendar to follow the festivals and events.

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