The Périgord in 1 week, a beautiful escape to the heart of the Dordogne

This is a trip filled with discoveries and pleasant surprises in a region that's a joy to live in. In southwestern France, in the Aquitaine Basin, the Dordogne is divided into four distinct areas, each identified by a color that reflects its character: white, black, green, or purple. The Périgord region abounds with tourist attractions, fun activities, and rich historical and gastronomic heritage. Exploring the Périgord in one week guarantees a wonderful stay in a region with diverse landscapes.

Day 1: The White Périgord, Périgueux and its surroundings

Begin your journey in Périgueux, the capital of the region, located in the Périgord Blanc, in the heart of the Dordogne. Its limestone cliffs and the stones of the Causse Périgourdin (Périgord Plateau) justify its name, offering a unique landscape of open spaces surrounded by vast meadows and rivers. The main attraction remains Périgueux itself, with its remarkably well-preserved historical past showcased in its museums. The Vesunna Museum, situated on a former Roman site, boasts exceptional collections of antiquities, while the Périgord Museum of Art and Archaeology recounts the history of the region.

Continue your exploration with a visit to Saint-Front Cathedral in the city center, a magnificent building and a major stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. After wandering through the narrow streets of the old town, past Renaissance and medieval houses, explore the surrounding area. Many castles are worth a visit, such as the Hautefort Castle on an old Roman camp, or the Château des Bories which retains the charm of the Renaissance.

Montpon-Ménestérol, in the southwest, represents the organ capital, with no less than 10 emblematic instruments. Listen to a beautiful piece of music before gliding by canoe on the Isle or the Vézère, the ideal rivers for discovering the region or leading to 200 km of marked and safe hiking trails.

The Périgord Blanc is the perfect starting point to soak up the historical and natural atmosphere of the Dordogne.

Day 2: Périgord Noir, The Vézère Valley from Montignac

The Périgord Noir is the eastern part of the region, encompassing the Vézère Valley to the north and the Dordogne Valley to the south. Less than an hour from Périgueux, Montignac-Lascaux is the perfect stop for a second day exploring the Dordogne. This charming village is particularly renowned for its prehistoric sites, such as Lascaux IV, Lascaux II, and the Regourdou caves —impressive tourist attractions and cultural gems not to be missed.

Montignac is a lovely place to visit and a great starting point for many activities in the heart of the Vézère Valley. Hiking, cycling or mountain biking, canoeing, or local festivals – there's plenty to do all year round. The river leads you to Limeuil, a village located at the confluence of the Vézère and Dordogne rivers. The stunning scenery will entice you to spend some time there, not forgetting the... panoramic gardens of Limeuil.

Do you have some time left? Explore other equally charming villages such as:

• Aubas ;
• Auriac ;
• Saint-Amand-de-Coly ;
• Fanlac ;
• Valojoulx ;
• Sergeac ;
• Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère...
  
  

Between bastide architecture and magnificent panoramas of the river, you will not want to leave the Vézère Valley of Montignac.

Days 3 and 4: Périgord Noir, The Dordogne Valley

Allow at least two days to visit this part of the region, which is brimming with cultural and natural gems. In an idyllic green setting surrounded by rivers, discover some of the most beautiful villages in France nestled in the heart of the Dordogne Valley:

• Domme is a pretty, flowery viewpoint with golden stones that offers a magnificent panorama to observe.
• La Roque-Gageac is the troglodyte village to visit in Périgord Noir, nestled against a cliff along the Dordogne.
• Beynac retains all the charm of a medieval village with its typical architecture, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding nature.

The visits are a must, and can be combined with visits to the castles of the Dordogne Valley.

• Castelnaud Castle is a medieval fortress overlooking the river, built on a rocky spur. Inside, the Museum of Warfare in the Middle Ages houses an important collection of weapons, swords, daggers, and armor, which can be explored on a self-guided or guided tour.
• Beynac Castle is the most authentic fortified castle in the Périgord Noir region, recounting five centuries of history. Follow in the footsteps of Richard the Lionheart, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Simon de Montfort, and the Hundred Years' War through a castle steeped in history.
• Finally, the Château des Milandes , built between the 15th and 19th centuries, offers an incredible tour of rooms preserved as they were at the time, surrounded by a French-style garden.

Immerse yourself in the history of the Dordogne through its villages and castles, then embark on a gabarre for a refreshing river excursion. This boat, once used by merchants to transport their goods safely to port, is today a traditional way to discover the region's heritage.

Day 5: Sarlat-la-Canéda and its surroundings

Sarlat is a must-see in the Périgord region, a small medieval gem that deserves to be explored at leisure. Wander the cobbled streets between the half-timbered houses to its large covered market, renowned for bringing together the best producers and iconic products of the Dordogne. Inhale the aromas wafting from the stalls and sample foie gras, regional cheeses, Périgord truffles, and Sarlat potatoes before continuing on to the Sarlat viewpoint. A panoramic glass elevator whisks you to the top to admire the magnificent view of the village and its heritage. Descend for a coffee on a terrace in the Place de la Liberté before visiting the Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral and its Gothic architecture. Conclude your tour with a visit to the birthplace of Étienne de la Boëtie, a renowned writer who lived in a beautiful 16th-century house.

Spend a memorable day in Sarlat between fun activities and cultural discoveries in the heart of a village with a rich historical past.

Day 6: The Bergerac region and its wine châteaux

In the southwest of the Dordogne lies the Périgord Pourpre, encompassing the Pays de Bergerac, in the heart of the Dordogne Valley. A visit to this region offers a blend of exploring medieval fortified towns (bastides) and discovering an incredible vineyard that stretches along the river.

• Bergerac is made up of charming alleyways and squares ideal for strolling or having a coffee facing the statue of Cyrano de Bergerac.
• Beaumont-du-Périgord is renowned for its events organized around regional gastronomy.
• Eymet was built under English rule and features the typical architecture of bastides.
• Issigeac is a small town with narrow, flower-filled streets.
• Monpazier is one of the most beautiful villages in France where many artisans make a living from traditional crafts.

All these bastides are of English origin, except for Eymet, which is the only French one. Discover the unique layout of the bastides before enjoying the delicious wines from the Bergerac vineyards. White, red, dry, or sweet, the region boasts ideal conditions for grape growing and offers 13 AOC wines to taste. Bergerac, Monbazillac, Saussignac, Montravel, Duras, Rosette, and Pécharmant are the seven appellations of the vast Bergerac vineyard, which stretches along the Dordogne River. Conclude your day with a visit to some renowned châteaux, such as:

• Biron Castle and its impressive architectural ensemble.
•  Monbazillac Castle which offers a historical visit and tasting of the famous sweet wine of Périgord.
• Bridoire Castle is still furnished and inhabited, and many activities are organized there.

Day 7: The Green Périgord

If you still have some energy left after this week exploring the Dordogne, head towards... The Périgord Vert. Between meadows, plains, and forests, you quickly understand the color associated with it. Immerse yourself in the heart of lush nature, which can be explored through numerous activities. The Domaine du Grand Roc, within the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, offers several hiking trails to explore on foot or by bike. Horseback riding is another way to appreciate the enchanting setting of the Périgord Vert, as is treetop adventure courses or canoeing on the Dronne River. After exertion, reward yourself with a well-deserved swim in the region's ponds and lakes, surrounded by natural landscapes, such as the Rouffiac leisure center. Prefer to continue your visit? Here are several ideas to end the week in style.

• Discover Brantôme , the Green Venice of Périgord with its picture-postcard panorama.
• Meet the regional producers who will let you taste the region's iconic products.
• Visit the museums, caves or castles of Périgord Vert at your own pace.
• Bring back a souvenir of your wonderful stay in Dordogne.
• Visit the castle of Bourdeilles.

The last day is also synonymous with relaxation and tranquility. Do what you like among the various activities offered; you have the right to relax.

All you have to do is follow this pre-planned itinerary to discover the Périgord region in one week and appreciate all its beauty. Whether you're a couple, a family, or a group of friends, this is the perfect trip to reconnect and share a wonderful time together.

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