Périgord in 1 week, a wonderful escape in the heart of the Dordogne

This is a trip full of discoveries and pleasant surprises in a pleasant region to live in. In the southwest of France in the Aquitain Basin, the Dordogne is divided into 4 determined by a color that resembles them. White, black, green or purple, Périgord is full of tourist sites, fun activities and historical and gastronomic riches. Traveling through Périgord in 1 week is the guarantee of a wonderful stay in a region with varied panoramas.

Day 1: Périgord Blanc, Périgueux and its surroundings

Start your journey in Périgueux, the capital of the region located in Périgord Blanc, in the heart of the Dordogne. Its limestone cliffs and the stones of the Causse Périgourdin justify its name, offering a unique landscape of spaces surrounded by vast meadows and rivers. The main attraction remains Périgueux and its historical past very well preserved through its museums. The Vesunna Museum, located on an ancient Roman site, has exceptional antique collections, while the Museum of Art and Archeology of Périgord tells the history of the region. Continue the discovery with a visit to the Saint-Front Cathedral in the center of the city, a magnificent building which constitutes a major stopover on the roads to Compostela. After wandering the streets of the old town between the Renaissance houses and those in the medieval style, visit the surroundings. Many castles are worth the detour like the Hautefort Castle on an ancient Roman camp, or the Château des Bories which retains the charm of the Renaissance. Montpon-Ménestérol in the southwest, represents the capital of the organ with no less than 10 emblematic instruments. Listen to a nice piece of music before canoeing on the Isle or the Vézère, the ideal rivers for discovering the region or leading to 200 km of marked and secure hikes. The Périgord Blanc is the perfect starting point to soak up the historic and natural atmosphere of the Dordogne.

Vesunna Museum

Hautefort Castle

Day 2: Périgord Noir The Vézère Valley of Montignac

The Périgord Noir is the eastern part of the region where the Vézère Valley extends to the north and the Dordogne Valley to the south. Less than an hour from Périgueux, Montignac is the ideal stopover for a 2nd day visit to the Dordogne. This charming village is particularly renowned for its prehistoric discoveries such as Lascaux IV, Lascaux II and the Regourdou deposit, impressive tourist sites which are cultural gems not to be missed. Montignac is very pretty to visit and represents a starting point for many activities in the heart of the Vézère Valley. Hikes, bike or mountain bike rides, canoe trips or festivities, there is something to keep you busy all year round. The river takes you to Limeuil, a village located at the confluence of the Vézère and the Dordogne. The landscapes of great beauty will seduce you to spend a moment there, without forgetting the panoramic gardens of Limeuil. Do you have a little time left ? Set off to discover other equally charming villages such as :

• At the bottom,
• Auriac,
• Saint-Amand-de-Coly,
• Faulac,
• Valojoulx,
• Sergeac,
• Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère.
  
  

Between bastide architecture and magnificent panoramas of the river, you will never want to leave the Vézère Valley of Montignac.

The Caves of Lascaux

The panoramic gardens of Limeuil

Day 3 and 4: Périgord Noir The Dordogne Valley

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

• Rocamadour, built on the side of a cliff above the Alzou canyon, is a very small medieval town.
• Collonge-la-Rouge is an unusual village, colored with red and shades of ocher for the walls, blue-gray on the slates and the green of the vines which climb along the facades.
• Domme is a pretty flowered belvedere with golden stones which offers a magnificent panorama to observe.
• La Roque-Gageac is the troglodyte village to visit in Périgord Noir, leaning 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.

Rocamadour

Domme

The visits are essential, to be combined with those of the castles of the Dordogne Valley. The Château de Castelnaud is a medieval fortress which overlooks the river, built on a rocky outcrop. Inside, the Museum of War in the Middle Ages keeps a large collection of weapons, swords, daggers and even armor to discover during a self-guided or guided tour. The Château de Beynac is the most authentic fortified castle of Périgord Noir which tells 5 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 with a historic past. Finally, the Château des Milandes , built between the 15th and 19th centuries, offers an incredible visit to rooms preserved as at the time, surrounded by a French garden. Immerse yourself in the history of the Dordogne through its villages and castles, then board a barge for a refreshing getaway on the river. This boat, which was used by merchants to transport their goods safely, is today a traditional way to discover the heritage of the region.

Castelnaud Castle

Gabarre in Périgord

Day 5: Sarlat-la-Canéda and its surroundings

Sarlat is a must-see in Périgor, the little medieval pearl of the region that you should take the time to visit. Wander the cobbled streets between the half-timbered houses to its large covered market, renowned for bringing together the best producers and emblematic products of the Dordogne. Smell the aromas emanating from the stands and taste the foie gras, regional cheeses, Périgord truffles and Sarladaise potatoes before continuing to the Sarlat belvedere. A panoramic elevator with glass walls takes you to the top to admire the magnificent view of the village and its heritage. Go down to have a coffee on the terrace on the Place de la Liberté, before visiting the Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral and its Gothic architecture. End your tour at the birthplace of Étienne de la Boëtie, a renowned writer who lived in a beautiful 16th century residence. The day is not over as you still have time to explore the surroundings :

• Pedal on the greenway from Sarlat to Peyrillac-et-Millac through green and natural settings,
• Visit the French gardens of the Manoir d'Eyrignac or the listed site of gardens of Marqueyssac,
• Enter the Calviac zoological reserve to discover endangered species,

• Admire the magnificent Puymartin Castle and discover its legend that it is haunted by the famous White Lady.

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

Sarlat la Canéda

Gardens of Marqueyssac

Day 6: Bergeracois and its wine châteaux

To the southwest of the Dordogne is the Périgord Pourpre where the Pays de Bergerac extends, in the heart of the Dordogne Valley. The visit to this region is a mixture of visits to medieval bastides, and the discovery of an incredible vineyard which runs along the river.

• Bergerac is made up of charming streets and squares ideal for strolling or drinking 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 domination and presents the typical architecture of bastides,
• Issigeac is a small town with narrow, flowery streets,
• Monpazier is one of the most beautiful villages in France where many artisans make a living from the trades of yesteryear,
• Limeuil has a privileged location at the confluence of the Vézère and the Dordogne, with an unmissable view of the valley,
• Villamblard is a magnificent town surrounded by nature, forests, manors and castles.

All these bastides are of English origin, except Eymet which is the only French one. Discover the particular constitution of the bastides before enjoying the delicious wines from the Bergerac vineyards. White, red, dry or sweet, the region has the ideal conditions for growing vines, and offers 13 AOCs to taste. Bergerac, Monbazillac, Saussignac, Montravel, Duras, Rosette and Pécharmant are the 7 appellations of the great Bergerac vineyard which extend throughout the Dordogne. End your day with a visit to some famous castles, such as :

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

Not forgetting a visit to the Cloister of Cadouin. The end of the week promises to be delicious after visiting these vineyards.

Bergerac Vineyards

Biron Castle

Day 7: The Périgord Vert

If you have any energy left after this week exploring the Dordogne, head to the Périgord Vert. Between meadows, plains and forests, we quickly understand the color associated with it. Immerse yourself in the heart of green nature to discover through numerous activities. The Domaine du Grand Roc within the Périgord Limousin Regional Natural Park reveals several hiking trails to take on foot or by bike. Horseback riding is another way to appreciate the enchanting setting of the Périgord Vert, as is tree climbing at the top of the trees or canoeing on the Dronne. After the effort, comfort with a well-deserved swim in the region's ponds and bodies of water surrounded by a natural landscape. Would you prefer to continue your visit ? Here are several ideas to end the week on a high note

• Discover Brantôme, the Green Venice of Périgord with a postcard panorama,
• Meet the regional producers who make you taste the emblematic products of the region,
• Visit the museums, caves or castles of Périgord Vert at your own pace,
• Bring back a souvenir of your wonderful stay in the Dordogne.
• Visit Bourdeilles Castle
  

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

All you have to do is follow this ready-made itinerary to discover Périgord in 1 week, and appreciate all its beauty. As a couple, with family or friends, this is the perfect trip to get together and share a good moment of complicity. Do you have less time ? Visit Périgord in 3 days.

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