The Dordogne in 4 days: 3 itineraries to explore

Visiting the Dordogne? That's a great idea! How do you plan an unforgettable trip, making the most of the treasures this unique region has to offer? It's not easy, as there are so many possibilities! We've put together a 4-day itinerary based around three key locations in the department: Périgueux, Bergerac, and Sarlat. Choose a base, pack your bags, and read our article to explore the best sites in the Périgord and the most beautiful villages in the Dordogne!

3 itineraries for visiting the Dordogne

4 days in the Dordogne starting from Périgueux

Changing accommodations every day is not always the best way to make the most of your trip, so settle in for 4 days in Périgueux and discover the wonders surrounding the capital of the Périgord Blanc.

Day 1: Visit to Périgueux and its surroundings

For your first day, get acquainted with the historic city center of Périgueux. It's a beautiful city, well worth exploring, and there's no need for a car: the historic center is easily accessible on foot ! Stroll through the narrow streets, visit the market, and discover the charming shops and restaurants of this lovely city. Located on the banks of the Isle River, Périgueux is a true gem. You can, for example, visit the Cathedral and even its rooftops (be sure to book in advance). You can also wander through its green spaces, along the Gallo-Roman trail, and perhaps visit the Vesunna Museum ? Or maybe you'd prefer a bike ride or a walk along the greenway by the banks of the Isle?

Day 2: Discovering the Venice of the Périgord Vert: Brantôme

Brantôme is a very pretty village on the banks of the Dronne River, a must-see. Gracefully surrounded by the water, it's even nicknamed the Green Venice. Not far from Périgueux, Brantôme offers excellent restaurants, charming barge trips, and the chance to discover the town's heritage : the troglodytic dwellings of the Abbey or Bimbillou Parc, the troglodytic world of the Dronne, whose name means "to go everywhere and nowhere." This historical site offers a walking tour to discover life in bygone days. Brantôme is also a town of artisans ; step into their workshops to immerse yourself in their craftsmanship and perhaps treat yourself to a beautiful piece of jewelry or a handmade item.

Not far from Brantôme, for the end of the day or afternoon, you can explore Bourdeilles, another pretty village where you'll find the Château de Bourdeilles, a tourist site where the history of two castles is revealed. You can also discover Saint-Jean-de-Côle, perfect for a leisurely stroll and enjoying the scenery. A little further afield are Villars and the village's beautiful caves with their concretions, which offer an interesting introduction to the hidden treasures of the Périgord region. Nearby is another castle, the Château de Puyguilhem. For hiking information, contact the Périgord Dronne Belle Tourist Office, which has plenty of resources to offer!

Brantôme, the Dronne and its Abbey

Day 3: The Périgord Vert and the Périgord Limousin Regional Natural Park

Yes, one day won't be enough to fully enjoy the Périgord Vert, but it's a taste of what a future trip might be like! Nature lovers enjoy hiking in this lush green region, where challenging walks can be arranged. To plan your excursions, trust the Périgord Nontronnais Tourist Office. Waterfalls, forests, fertile plains —it's nature in all its splendor. Stop by Nontron to visit the town where the famous Nontron knives are made. If it's warm, cool off at the beautiful Saint-Saud-Lacoussière pond, and if you enjoy sports, take a ride on the only railbike in the Périgord!

Day 4: The Isle Valley

The Isle is a large river that flows through numerous villages. Why not take a canoe trip or rent an electric boat (in Neuvic)? There are also traditional flat-bottomed boat trips available at the Moulin de Duellas – it's picturesque! Start your day in Saint-Astier, a large and pleasant town where it's lovely to stroll along the riverbanks. Head towards Neuvic and visit its castle and botanical gardens. There's also Mussidan, a pilgrimage town on the Vézelay route, and to explore it on foot, the town offers a 5km walking trail. Contact the Isle Valley Tourist Office to find activities that interest you!

4 days in the Dordogne starting from Bergerac

Come and spend your holidays in the Dordogne, based in the largest city of Purple Périgord : Bergerac. This is where wine lovers should stop to learn all about Bergerac-Duras wines. The region boasts no fewer than 10 appellations! Monbazillac, Pécharmant, Montravel... and many more! Come discover them, enjoy wine tourism, and explore the area surrounding the city of Cyrano.

Day 1: Exploring Bergerac and its surroundings

Start your stay with a visit to Quai Cyrano ; it's a great starting point as it houses both the Tourist Office and the Bergerac-Duras Wine Center. You're also close to the traditional flat-bottomed boats (gabarres de Bergerac ), so take a trip on the Dordogne River! Explore Bergerac itself; it's a charming town with beautiful half-timbered houses, medieval-style alleyways, delightful little squares, and plenty of lovely shops and restaurants. In the afternoon, meet the winemakers and winegrowers, visit castles, treat yourself, and explore the Wine Route. You'll see breathtaking scenery (it's exquisite at the end of the day, with the setting sun) and have the opportunity to buy wine at producer prices! Consider having your order delivered whenever possible to avoid cluttering your car! Click to see our selection of producers. A must-see is the Château de Monbazillac !

Bonus for the day, treat the children and take a trip to the Miniature Port of Bergerac, to be the captain of an incredible and real tiny boat, a meticulous reproduction of an ocean liner, ferry, trawler or barge!

Day 2: Up the Dordogne

For this second day, I suggest we travel up the Dordogne River. Head towards Creysse (lovely fish market on Sundays). A short walk further on, you'll find a parking area next to the EDF power station (which is open to visitors) and the Tuillières Dam. Cyclists can pick up the Bergerac greenway and return to town via this very pleasant car-free route, winding between villages and towns. Continue along the Dordogne. On the way, stop at the educational site of the Moulin de la Rouzique in Couze-et-Saint-Front, where you'll learn all about papermaking, an industry that was once thriving in the region. You'll then arrive in Lalinde, a charming bastide town. Nearby is the smallest (and unfinished) bastide in the Périgord: Molières ! Continuing on (and thus moving away from the Dordogne River), you'll arrive at Cadouin, a small village that boasts a beautiful abbey and cloister. Those interested in religious buildings will be delighted to visit it and learn about the legend of the Shroud of Cadouin. Heading back up towards Le Buisson-de-Cadouin to rejoin the Dordogne, you can visit the charming Maxange Caves. You can also explore the Planbuisson Bamboo Garden, which holds many herbaceous surprises.

Day 3: We get up early and visit fortified towns and picturesque villages.

On the third day, I suggest you continue exploring from the previous day. Leave early in the morning and visit Beaumont-du-Périgord, the first English royal bastide town (market on Tuesdays and Saturdays), and admire the beautiful Saint-Front church. Just enough time for breakfast and a coffee, and then head to the superb bastide town of Monpazier, the best-preserved in the Périgord region—it's incredible! In summer, it's bustling with activity, a truly vibrant place. Further south, head up towards Biron … Visit the pretty village and, above all, the Château de Biron ! It's one of the four baronies of the Périgord, offering a stunning panoramic view of the Lot-et-Garonne plateau just opposite. If you still have time, go to Villefranche-du-Périgord, further east, another charming bastide town to discover, perhaps for a pleasant dinner?

Alternative route: When you are in Beaumont or Monpazier, you can head directly east to Belvès, one of the most beautiful villages in France, a truly lovely medieval gem perched on a hilltop. There are surprising troglodyte dwellings to visit, and just a stone's throw away, the Belvès Spinning Mill, where you can learn all about wool and all the things you can do with it: carding, dyeing, knitting, or felting.

Day 4: Let's relax!

For this last day, I suggest a shorter tour to discover the beautiful sights around Bergerac. Let's start with the charming village of Pomport, surrounded by vineyards, then continue to Sigoulès, which will delight you with its local heritage, and finally, heading towards Lot-et-Garonne, the lovely bastide town of Eymet awaits.

You could also head towards Issigeac, which is not far from the Château de Lanquais and the Château de Bridoire, the castle of games!

4 days in the Dordogne starting from Sarlat

Ah, Sarlat ! The gastronomic capital of Périgord, the heart of the Périgord Noir, a haven for heritage lovers! You won't be bored; you could even stay for a week or two, and come back every year until you've explored all that Périgord Noir has to offer. Some vacationers, after returning so often, end up buying a business or even moving here!

Day 1: Discovering the Medieval City of Sarlat

Arriving on a Saturday? Then don't move a muscle and grab your shopping basket ; it's market day in Sarlat. It's bursting with color, overflowing with flavors, and brimming with temptations… It's a truly beautiful market, held right in the city center (leave your car far away…) and taking place throughout the pedestrianized heart of the medieval town. On other days, there are countless shops, boutiques, artisans, and stores to discover. Throughout the winter, there's also the Truffle Market, and in January, the famous Truffle Festival and the Truffle and Foie Gras Academy.

Would you like to learn more about the history of the city and visit a bourgeois house ? Head to the Manoir de Gisson, right in the center.

Unique! To discover Sarlat, take the elevator! Hidden inside the Sainte-Marie church and designed by Jean Nouvel, the panoramic elevator of Sarlat is a must-do. Contact the Sarlat Tourist Office for more information.

Sarlat, the beautiful medieval city

Day 2: On the way to the Dordogne Valley

Today, things are getting serious; we're heading to a magical place, just a few minutes from Sarlat: the majestic Dordogne Valley. Several options are available to you.

You'll arrive near Vézac, and from there you can head west to discover the beautiful hilltop village of Beynac, with its castle, picturesque houses, and breathtaking views. Why not take a hot air balloon ride or go canoeing/kayaking ? You can then continue on to Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse and the port of Enveaux, a more intimate destination. Nearby is the Musée de la Rue du Temps qui passe (Museum of the Street of Passing Time), a journey through time combined with a charming family story. You can then return via Saint-Cyprien, a lovely little town (with a great market on Sundays) featuring a curious metal bridge reminiscent of the Eiffel style.

The second route, upon arriving in Vézac, heads east towards the village of La Roque-Gageac. There, too, you can go canoeing, but that's not all! There are also the famous gabarre trips, which offer a magnificent view of this part of the valley from the Dordogne River, just like the merchants of yesteryear. Hot air ballooning is another option! After enjoying the pleasures of the water and the beauty of this cliffside village, head to the bastide town of Domme, a few kilometers further on, on the other side of the river. At 150 meters high, it offers an incomparable viewpoint over the Dordogne Valley ; from the village square, it's breathtaking! Visit the caves located under the Tourist Office, stroll through the narrow streets and discover the shops, producers, artisans… Eat an ice cream while admiring the view, and taste the amazing Vin de Domme !

A third option, still in Vézac coming from Sarlat, is to go straight ahead. You can take a stroll through the remarkable Marqueyssac Gardens, with their beautiful views and formal French gardens adorned with boxwood hedges. Continuing on, cross the bridge and look up; you'll see the Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, a true fortified castle that children adore. A charming visit awaits a few kilometers away at the Château des Milandes, the home of Josephine Baker and her family. There, a visit to the gardens is refreshing, followed by a superb birds of prey show and then a moving tour of the château, offering a glimpse into the private life of the legendary entertainer. If you enjoy local produce, I recommend visiting the Walnut Ecomuseum right next door, where you'll learn all about this sacred little fruit of the Dordogne. Those who are more athletic can rent a bike and enjoy the superb (it's my favorite in the department!) Céou greenway which will take you to charming villages (Saint-Cybranet, Daglan, Saint-Ponpon) passing through walnut fields, and along the Céou river.

Day 3: The Vézère Valley

Will one day be enough? Not at all, you'll have to choose and come back! To organize your stay in the Vézère Valley, I recommend contacting the Lascaux Dordogne Vallée Vézère Tourist Office !

Heading back up towards the Vézère Valley, you'll find the charming stone-roofed village of Saint-Geniès (market on Sunday mornings), then Coly-Saint-Amand, one of the most beautiful villages in France with a magnificent abbey. Next comes Montignac-Lascaux and the famous Lascaux Cave and the International Centre for Cave Art. A must-see in our region, sure to please the whole family. Don't forget to explore Montignac, a town bisected by the Vézère River, with pleasant restaurants along the water's edge (market on Wednesdays and a smaller market on Saturdays). Continue on to Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, another of the most beautiful villages in France, nestled in a bend of the Vézère. It's charming, with numerous artisans, restaurants, and a superb Romanesque church… Don't miss the viewpoint at Côte de Jor nearby, offering a 180-degree view over the entire valley. Also, consider a canoe trip on the Vézère River (the most enjoyable route, offering the best value for money, runs from Saint-Léon to Tursac; you can fully enjoy it in 3 hours!). Around Saint-Léon, there are tourist sites such as Le Thot, Le Conquil, La Roque Saint-Christophe in Peyzac-le-Moustier, as well as the Village of La Madeleine, the fortified house of Reignac, and the Château de Marzac … Then you arrive at the village of Les Eyzies, the true capital of prehistory in the Périgord Noir. There are so many tourist sites nearby… The Prehistory Interpretation Centre, the National Museum of Prehistory, the Cro-Magnon rock shelter, the Laugerie Basse rock shelters, the Grand Roc Cave, the Sorcerer's Cave, the Roc de Cazelle Cave and so many others that I have no more room!

Day 4: The Dordogne Valley, towards the Lot

Fancy a bit of exercise for your last day? Hop on your bike (or drive) and take a ride on the Sarlat greenway. It climbs a bit in places, but the surface is excellent and the surroundings are cool and pleasant. It's built on a former railway line, and sometimes you go through loooong tunnels, which will make the children squeal with delight (and go "choo-choo"...). What is there to see along the way and in the surrounding area?

In Carsac-Aillac, you can go canoeing on the Dordogne River. I also recommend visiting the superb water gardens of Carsac-Aillac ; they are truly picturesque, with ponds arranged in a beautiful terraced layout, complete with small bridges, walkways, a multitude of plants, and of course, aquatic plants. There is also the Calviac Zoological Reserve in Calviac-en-Périgord, which is a sanctuary for certain species, including small monkeys.

In nearby Sainte-Mondane, you can visit the Château de Fénelon, which is open year-round ! Continuing on, you'll reach Carlux, a charming hilltop village with the ruins of a castle worth exploring (free of charge). I also recommend the Jardins de Cadiot near Carlux, which are maintained using permaculture principles and, above all, with a great deal of care!

Alternative route: Not far from the start of the cycle path, there is Monfort, its castle and its superb meander to observe (a loop of the river).

We've reached the end of our getaways. These suggestions are by no means exhaustive; they represent the must-sees to discover in four days in our beautiful department. Exploring the entire Dordogne in four days is possible, but tiring, as we have such a large department. Dividing your trip into smaller areas, as I've suggested, will allow you to fully enjoy a region while also giving you some great ideas for a future trip.

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