What to do in Périgord when it's cold?

Despite being in southwestern France, the Périgord region also experiences temperature drops with the arrival of winter. Finding things to do when the cold sets in isn't always easy, requiring appropriate clothing such as gloves, scarves, and hats ! Since we're never short of activities, we've put together a short list of things to do in the Périgord when it's cold. Put on your warmest boots, we're going to have a lot of fun !

Warming your heart at the restaurant

Enjoyable year-round, restaurants have a special appeal when the icy wind seeps into your clothes. All you want is to get warm. Step into a brasserie for a comforting stew, enter a chic restaurant to savor delicious dishes that make you forget the cold, or take a break in a café for a hot chocolate—they often have delectable pastries to offer. The frosty weather is quickly forgotten when you treat your taste buds in the warmth of a restaurant.

Going to the cinema to escape the cold

Winter is the perfect season for a spontaneous movie outing. Is the weather gray, the air chilly, and the wind freezing your fingers and toes? Book a screening for a cozy day out, munching on popcorn and comfortably settled in a heated theater. Now, you can even buy your ticket directly online to avoid queues and the disappointment of arriving to a packed house. It also gives you time to dress warmly, defrost your car's windshield, and find a parking spot close enough to avoid walking in the cold before the movie.

Visiting a museum sheltered from the cold in the Périgord

Not all museums are heated, depending on the works on display, but some have the advantage of being a few degrees warmer than the outside. This makes them a great way to spend winter in the Périgord region when the cold weather sets in. Many museums are open year-round ; you can choose according to your interests, which may include:

• The Maap Museum, Museum of Art and Archaeology of Périgord.
  
• The Vesunna Museum, a magnificent building designed by Jean Nouvel. A site of art and archaeology, it preserves Gallo-Roman remains.
• The National Museum of Prehistory, a visit to the most important Paleolithic collection in France, sheltered from the cold.

Visiting the producers in their workshop

Why not take advantage of a less-than-ideal season to discover the region and meet passionate producers ? Rain, wind, or cold, farmers rarely stop working just because winter has arrived. On the contrary, they'll be delighted to take a break to tell you about their work and introduce you to their products. Biscuits, vegetables, meats, wines, or foie gras — don't hesitate to taste them if you can; the producers of Périgord put their heart and soul into their work for a quality result.

Going to the market despite the cold

The stalls are set up year-round, even in winter when it's cold. Bundled up in socks, gloves, and lined boots, wander the aisles in search of local, seasonal ingredients to cook at home. The markets offer the pleasure of chatting, exchanging recipes, and meeting up with friends before seeking shelter from the wind and cold to work with the carefully selected, high-quality produce. Some dishes are simply must-try when in the Périgord region, such as raclette with Tomme du Périgord or Trappist cheese from Echourgnac, duck confit, Mique (a local potato and cheese dish), or tourin ( a garlic and garlic soup). Warm and comforting, they are a well-deserved reward for a trip to the market.

Playing a game in an indoor room

Do you love having fun? Do your children need to burn off energy, but the cold weather is holding you back ? Consider indoor games ! These spaces are often heated, and there are plenty of options for a fun-filled day away from the winter weather. Escape games, virtual reality games, racquet sports halls, bowling, trampolines, or climbing walls—you'll soon be too hot to jump, run, and play with friends and family.

Swimming in municipal indoor pools

Even if the idea of plunging into the water is daunting when you're already freezing, those doubts quickly vanish once you step through the pool doors. The heated water is a delight for icy toes. With water slides, paddling pools, jacuzzis, and lap pools, the municipal swimming pools of the Périgord region offer a wide range of activities, depending on the location. Whether with friends, family, or your loved one, what a pleasure it is to escape the cold for a few hours of splashing around. Remember to bring a swim cap ; the return to winter can be harsh for those sensitive to the cold.

Enjoying mulled wine at the Christmas market in winter

Here's a tradition not to be missed, despite the chilly temperatures. Whether it's mulled wine or hot chocolate, the drinks at the Christmas market are comforting and bring a little warmth to your frozen hands. Take the opportunity to do your holiday shopping and admire the new items at the market; the artisans, often shivering, will be happy to chat for a few minutes about their work. And if you linger, don't hesitate to have another glass of mulled wine—it's a truly delicious, spiced treat that quickly makes you forget the cold.

Go shopping in large shopping centers

Except for Sundays when they are closed, and outside of holiday periods, shopping centers offer an ideal outing to combine the pleasure of shopping with escaping the cold. With shops, cafes, restaurants, gourmet food stores, and designer boutiques, there's enough to keep you busy for several hours window-shopping, punctuated by comforting breaks with a hot drink. Whether you're starting your Christmas shopping, updating your wardrobe, or spending a day with friends, shopping centers are the perfect place to avoid the chill of the Périgord region.

Explore the most beautiful villages of France

There's nothing like a brisk walk through the narrow streets of Périgord villages to warm you up. With 9 villages listed among the "most beautiful villages of France", you'd be wrong to miss the special atmosphere that emanates from these charming towns in winter.

• Fall under the spell of La Roque-Gageac, nestled between rivers and cliffs.
• Discover the magnificent castle of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle.
• Admire the unusual cave of Domme.
• Visit the incredible castle of Beynac-et-Cazenac.
• Belvès, the city with 7 bell towers to discover.
• The square village of Monpazier and Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère for nature lovers.
• Just a little further before you can escape the chill, Limeuil is a great spot and Saint-Amand-de-Coly is a must-see with its historical ruins.

In the end, winter isn't so complicated when you're dressed properly and know where to go. This year, you have all the right ideas to keep yourself busy and know what to do in Périgord when it's cold.

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