Périgord in 10 must-see places

And if this year, you go on vacation in the Dordogne, also called Périgord? Whether you already know the region or not, you are not at the end of your surprises! It is full of historical and natural treasures. 

But have you ever thought of cycling through Périgord? The bicycle is undoubtedly the ideal way to take the time to soak up the local heritage and enjoy the rich gastronomy without feeling guilty.

If you don’t know where to start, we have selected for you the 10 must-see places in the Dordogne and its surroundings.

1. Lascaux cave (Montignac)

We don’t even present it anymore! The famous cave with prehistoric paintings and engravings is however no longer open to the public for the sake of conservation of the works. But don’t worry: you can visit the two life-size reconstructions, Lascaux II and Lascaux IV, the latter offering an even more faithful reproduction than the original.

2. Rocamadour

This is an unusual village! Built into the side of the cliff in medieval times, Rocamadour still remains today a high place of pilgrimage.

3. The National Museum of Prehistory (Les Eyzies)

Around Les Eyzies are many caves and other prehistoric sites. It is therefore not surprising that the village was chosen to house the National Museum of Prehistory. This place will delight enthusiasts of this historical period.

4. The Padirac chasm

This impressive chasm plunges you into a magical atmosphere with its play of light and its spectacular walls. A boat ride awaits you on the underground river, adding a little more magic to this unmissable visit.

5. Sarlat-la-Caneda

This charming medieval town in the Périgord Noir attracts many tourists every year. A walk in Old Sarlat will transport you to the past and allow you to admire old buildings with very beautiful architecture. Don’t be afraid to get lost in the maze of narrow streets to soak up this picturesque town.

6. Castelnaud-la-Chapelle castle

It is not the only beautiful medieval castle in the region, and it is not its rival, the Château de Beynac, which will claim the opposite! The visit to the castle of Castelnaud is however very lively with many activities and the dominant position of the castle will offer you a splendid view.

7. Collonges-la-Rouge

We had to make a choice among the countless “Most beautiful villages in France in the region” but it must be said that Collonges-la-Rouge gives off something unique with its red stone houses (the village is aptly named) . It is not for nothing that it is the cradle of the association of the Most beautiful villages of France!

8. The Gardens of Marqueyssac (Vézac)

Listed on the list of remarkable gardens in France, the magnificent romantic and picturesque gardens of Marqueyssac will delight young and old alike. Even today, the century-old box trees in this 22-hectare park are pruned by hand.

9. Milandes Castle

A beautiful castle to visit to discover the eventful life of Joséphine Baker, this extraordinary woman who entered the Pantheon at the end of 2021. She lived in this castle with her 12 adopted children in the 1950s, before having to put it up for sale in 1964 due to financial problems.

10. The Fortified House of Reignac

An unusual place to end this list in style? La Maison Forte de Reignac is a castle-cliff which, as its name suggests, seems to blend into the rock. The most curious can visit the rooms of this intriguing building.

This list was not easy to make because Périgord is full of other remarkable sites! Come and discover our bike tour in Périgord https://cyclodyssees.com/perigord-a-velo/ for even more surprising places: it’s up to us to organize it, to you the discoveries!