11 Top Things to See and Do in Dordogne

There is plenty to enjoy in the Dordogne from châteaux and museums to horse riding and cave exploration.

Museums

1. Musée André Voulgre

Recently renovated, this museum in Mussidan is dedicated to artisanal, rural and industrial life in the local region, with more than 5,000 period items in its collection. Until December 15 this year, a special exhibition commemorates the 80th anniversary of the tragedy which took place at the village of Espinasse towards the end of the Second World War when civilians and members of the French resistance were massacred.

2. Ecomusée de la Truffe

Discover the mysteries of the ‘black diamond at this museum in Sorges- et-Ligueux and take a guided tour to find truffles in their natural habitat. Plenty of tastings too, but be sure to book in advance.

3. Musée Gallo-Romain Vesunna

The Tour de Vésone is Périgueux’s most obvious Roman antiquity, rising 25m high, the last remains of a temple to the city’s Celtic goddess, Vesunna. Next to the tower is a remarkably well preserved Roman villa, the mainstay of the museum here. The original murals and graffiti are amazing. €6 for tickets.

4. Musée du Tabac

Smokers will love this museum in Bergerac’s 17th-century Maison Peyrarède, which explores the history of a plant “at times divine, at times cursed” and the various ways in which humans consume it. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

5. 1930s architecture

Created in the early 1930s by Albert Delsuc, who wanted to rehabilitate injured French veterans form World War I, La Cité-sanitaire de Clairvivre, near Sarlat-la- Canéda, is a paean to inter-war architecture. Nowadays you can follow a geocaching treasure hunt around the town, discovering its amazing history and architecture as you do so.

The Caves Of The Vezére Valley

If you want to know about prehistoric Europe, this valley, between Limeuil and Saint-Amand- de-Coly, is where you need to come. The rocks and massifs here are peppered with ancient caves which sheltered our ancestors for tens of thousands of years. It was here that, while building a railway in the 1860s, workers unearthed the first skeletons of Cro-Magnon man.

Head for Les Eyzies-de- Tayac which is a good base from which to strike out to the many caves, including Grotte de Font-de-Gaume, Grotte de Rouffignac, Grotte de Combarelles, Grotte du Grand Roc and the rock shelters at Abri du Cap Blanc and La Roque Saint-Christophe Unfortunately, the most impressive cave of all, Lascaux, was closed to the public decades ago because visitors’ breath and humidity were spoiling the cave paintings adorning them. Instead you can view a faithful and impressive replica at Lascaux IV.

Paddling the Dronne

They call Brantôme the “Venice of the Périgord’ and the best way to see it and the surrounding countryside is to hire canoes, kayaks or standup paddle boards on the River Dronne. There are several operators, including Brantôme Canoë and Allo Canoës.

Dordogne river trips

In the old days, traders used to transport their wares up and down the River Dordogne in flat-bottomed, wooden boats called gaborres. Trains and lomies made them redundant although they are now enjoying a second life as cruise boats for tourists. From April to October you can join trips from Bergerac, La Roque-Gageac, Beaulieu- sur-Dordogne and Brantôme. Try Gabarres de Bergerac. Gabarres Caminade, or Gabarres Norbert.

Yoga

You’re sure to find inner peace with the countryside of the Dordogne as your yoga backdrop. There’s the Tikal Lodge in Clermont-de-Beauregard. the Oasis de l’Aube in Saint- Mesmin and the Moulin de Chaves in Cubjac. For something really unusual, try classes at La Madeleine, a troglodyte village near Tursac, where every Wednesday evening in the summer, you can stretch while gazing across the Vézère Valley.

Riding Treks

Cheval Nomad‘, based in Saint- Front-d’Alemps, offers horse-riding treks across the Parc Naturel Périgord Limousin, in the north of the Dordogne, ranging in length from two to seven days. In the same village, but slightly slower in pace, is Boucles d’Anes, where you can take donkey rides across the same region. There are six lovely animals at your service: Atoll, Pimprenelle. Keunotte, 10, César and Faro.

Chateaux En Fête

For two weeks in April 2025, more than 80 châteaux of all eras and all sizes across the Dordogne will take part in the fifth Châteaux en Fête festival. There are historical re-enactments, exhibitions, concerts, shows, films, guided tours, escape games, geocaching and conferences. You can also dine and even stay the night at some of the châteaux.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Enjoy breath-taking views of the Dordogne river and its châteaux in a hot air balloon operated by Montgolfière & Châteaux. Flights last around an hour and cost from €190 per person.

www.montgolfiere-chateaux.fr

From France Today Magazine