Dordogne Scenic Journey Route Planning
Exploring the Enchanting Dordogne: A French Road Trip of a Lifetime
The Dordogne, a region in southwestern France, is a treasure trove of medieval villages, turreted castles, and golden-stone towns. Nestled along the meandering Dordogne River, this picturesque region is best visited from May to September, with July and August being peak season.
Your journey can begin from any of the four cities: Brive, Bergerac, Bordeaux, or Toulouse. The final destination for this unforgettable road trip is Sarlat-la-Canéda, a town known for its well-preserved medieval centre.
Sarlat-la-Canéda offers a myriad of attractions. The Covered Market, the Truffle Museum, and Gisson Manor are must-visits. For those with a green thumb, the Marqueyssac Gardens and Eyrignac Gardens are not to be missed.
West of Sarlat-la-Canéda lies the VézÚre Valley, home to the Lascaux caves replicas, Roque Saint-Christophe, and the Gouffre de Proumeyssac. These prehistoric caves are a testament to the region's rich history.
The suggested 7-day Dordogne road trip has three main bases: Monpazier and the bastide towns (Perigord Pourpre), Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, and Sarlat-la-Canéda. In Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, visitors can enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the river, take a day trip to the red-stone villages, and explore the Voie Verte greenway, a family-friendly cycling route.
Accommodation options in Sarlat-la-Canéda include Camping Mathevies, Huttopia Sarlat, La Villa Romaine, Plaza Madeleine Hotel & Spa, and Huttopia Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, which is a lovely location right on the river and beside the town.
A car is necessary to explore the Dordogne properly, as public transport is limited. However, canoeing the Dordogne River is a highlight in Sarlat-la-Canéda, with Canoe Vacances offering kayak rentals.
If only a few days are available, base yourself in Sarlat-la-CanĂ©da and do day trips. La Roque-Gageac and Beynac are beautiful villages to explore near Sarlat-la-CanĂ©da, with Beynac Castle and ChaÌteau des Milandes as notable attractions.
The region is popular for a dream French road trip. A week provides a good balance for a Dordogne road trip, but two weeks allow for a deeper exploration. In Perigord Pourpre, visitors can explore the bastide towns, visit the ChaÌteau de Biron, see the Cadouin Cloisters, visit ChaÌteau de Tiregand, dine at La Table de l'ApogeÌe, and stay at Chateaux dans les Arbres.
In conclusion, the Dordogne is a region that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and charming villages. Whether you choose a short or long stay, this road trip promises an unforgettable journey through one of France's most enchanting regions.
