Dordogne: Dordogne, treasures of yesterday and today.

This beloved French department is located in the southwestern part of the country. Part of the New-Aquitaine region, it owes its name to the river of the same name which passes through it. Dordogne is brimming with charming hilly villages, soaring landscapes and many breathtaking mediaeval castles. It’s a welcoming place that is not only known for its wealth of history and culture, but also for its many outdoor activities and water adventures. Whether you plan on visiting with family or friends, or even solo, Dordogne has a little something for everyone. Foodies, thrill seekers and culture vultures will all find something that speaks to them in this renowned part of France.

When visiting the Dordogne, you’ll be sure to want to get acquainted with its history and cultural heritage. We recommend you first stop at Chateau de Beynac to do just that. The Chateau is in pristine condition, considering it dates all the way back to the 12th century and gives visitors an insight into the region’s history. Perched on a rock, the chateau towers above the region and its iconic river, providing not only fantastic educational adventures, but wonderful views of the Dordogne. The Chateau des Milandes is another extraordinary spot where you can familiarise yourself with both Dordoge’s mediaeval history, as well as the life of its most famous inhabitant, legendary singer, entertainer and member of the Resistance during World War II, Josephine Baker.

St Front Cathedral is another must-see stop on your Dordogne itinerary. Construction of the astonishing Roman Catholic Cathedral started in the 13th century, the works eventually came to an end in the 19th century. The site of many historical events, the cathedral is one of the most fascinating and visually stunning in France.

Dordogne is also known for its iconic towns and villages that are all bursting with charm and a quiet sense of magic.

Sarlat-la-Canéda is one such town, its streets lined with beautiful medieval buildings and its inhabitants are of the “bon vivant” category, indulging in all the wonders a life in the region has to offer. A hotspot for local culinary prowess, this Sarlat is an unmissable part of any trip to Dordogne.

Rocamadour is a rural village perched atop a rocky hillside. Known for its unique beauty, disposition and general geography, Rocamadour is an undeniable highlight of anyone’s time spent in Dordogne.

Castelnaud and Collonges-La-Rouge are two more of these stunning towns that do not disappoint upon visiting. Both globally renowned for their beauty and cultural significance, Castelnaud is another hillside town and Collonges-La-Rouge is flatter and closer to the river. Both have fascinating history and an incredible local artisan scene. If you’re planning on visiting the Dordogne region, it would be a shame to skip out on all these towns or villages that simply exude charm and nobility

The Dordogne region also happens to be an excellent spot to go on some new adventures. It’s so easy to make the most of the river and to go canoeing or kayaking along it to take in all the wonderful sights. If you’re the outdoorsy type, this is the ideal activity for you, which you can enhance by going on a hike afterwards and get the full local Dordogne-nature experience (or adventure, depending on how you look at things)!

Another great thing to do is to go explore the mesmerising Prehistoric caves that have been uncovered in Dordogne. Admiring the Upper Paleolithic Age frescoes and drawings on their walls is an experience unlike any other, beckoning guests to think about man-kind, its evolution and how we may not be so different from our Prehistoric ancestors.

Finally , you won’t want to miss out on attending one of Dordogne’s many, many markets. Local markets are something the French do particularly well and those in the Dordogne region are no exception. You’ll find most of them in the towns and villages and they are put on weekly or even more frequently than that in some cases. The markets sell some of the best fresh local produce and the quality of the food is unbeatable. So if you’re interested in the region’s culinary heritage and culture, there’s no question about it, you must hit up a market.