The 13 most beautiful villages in the Dordogne to visit

The Dordogne, located in south-west France, is a region known for its picturesque landscapes, majestic châteaux and, of course, its incredible villages. With its rich historical and cultural heritage, every village in the Dordogne has its own story to tell and a unique charm to offer. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the most beautiful villages in the Dordogne that are absolutely worth a visit.

1. Beynac-et-Cazenac, a castle that dominates the valley

Beynac-et-Cazenac is a village that stands proudly on a cliff overlooking the River Dordogne. Dating back to the 12th century, Beynac castle is one of the best preserved and most famous in the region. Its strategic position offers breathtaking panoramic views over the Dordogne valley. This medieval village is a real trip back in time, with its narrow cobbled streets, stone houses with lauze roofs and small craft shops.

Nearby, you can also enjoy a trip on a gabarre, a traditional Périgord boat, to discover the beauty of the Dordogne valley from the river. Don’t forget to visit the 12th-century church of Saint-Martin, which offers a moment of peace and serenity.

2. Roque-Gageac, a film set

At the foot of a sheer cliff and on the banks of the Dordogne lies La Roque-Gageac, a village whose exceptional layout offers an unforgettable spectacle. Listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, La Roque-Gageac, with its tightly-packed ochre houses and labyrinth of cobbled streets, has been the setting for several films and TV series.

The village is also home to an exotic garden with a wide variety of tropical plants, thanks to its microclimate. For a truly unique experience, climb aboard a traditional gabarre for a cruise on the Dordogne, where you can admire the village and the cliffs from the river.

3. Le Bugue, a family-friendly village

Le Bugue is a lively, bustling village, ideal for families. It is particularly well known for the Village du Bournat, an eco-museum that recreates rural life in Périgord at the end of the 19th century. Children will love the old trades, farm animals, old-fashioned merry-go-rounds and craft workshops.

Le Bugue is also home to the Aquarium du Périgord Noir, the largest private freshwater aquarium in Europe. Here you can see over 6,000 fish, including sturgeons and giant carp. Don’t forget to visit the Gouffre de Proumeyssac, a cave nicknamed the “Crystal Cathedral” for its impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.

4. Belvès, a village with character

Belvès is a charming medieval village set on a rocky outcrop, with panoramic views over the Nauze valley. Listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, Belvès is renowned for its remarkable architectural heritage, including its seven bell towers, castle and half-timbered houses.

The village is also famous for its summer night market, where you can sample local specialities in a friendly atmosphere. For history buffs, be sure to visit the “cazelles”, dry stone shelters typical of the region, and the “troglodytes”, dwellings dug into the rock, which bear witness to rural life in days gone by.

5. Brantôme, the Venice of Périgord

Nicknamed the “Venice of Périgord”, Brantôme is an enchanting village surrounded by the River Dronne. Its Benedictine abbey, founded in the 8th century, is one of the oldest monasteries in France. The abbey’s bell tower is thought to be the oldest bell tower in France.

As well as the abbey, the village has many other points of interest, including the Monks’ Garden, the bent bridge over the Dronne and the troglodytic caves. Don’t forget to take a canoe trip to discover the village from a different angle and enjoy the beauty of its scenery.

6. Saint-Jean-de-Côle, charm and serenity

Saint-Jean-de-Côle is a small village full of charm, listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”. Its central square lined with half-timbered houses, its castle, its Romanesque church and its medieval bridge over the Côle all contribute to creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

The village is also famous for its annual Plant Festival, which takes place in May and attracts thousands of visitors. This is an opportunity to discover a wide variety of plants and flowers, as well as to enjoy the beauty of the village in spring.

7. Saint-Chély d’Aubrac

Saint-Chély d’Aubrac is a picturesque little village on the route to Santiago de Compostela. It is famous for its Pont des Pèlerins, a 14th-century stone bridge spanning the River Boralde.

The village is also renowned for its gastronomy, in particular for aligot, a local speciality made from potatoes and cheese. Don’t forget to visit the 11th-century Romanesque church of Sainte-Foy and take advantage of the many hiking trails that surround the village.

8. Monpazier, an exemplary fortified town

Monpazier is a bastide, a medieval fortified town considered to be one of the best preserved in the region. Founded in 1284 by King Edward I of England, Monpazier has retained its original layout, with straight, parallel streets, a central square lined with arcaded houses and ramparts.

The village is also famous for its traditional market, which has been held every Thursday for over 700 years. It’s a great opportunity to discover local produce and sample the local gastronomy. Be sure to visit the church of Saint-Dominique, a 13th-century Gothic building, and the Musée des Bastides, which traces the history of the bastides of south-west France.

9. Saint-Amand-de-Coly and its abbey-fortress

Saint-Amand-de-Coly is a charming village located between Montignac and Sarlat. It is dominated by its abbey-fortress, a 12th-century Romanesque building that is one of the largest fortified churches in France.

The village is also famous for its typical Périgord Noir stone houses, with their lauze roofs. Every summer, the abbey hosts the Festival de Saint-Amand-de-Coly, a musical event dedicated to classical and world music. A stroll through the village will also reveal its rural heritage, with its barns and dovecotes.

10. Domme, gastronomy, architecture and nature

Situated on a promontory overlooking the Dordogne valley, Domme is a village with a rich historical and architectural heritage. Its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, medieval market hall and Gothic church bear witness to its medieval past.

Domme is also renowned for its gastronomy, with truffles, foie gras and Bergerac wines. The village offers exceptional panoramic views over the Dordogne valley, and is surrounded by unspoilt countryside ideal for hiking and cycling.

11. Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, a peaceful hamlet

Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère is a small, peaceful hamlet on the banks of the River Vézère. Its stone houses with lauze roofs, 12th-century Romanesque church and 16th-century castle, as well as its location in the heart of the Vézère valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its prehistoric sites, make it a place of charm and serenity.

The village is also an ideal base for exploring the many prehistoric sites in the Vézère valley, including the Lascaux cave and the Roque Saint-Christophe site. Don’t forget to take a canoe trip on the Vézère to admire the beauty of its natural landscapes.

12. Villefranche-du-Périgord, the oldest fortified town in the Dordogne

Villefranche-du-Périgord was founded in 1261, making it the oldest fortified town in the Dordogne. Its original layout has been well preserved, with a central square lined with arcaded houses and a fortified church.

The village is also famous for its market hall, which hosts a traditional market selling local produce such as honey, walnuts and porcini mushrooms. For ramblers, there are numerous footpaths leading from the village to discover the beauty of the Périgord countryside.

13. Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, 2 châteaux for one village

Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is a village dominated by two châteaux: Château de Castelnaud, a medieval fortress housing a museum of warfare in the Middle Ages, and Château des Milandes, former home of Joséphine Baker, which houses a museum dedicated to the famous artist and a falconry show.

The village, listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, also boasts panoramic views over the Dordogne valley. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets, discover the stone houses with their lauze roofs, and enjoy a trip on a gabarre on the Dordogne.

The Dordogne is a real treasure trove for lovers of history, nature, gastronomy and culture. Each village has its own story to tell, its own charm to discover. Whether you’re looking for tranquillity, adventure, cultural discovery or gastronomy, these Dordogne villages have something for everyone. So don’t wait any longer and come and discover these jewels of the Périgord!