Dordogne Self-Guided Tour

The Vézère Valley, stretching from Montignac in the northeast to Les Eyzies to the southwest is filled with some of the most amazing prehistoric discoveries in the world (17,000 - 20,000 years ago). The Dordogne is also known for its tumultuous past; the 100 Year's War between the English and the French in the 13th-14th centuries, the Plague (the Black Death), and the Wars of Religion decimated the region for centuries. The legacy left behind hundreds of medieval villages and castles to explore. It is also the home of some of the most delightful and decadent gastronomic specialties of the world: the exquisite duck or goose fois gras and confit.

Planning Your Tour...

Choose your preferred Hubs below, or plan on enough time to visit and cycle all three Hubs! You can also combine this region with a few days in Bordeaux.

Hub A - The Capital of Pre-History

Principle villages: Les Eyzies, Montignac, Trémolat, St. Cyprien.

Principle world-renown sights: La Grotte (cave) de Lascaux II, La Grotte de Font-de-Gaume, La Grotte de Rouffignac, the Bicycle Museum in Cadouin, and more.

Highlights: Cave paintings from 17,000- 20,000 BC, meandering rivers, Romanesque churches, geese, geese and goose foie gras.

Hub B - The Dordogne River and ominous castles of the 100 Years War

Principle villages: Sarlat, Beynac, Castelnaud, La Roque Gageac, Domme.

Highlights: Walled medieval villages (known as Bastides), fortified fortresses, spectacular views overlooking the Dordogne River, the Hundred Years War, War of Religion, an ancient walnut press.

Hub C - Upper Dordogne River, 12th Century Pilgrimage sites and more castles!

Principle villages: Rocamadour, Castelnau, Carennac, St. Céré, La Gouffre de Padirac.

Highlights: Fascinating underground caverns, a plethora of France's most beautiful villages (Plus Beaux Villages), and castles, castles and more castles.