France impressions
The Dordogne is one of the most beautiful rivers in France and countless villages, which are among the 100 most beautiful in the country, lie right on the banks. The most famous region is probably the Perigord Noir, which I visited in 2017.The Perigord Noir in the Dordogne department is a region of great prehistoric importance. There are innumerable stone age paintings in this region. The medieval, beautiful villages with towering castles and the beautiful river Dordogne or the Vezère exert a very special charm. The landscape of the Perigord Noir is extraordinarily beautiful and the number of historical sights is immense.
The Vallée de la Dordogne in the Lot department (belongs to the Occitanie region) and Corrèze is idyllic and natural and far away from mass tourism. Beautiful villages (including 7 on the list of the 100 most beautiful villages in France), beautiful river banks, castles and stalactite caves make up this area. It is also the area of the nut trees and accordingly you can eat delicious nut cakes everywhere or buy delicious nut oil in oil mills.
The Perigord Noir - locations and surroundings:
La Roque Gageac:
one of the dream villages in the region. The village rises steeply over the Dordogne and is just beautiful. Narrow streets, palm trees, flowers and wonderful houses. One has a very nice view of the place from a boat trip with one of the typical gabarre. Of course, La Roque Gageac deserves one of the 100 most beautiful villages in France.
Beynac-et-Chassenac:
and another dream village and one of the 100 most beautiful villages. Particularly interesting with its imposing Chateau de Beynac high above the town. Great views from the chateau of the Dordogne and the entire area. Pure Middle Ages! A must if you are in this area.
Castelnaud-La-Chapelle:
and another place that is one of the 100 most beautiful villages. The mini town of Castelnaud with its imposing Chateau Castelnaud. You should definitely visit it and enjoy the panoramic views. The nut museum "Ecomusée" de la Noix with a great farm shop is also very close by, where you can buy very tasty nut oil and other delicacies made from nuts.
Stupid:
Domme is located high above the Dordogne on a rocky plateau, one of the 100 most beautiful villages in France. From the outskirts you have a wonderful view over the Dordogne valley, especially beautiful in fog or sunset. Nice places with bistrots and restaurants invite you to linger. You enter the village through a castle gate.
Belvès:
and again one of the 100 most beautiful villages ... are there any others? A bigger place with nice alleys and a nice square with restaurants. The location is a little further away from the river but also very scenic.
Montfort:
the beautiful Chateau de Montfort lies steeply on a rock above the Dordogne. On the river bank there are beautiful bays and sandy beaches where you can swim.
Sarlat-la-Caneda:
Fantastically beautiful town (9000 inhabitants) with sandstone houses, medieval streets and a huge weekly market that you should definitely see. This city is so great, it's one of my all-time favorite places in France. A great flair and this market ... you literally fall into a buying frenzy.
Other excursion tips:
Chateau des Milandes:
This beautiful castle from the 15th century is located in a huge park. There is even a bird of prey observatory. In the park you can go for a nice walk and of course also visit the chateau. It is definitely worth it!
Chateau de Commarque:
medieval fortress at the gates of Sarlat. Very imposing castle ruins with some stone age paintings in the rock walls. You should definitely see this fortress, it is really impressive.
La Roque Christophe:
Imposing cave dwellings in a limestone cliff above the Vezère river. The cave dwellings are faithfully reproduced and offer an interesting insight into the Stone Age way of life. If you really have seen it.
Village Abri Madelaide:
La Madeleine is a settlement site that was used for thousands of years until the early modern period. It is located in the lower abri (rock overhang) below the chapel of the troglodytic village, dedicated to Saint Magdalena, and lies on a loop of the Vezère river. Historically extremely interesting, a really great place!
The hanging gardens of Marqueyssac:
The listed, picturesque and romantic gardens of Marqueyssac offer more than 6 kilometers of shady walking paths, lined with tons of hand-cut hundred-year-old box trees and adorned with lookout points, artificial rocks, waterfalls and garden theaters ...
The 22-hectare park, laid out on a rocky promontory, towers over the valley from its limestone cliffs. The most beautiful panorama opens up from the Belvédère de la Dordogne viewpoint, 130 meters above the river.
Les Eyzies de Tayac Sireuil:
prehistoric center with stone age cave dwellings on the river Vezére. Idyllic river bank and a very scenic area.
Limeuil cling:
one of the 100 most beautiful villages (Limeuil) located on a bend in the river Vezère. The river is particularly wide here and the banks are very idyllic. You can have a nice picnic on the river bank or just enjoy the view. The place is also very attractive.
My restaurant tips:
Cabanoix and Chataigne in Domme
Pizzeria Les Templiers in Domme
Restaurant La Source in Tursac
Why not in Belves
The near Gaillou in Vitrac / La Roque Gageac
Restaurant l'Adresse in Sarlat la Canèda
My calendars:
The Dordogne valley - locations and surroundings:
Carennac (Lot):
a beautiful village, which is rightly one of the 100 most beautiful villages in France. Idyllically located on the Dordogne with picturesque streets and beautiful stone houses. All around forests and nature.
Loubressac (Lot):
again a village on the list with the 100 most beautiful villages. This little village is located on a hill. Quiet and picturesque and lovely views of the Chateau Bretenoux.
Autoire (Lot):
and again one of the 100 most beautiful villages in France. Framed by rocks in a beautiful landscape, pure idyll. From the village you can hike through a picturesque forest to the Cascade d'Autoire waterfall (although not always water, especially in spring or winter). Near the Ferme de Siran on the rock above Autoire, a high path leads to the Chateau des Anglais (castle in the rock). Wonderful views of the area and the village.
Martel (Lot):
picturesque small town with a beautiful weekly market. The center is adorned with beautiful squares with bistrots and restaurants, quaint alleys and beautiful houses. A really nice town. Nearby you can admire snakes and reptiles of all kinds in Reptliland, it is very worthwhile!
Curemente (Corrèze):
With its imposing Saint Hilaire Castle, a great sight, especially from afar. This beautiful and worth seeing village is surrounded by hills and meadows. There are a number of hikes in the area.
Saint Céré (Lot):
nice small town with weekly market. The old castle Chateau des Tours Saint Laurent and the associated Jean Lurcat museum dominates the city.
Saint Céré lands for a stroll.
Rocamadour (Lot):
well-known pilgrimage site in a great location on a rock spur. In the main season, however, very crowded. The church is very present, you have to like that (I don't like it). Of course, Rocamadour is definitely worth a visit. The Moulin de Cougnagouet, which is idyllically situated on the banks of the river L'Oysse, is also well worth seeing. The mill can be visited. A visit to the Borie (Ferme) d'Imbert is also very worthwhile, here you can watch the production of the Rocamadour goat cheese, which is known for the area, and experience life on the farm.
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne (Corrèze):
nice, bigger place directly on the Dordogne, but where there is also a lot of through traffic. The river bank is very beautiful, you can take a longer walk here. A trip along the Dordogne to Argentat and back on the other side of the river is recommended. There are beautiful spots by the river where you can swim or have a picnic.
Turenne (Corrèze):
Fantastically beautiful place (of course it belongs to the 100 most beautiful villages) in a very green landscape reminiscent of Ireland. The Chateau de Turenne towers over the town and should be visited. Great views of the area. In the place an idyllic place with bistrots and restaurants.
Collonges-la-Rouge (Corrèze):
the red village (also part of the list with the 100 most beautiful villages). All houses are made of red sandstone, which gives the place a special atmosphere. All around hills, vineyards, forests ...
You should definitely visit, it is really special.
Other excursion tips:
Chateau Bretenoux-Castelnau (Lot):
one of the most beautiful castles in the region, very well preserved and connected to a picturesque miniature village. The views of the unspoilt and picturesque nature of the region are breathtaking. A visit to the castle is of course very worthwhile.
Ruins of Talifer (Lot):
This small castle ruin is located near Gintrac, from which one has a wonderful panoramic view of the entire area. You can linger here very nicely and enjoy the view and combine the visit with a hike.
Chateau de Merle (Corrèze)
probably the most impressive castle ruins I have ever seen. Live in the solitude of the mountains and forests, mystical and beautiful. A highlight in this area. You can linger on the river bank and enjoy the atmosphere.
Chateau Montal (Lot):
Imposing chateau near Saint Céré.
Valley of the rocks:
the beautiful rocky valley on the Dordogne between Copeyre and Pinsac should be planned for a day trip. Places like Meyronne, Copeyre or Lacave and the beautiful area make it a special experience. The Chateau de la Treyne above the river, which also houses a hotel, is particularly beautiful.
My restaurant tips:
Lee Vieux Port in Gagnac sur Cère (definitely the best restaurant in the area)
The Priory in Carennac
Le canard qui rit in Prudhomat (very cheap and delicious lunch menu)
Les Remparts in Prudhomat (pizza only)
Restaurant Beaulieu in Beaulieu sur Dordogne
Bistrot Bacchus in St. Céré
