22 Best Hotels in The Dordogne, France

If location and views are your top priorities, then this old auberge poised on a quaint cobbled square in the center of town is just the place. The inn is covered in grapevines and roses; inside, the functional guest rooms are decorated with local art and cozy rugs, while the charming dining room dishes out the expected culinary specialties at lunch daily.

Certainly the most spectacular château-hotel in the Dordogne, this Relais & Châteaux outpost sits amid Baroque gardens perched over the Dordogne River. Located in Lacave, northwest of Rocamadour, La Treyne was nearly destroyed in the 16th-century Wars of Religion but reconstructed under Louis XIII. Today the Michelin-starred Great Lounge restaurant (no lunch except Sunday) is a feast of crystal, boiserie, and Louis XIII chairs. Stylish guest rooms range from the stunning Prison Doreé (or "Golden Prison," set atop the castle tower) and the hyper-charming Soleil Levant (the former chapel, now glowing in historic lime and yellow), to a deluxe suite with gorgeous antiques and views over the river.

Set on a rocky spur just outside town, the former home of the count-bishops of Cahors has older rooms in baronial splendor (ask for one of these), as well as slightly less appealing modern ones; others have a mix of French Moderne and medievalesque furniture that can be jarring, but the ambitious restaurant and great views make up for a lot of sins. One of the best guest rooms is "Tour," with a clever ceiling that slides back to expose the turret. Duck, seafood, and truffles reign in La Duèze, the gastronomic dining room, where Michelin-starred chef Julien Poisot serves a contemporary gourmet "cuisine de terroir" equal to the wines from the estate's highly touted wine cellar (dinner only, closed Sunday and Monday), which you can enjoy on the lovely terrace on fine days. This talented chef also presides over the more casual but very good bistro, open daily for lunch and on Sunday and Monday for dinner as well. The hotel is happy to organize a tour and tastings of the estate's wines.

If you're wondering what it would be like to live in a manor, look no further than this stately private castle—said to be one of the most handsome in the Dordogne—with vestiges dating back to the 11th century. You'll feel the traces of history climbing the 14th-century tower stairs to reach two giant guest rooms: suite Vincent, complete with stone walls, antiques, tapestries, silk draperies, and Oriental carpets; or suite Jenny, done up in 18th-century floral print and Chinese silks with views over the chateau's pretty park. Meals can be taken out or taken in your room if arranged in advance.

A nice way to experience the lovely rolling countryside just outside Bergerac, this handsome château offers everything you need for a relaxing visit, including a large pool, fine dining, golf, and charming paths for lovely walks. Rooms are pleasingly spare and modern and common spaces invite lingering, which the friendly staff heartily encourage. The hotel has gone the extra mile for families, with a kids' park and four luxurious family villas—each with three bedrooms and a self-service kitchen—on the property. Check the website for special food and wine packages (some with cooking classes).

This historic 19th-century manor—the only five-star hotel in the Périgord Noir—is hands down the Dordogne's most extensive luxury resort, offering swimming, a nine-hole golf course, fine dining, and a Nuxe spa. Stylish Roche-Bobois interiors throughout proclaim the wonders of French savoir-faire while the guest rooms (all with magnificent bathrooms) are well-appointed and unusually spacious, many with balconies and jaw-dropping views over the valley. In-hotel dining choices include a stylish bistro, a gastronomic dining room with a Michelin-starred chef, and, in summer, cocktails and "street food" on a wide terrace offering panoramic views. There's also a chic bar for snacks and cocktails.

Make sure your room overlooks the Dordogne—the expansive view is what really makes this hotel special. Rooms are small but modern, and the location on the edge of the square is perfect. Worthy chef René Gillard creates such specialties as foie de canard in pot-au-feu, and all kinds of truffle-filled dishes. The restaurant does not serve dinner or lunch on Monday or Tuesday from February through April and are not always sure of their summer hours, so be sure to call in advance.

Sarlat is not overly blessed with beautiful historic hotels, so this one stands out—literally—thanks to its massive crenellated tower (an imposing structure that held off besieging forces during the Wars of Religion). Originally part of the town's ancient ramparts, the hotel is a short stroll from Sarlat's Cité Médiévale. Inside, the atmosphere is richest in the restaurant: a vast half-timber, 13th-century stone hall where the town council once presided; today, a menu of classic dishes reflect the area's rich gastronomic tradition. Guest rooms are simply but nicely furnished and vary widely in size, from teensy to spacious. The showpiece is the tower room, complete with a crenellated Cinerama view out the windows. Be aware that some rooms have stairs so book accordingly.

Set in a handsome 19th-century stone mansion smack-dab in the center of bustling Rocamadour, this hotel has charm to spare and a very good gastronomic restaurant. At this Best Western hotel, guests enjoy the romance (and quiet) of a historic setting with bright, ample rooms and every modern convenience. The restaurant is easily the best in town, offering a menu of French classics—foie gras, duck breast, Quercy lamb, and the local cabécou cheese—along with great views from the town heights; there's also a lower-priced bistro if you're in a hurry.

Although it's been in business since 1855 and has occasionally played host to some famous guests (Francis Bacon and François Mitterrand among them), the Bordeaux of today has contemporary furnishings and simple, tidy rooms—the best of which look out on the garden courtyard. The owner, Monsieur Manant, is very helpful.

One of the many advantages of this small but stately historic château-hotel is its setting between the town and the lovely Dordogne countryside. Here you'll find all the amenities of a luxury hotel—a pool, two top-notch restaurants with outdoor terraces, a bar, excellent service, and a pleasing decor—with a welcoming vibe and attractive prices. Rooms are clean and bright with modern bathrooms and charming views of the countryside. The delicious, and hearty, breakfast is a big plus, and both the bistro and the gastronomic restaurants are tops in town, if not the region.

This charming hotel, set in a 13th-century stone manor about a mile outside Sarlat, has emerged as a top choice in the area and a great way to avoid Sarlat's high-season madness. Large, comfortable rooms make nice use of the building's historic features while being totally updated with bright, colorful decor and large baths. The attractive grounds are graced with several pleasant outdoor terraces and a pool, a plus in warm weather. The excellent in-hotel restaurant—with an elegant dining room that features a roaring fire in winter—rivals many in the area.

This contemporary hotel is only a 10- to 15-minute walk from Rocamadour's major sites but feels a world apart from the tourist-clogged town. Tucked away in the midst of a large, leafy park (with a lovely pool) between the upper and lower levels of the town, the hotel's airy, tastefully appointed rooms offer comfortable beds, large baths, and pretty park views. The nearby lift and cable car can take you up to the upper town or down to the cathedral, or you can take the conveniently located path for an invigorating walk and some stunning views of the Rocamadour cliffs.

Antiques mingle with vintage touches and modern amenities at this lovely 18th-century chateau hotel, a historic property a stone's throw from the Lascaux cave and museum. Each of the 17 rooms are unique, but the first-floor deluxe suites, offering giant balconies and river views, are the most popular. Along with a small indoor pool, the spa offers several advanced technologies to melt away body fat and cellulite, if that's your thing. The acclaimed gastronomic restaurant (where you can dine by the fireplace in cooler weather) is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday, so if you want to dine in the hotel be sure to book accordingly.

Friendly and attentive service, bright and spacious rooms, and comfy beds are just a few of the qualities that distinguish this unpretentious hotel, owned by the same family since 1911. Although some rooms could do with an update, they're spotlessly clean, air-conditioned, and check almost every box for a perfectly comfortable stay. On top of all that, the hotel's in-house restaurant is a local favorite and its convenient setting, a 15-minute walk from Cahor's old town, makes it a good choice for exploring the town.

On a meandering cobbled street in the heart of Sarlat's Cité Médiévale, La Villa des Consuls lets you bed down in either four guest rooms or nine self-service apartments; some are on two floors, and all boast soaring beamed ceilings, modern bathrooms, and charming views over the Old City's rooftops. Most apartments also have furnished private terraces, fireplaces, and well-appointed kitchens—a distinct advantage when you’re just steps from Sarlat's farmers' market and artisanal bakeries. Added perks like the free laundry area and affordable parking (€12 for your stay) make the package hard to resist.

In a storybook setting in the heart of Brantôme, this ivy-covered, turquoise-shuttered stone building looks directly over the placid waters of the Dronne, making this the ideal place to sample the watery charms of this little town (and taste its delights, thanks to the Michelin-starred restaurant here). The guest rooms are decorated in a contemporary style, and the more expensive Caractère rooms come with private terraces overlooking the river and Jacuzzis. The one-Michelin-starred restaurant has eight magnificent arched windows with river views—a memorable setting for dishes such as wild turbot in a local walnut wine Sabayon sauce of girolles mushrooms and dried apricots. There's also a handsome bar for a glass of wine and a snack if you don't want to commit to a rather expensive meal or prefer to dine outside the hotel.

Built around the most gorgeous dining room in the Dordogne, this vine-clad manor house in Trémolat is one of the region's top hotels. The warm guest rooms vary in size, but most face the well-tended garden and a rushing brook; the best of the bunch have terra-cotta tile floors, stone walls, and suitelike bathrooms. The lounge is très chic, with exposed beams, Louis XIII–style furniture, and mounted faïence plates over the fireplace, while the one-Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant is a vision in half-timber and pink-and-red paisley fabrics. Its six-course dinner menu might include chef Vincent Arnould's forte—veal in a mustard sauce. Less expensive fare is available from a second restaurant, the wildly popular Bistrot de la Place, located in a house at the gates to the property.

Although it's within easy walking distance of the town, this intimate spot is pleasantly removed from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist center. Composed of three 17th-century buildings—including a converted post office and a barn with hand-hewn beams—the lodgings, surrounding garden, and on-site restaurant create a peaceful, self-contained enclave. Quiet, air-conditioned guest rooms have quality furnishings, luxe linens, and sleek, modern bathrooms; most have a private terrace. In the cheerfully elegant dining room, the chefs offer French classics and recipes brought back from their many travels, like Asian duck salad made with local ingredients and paired with wines from small producers. Gluten-free and vegetarian dishes can be created upon request. You don't have to be a guest in the hotel to dine here, but be sure to reserve a table, as this is a popular spot.

Originally a forge, this old, ivy-covered edifice occupies a pastoral nook by the Coly River—a lovely vista to enjoy from your guest room or the impressive restaurant and less expensive bistro. The modernized lodgings have fabric wall coverings and colorful curtains that match the bedspreads; four duplexes can be found in the old miller's home nearby. The restaurant (closed Wednesday and Thursday; no lunch weekdays) specializes in foie gras; if you're not convinced, check out the array of it at the hotel shop.

Using local materials and furnishings, Anna and Abel (a Franco-British husband-and-wife team) have spent more than a dozen years gracefully restoring the 19th-century stone farm buildings on their 10-acre parcel of quietude; in the process, they've brought this refined, family-friendly manor into the 21st century—soothing earth tones set the scene, with light oak floors matching the sand-colored stone walls, which in turn match the blond house dogs. The beautiful barn renovation, comprising more than 1,200 square feet, is a light, ultramodern, self-contained apartment suitable for an entire family. The theme throughout is the art of good living, with Abel providing personalized meals and Anna helping guests drop their city postures as a massage and physical therapist. The hand-picked wine list, television-free rooms, and wide open spaces should appeal to anyone wishing to turn the rest of the world off for a while.

Constructed in the 19th century, this elegant stone building, just north of the Old Town, offers extras like a pool, Turkish bath, and spa. Decorated in pastel colors, rooms are small but cozy, with floral quilts and modern bathrooms; three have balconies.