45 Best Sights in The Dordogne, France

The sloping garden behind the cathedral, the Jardin des Enfeus, contains a strange, conical tower known as the Lanterne des Morts (Lantern of the Dead), which was occasionally used as a funeral chapel.

Five generations of love have gone into the design and upkeep of these exquisite family gardens, whose owners still inhabit a graceful manor on the property and are as likely to be seen pulling weeds as greeting guests. Interspersed with tall ancient trees and charming flower beds are fantastical topiary gardens masterfully hewn from boxwood, yew, and hornbeam bushes. Throughout the summer, these romantic gardens host a range of concerts and delightful activities for families. Open year-round, there’s something to be admired in every season, plus a charming café and gift shop.

As you head north from Les Eyzies-de-Tayac toward Lascaux, stop off near the village of Tursac to discover the mysterious \"lost village\" of La Madeleine, found hidden in the Valley of Vézère at the foot of a ruined castle. The site was abandoned in the 1920s, but it has a picturesque, eye-catching cliff-face chapel that was constructed during the Middle Ages as well as an interesting history. Geologists and anthropologists will especially enjoy learning about the village's backstory, including the prehistoric settlement that was here. Download a guide about the site or take a guided tour—call ahead for English tours. There also are weekly summer workshops for children.

Follow the irresistible aromas of roasting hazelnuts, walnuts, and almonds to this circa 1560 mill, where seven generations of the Frateau family have pressed oils in the traditional way from nuts grown in local orchards. Watch the nuts being roasted, milled, and pressed, then taste and purchase exquisitely fresh and delicious oils, nut flours, and other local specialties at the boutique.

Opposite the church, this chapter house is the finest medieval building in town. Once used as a barn for storing grain, its wood-beam roof is constructed of chestnut to repel insects.

Behind the stately facade of this 15th-century medieval-Renaissance dwelling carved into a sheer rock face lies a massive prehistoric structure now complete with a kitchen, ceremonial hall, chapel, arms rooms, a dungeon, bedrooms (with stunning panoramas from 120 feet high), and more, all decked out in authentic period furnishings as though the inhabitants had just stepped out for a stroll. This historic monument is one of the most intriguing and surprising sights in the area (and that's saying a lot).

To truly enhance your understanding of the paintings at Lascaux and other caves in the Dordogne, visit the Musée National de Préhistoire. Its renowned collection of prehistoric artifacts—including primitive sculpture, furniture, and tools—attracts large crowds. You can also get ideas at the museum about which excavation sites to visit in the region.

Sarlat's Cité Médiévale has many beautiful photo ops. Of particular note is Rue de la Liberté, which leads to Place du Peyrou, anchored on one corner by the steep-gabled Renaissance house where writer-orator Étienne de la Boétie (1530–63) was born.

This well-equipped welcome center provides a solid introduction to the region's important prehistoric sites. Its exhibits, slide shows, and time lines (all free of charge) help you wrap your brain around the immensity of the archaeological riches in the Dordogne.

The church of Ste-Marie points the way to Sarlat's most interesting street, Rue des Consuls. Among its medieval buildings are the Hôtel Plamon, with broad windows that resemble those of a Gothic church, and, opposite, the 15th-century Hôtel de Vassal.

Running the length of the Enfeus gardens is Rue Montaigne, where the great 16th-century philosopher Michel de Montaigne once lived. Some of the half-timber houses that line it cast a fairy-tale spell. Rue d'Albusse (adjoining the garden behind the cathedral) and Rue de la Salamandre are narrow, twisty streets that head to Place de la Liberté and the 18th-century Hôtel de Ville.

This museum is open year-round, but if it's truffles you're after, take a guided tour of the museum followed by the truffle groves in Sorges, a picturesque village northeast of Périgueux. Organized by the Sorges Truffle Museum (L'écomusée de la Truffe), the hour-long outings run every Tuesday and Thursday in July and August, beginning at 2:30 for the museum and 3:30 for the hiking trail.

Opposite the town hall and overlooking Place du Marché aux Oies, the deconsecrated Gothic church of Ste-Marie was redesigned by star architect Jean Nouvel to become the town's covered food hall. Open daily until 8 pm from April through November (every day but Thursday other months), it overflows with everything you'll need for a gourmet picnic or mouthwatering memento. Try to come on Saturday when a farmers' market winds all the way here from the entrance to the evocative Cité Médiévale. All the (liverless) ducks and geese on sale are proof of the local addiction to foie gras, and you’ll have the opportunity to stock up on homemade confiture, everything walnut—pastry, oil, liqueur—plus truffles galore.

The Roman origins of Périgueux are laid out here within a soaring glass box (designed by star French architect Jean Nouvel) housing the archeological remains of a Gallo-Roman residence, the Domus de Vésone. Models of the grounds and house help visitors imagine what Roman life was like during the 1st to the 3rd centuries AD when Romans dominated the area. The collection is completed with vestiges found in and around Périgueux; the Vésone Tower in the park outside is the last remains of a Gallo-Roman temple.

Unique in the Dordogne, visitors to this perched prehistoric village, museum, and farm enjoy total immersion in the life of a cave dweller through the ages—the best way to learn about this integral part of the Dordogne. The visit, done by guided tour or audio guide, begins with stellar views of the valley and Vézere River and progresses through various living areas carved into the rock face. At the farm, you can wander through pretty botanic gardens, see how bread was made, pet farm animals, and take part in workshops, nature walks, and artisan demonstrations in all seasons for an altogether charming experience that's perfect for families. Located in Tursac, between Les Eyzies and Lascaux, it's a great place to explore on your way to other sights.