Dordogne

There are many reasons to visit the Dordogne. The wine, food and châteaux are obvious draws, but there are also picturesque rural villages, fascinating history - including some of the world's most ancient cave art, charming green, rural views, the beautiful Dordogne river and plenty of sunshine. There’s a lot to see and a lot of terrain to explore, so instead of choosing just one of our Guru’s recommendations for the best places to stay in the Dordogne, you might want to book in to two or three.

Many of the best hotels in the Dordogne are in the towns and villages dotted along the famous Dordogne river itself - Bergerac and Domme are good places to base yourself to explore its beauty and enjoy the myriad of water based activities. While Les Eyzies is the place to stay if you're interested in the ancient caves of the Vezere Valley. And Brantome (situated on yet another river - the Dronne) is a charming historic market town, often referred to as the "Venice of the Perigord". It's well placed for getting to know the north of the region or the Perigord Vert.

But if you want to stay in the centre of the department, then book a hotel in Périgueux. it's got great transport links (both rail and air) and is a buzzy city with charming medieval old town - don't miss the cathedral which dates back to 1120 - and traditional French market, where you'll find everything from beach towels to oysters

What not to Miss

The châteaux!

• One of the Dordogne's most familiar châteaux is Château de Beynac. Probably because the town and fairytale château star in films Ever After and Chocolat. You get a nice view of Château de Baynac from Château Castelnaud, which is a more work-a-day, fortress style construction. These days it's a museum, focussed primarily on the art of warfare in the Middle Ages. Inside there's an impressive collection of armour, weapons and furniture from the period. Outside are the reconstructed catapults! While Château Marqueyssac is best known for its wonderful verdant gardens. The most visited in the Perigord. Along the river banks these gardens are ripe for strolling, with all paths leading to the Belevedere, a fabulous balcony 192 metres high, with stunning panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley.

The historic sights!

• Grotte de Lascaux, 2kms to the south east of Montignac, is one of the most famous sights of the Dordogne. A Palaeolithic cave complex with paintings approximately 15,000 years old. The cave art is spread through many cave galleries, and depicts mostly realistic images of large animals, though there are also some human hand prints.
• Brantôme is often referred to as 'The Venice of the Perigord', because of its five beautiful medieval bridges and the way the buildings hug the River Dronne prettily. This is also one of the best places to stay in the Dordogne if you're looking for a romantic, peaceful base.
• Some of the Dordogne's best preserved medieval architecture survives on the tangle of small streets and squares of Sarlat-la-Canéda. Sarlat is also a good base for explorations into the Vezere Valley, where many of the Dordogne's famous cave systems can be found.

The Markets

• There's a market happening somewhere in the Dordogne every single day of the year. And on the weekends there's often something foodie going on in almost every village.
• One of the largest ones is Sarlat-la-Canéda's Saturday Market. The area around Sarlat specialises in truffles and mushrooms, foie gras and other duck and goose products. This is also a good town for dessert wine.

But don't forget to book well ahead if you're planning to visit the area in busy July and August. Many of the best place to stay in the Dorogne get booked up months in advance. Alternatively come in the quieter shoulder season, when the weather is still warm, but the crowds have long gone.

For Château Style

• For the complete château experience book a room in the Château les Merles, because it's a fairytale château in its own right! Surrounded by golf courses, vineyards and forests, it offers every luxury. In addition to its 18 rooms it also has two separate villas, so surprisingly it's also one of the best places to stay in the Dordogne for families.
• If you want château on a budget the Hotel Edward 1er is the perfect choice. It's a mini-château, complete with pointed turrets, in the lovely town of Monpazier. And prices start at £58 a night!
• Château la Thuiliere is perfect for wine lovers. A renovated château this is quite a grand place to stay - all mahogany and dark reds. They also restrict children under 12, so it's an ideal choice in the Dordogne for people looking for a romantic spot.
• The Château des Baudry offers an idyllic location, sumptuous food and delightful hosts, in a charming, comfortable setting. The five rooms all have their own fireplaces and unique antiques, plus there’s a beautiful courtyard and peaceful gardens.
• Château de Lalande is a charming property to the west of Périgueux. The style is traditional with floral wallpapers, parquet flooring and plenty of antique furnishings. You'll also find a gourmet restaurant serving fabulous food, and a pool for relaxing after a day's exploring.

Rural Idyll

• Once a farmhouse, La Villa Romaine’s buildings are beautiful, bright sandstone, set around a courtyard. All have lovely views of the river and gardens. It is also a great base for exploring all that the region has to offer.
• La Chartreuse de Bignac is a beautiful restored country house oozing style and charm. Think rustic chic interiors, plus excellent restaurant and stunning gardens with pool.
• La Gueriniere is a five room, country house conversion dating from the eighteenth century. It comes complete with outdoor pool, tennis court and dining terrace. This is an ideal base for kayaking, exploring and generally enjoying the delights of Domme.
• Moulin de Vigonac oozes rustic chic. This converted 16th century watermill is just out of Brantome, situated on the banks of the Dronne. The ten stylish rooms offer all modern comforts and some have private terraces overlooking the river.

Foodie Heaven

• If you're looking for Michelin stars, Le Moulin du Roc is one of the best places to stay in the Dordogne. Near beautiful Brantôme, it's luxurious in the old fashioned sense, with generous rooms, all with their own private terraces. A romantic choice too!
• The Château des Vigiers is a vast 16th century château with 75 rooms - many with four-poster beds and all with lovely antiques. There’s a cosy spa and a Michelin starred restaurant.
• For beautiful river views and great food, you can't beat Le Moulin de L'Abbaye. This old mill in the centre of Brantome has 19 charming bedrooms, and two excellent restaurants.

For Families

• La Ferme Lamy is a 12 room stone and terracotta farmhouse conversion with simple, whitewashed walls and stone floors, and a wonderful terraced garden. As well as the pool terrace there’s also a breakfast terrace. Great for both families and couples.
• Le Chatenet was a family manor, and is now a family-run hotel, sitting on six hectares of estate grounds, which include a swimming pool, dovecote and tennis courts.

Most Romantic

• Château de Maraval is a bijoux château which sits just outside Domme. A four bedroomed hotel, this is an adults only romantic hideaway. There is a lovely pool and spa. Hot air balloon trips are available nearby.
• Mont D’onel is a wonderful 13th century château-turned-hotel with bags of character and just five rooms. Perched atop a mound it also has beautiful views, which you can enjoy from your private terrace…
• The Château le Mas de Montet is a Renaissance-era château with fairytale-esque features and gorgeously renovated interiors. Think turrets and creepers and four-poster beds. It’s surrounded by 130 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland.

Best B&Bs

• Les Charmes de Carlucet is on an estate not far from Sarlat-la-Canéda. There are four simple, yet stylish B&B rooms in the main house and then two luxurious self-catering villas. There’s also an outdoor pool and it’s a great spot for exploring the region.
• Not far from Bergerac, Le Prieure is an idyllic B&B close to Biron Castle. The rooms and apartments are charming and romantic, with exposed beams, antique furnishings and views of the shady terrace.
• Le Logis de Puygaty is a charming country house B&B with just three rooms and one cottage suitable for families. There’s also a garden and a pool.

Great for Exploring the Region

• Once a coaching house, Les Glycines is now a 16 room hotel with chic, modern decor and a fabulous terrace restaurant. Relaxing, but also gourmet, this is a great base for exploring the Dordogne.
• Le Moulin de L'Abbaye is, as the name indicates, an old mill, so you're right on the river, and have a collection of outdoor terraces, dining areas and sun traps in which to ponder the area's beauty and enjoy the local cuisine.
• A simple, rustic farmhouse with plenty of French charm, L'Auberge de L'etang Bleu feels like your home from home, surrounded by woodland.

Great Value

• Mont d’Onel is a wonderful 13th century château-home sitting on a mound just outside Bergerac. The views of the Dordogne valley are stunning. There are just five rooms, which are priced from less than £100 per night, B&B, and plenty of charm.
• L’Esplanade is a family run establishment which offers great value (with rooms from around €90 per night) and spectacular views over the Dordogne. The Inn is perfect for a romantic break with its traditional feel and gourmet restaurant.

For a holiday villa or apartment

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport is just 3kms south of Bergerac. It’s connected to London City, Stansted, Southampton, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Liverpool, Charleroi and Rotterdam. So it’s very convenient if you’re coming from the UK or transferring in the UK. Or you might find Bordeaux-Merignac Airport more convenient, it’s an international airport only 9kms from the centre of Bordeaux and about 90miles from Périgueux. A lot of major airlines service Bordeaux, and if you can’t get a direct flight you’ll have no problem transferring in Paris.
• Finally there is Brive la Gaillard, on the region’s north-east edge, about an hour from Périgueux, this small airport is connected to Stansted during the summer months.
• The Eurostar from St. Pancras to Périgueux, via Paris and Limoges, is also a good option.
• If you want to hire a car - which we highly recommend if you want to explore the Dordogne - we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Dordogne has a mild climate, with cool winters and warm summers. And plenty of sunshine. So as far as the weather is concerned there’s no best time of year to visit. Sunny summer, with maximum averages hovering around 28°C, is probably the most popular time to visit, but it’s probably better to consider it an expanded season and say that any time between April and October will be warm and sunny. if you’re visiting for truffle season then you’ll be wanting to arrive between December and March.

Still undecided?

• Browse our list of the best places to stay in the Dordogne,
• refine your search to the best places to stay in Périgueux
• or the best places to stay in Bergerac or Domme,
• or consider the best places to stay in Bordeaux?
• or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.