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With hundreds of medieval villages and 1,001 elegant castles , the Dordogne Valley is a must-see French department and the perfect destination for a romantic getaway in the French countryside. The Dordogne River The pretty honey-coloured stone buildings, the medieval or Renaissance windows and the typical lauze roofs that characterise the local architecture have earned some of these villages the label of Most Beautiful Villages in France. So, if you are planning a visit to this lovely region and are preparing a list of things not to miss, look no further, as we have selected the 10 most beautiful villages in the Dordogne, for you. The list includes some of the most popular ones that you will probably find in every major guide, and some little gems that are a little off the tourist path, but no less fascinating! SARLAT Sarlat, capital of the Perigord Noir , is one of the most attractive and renowned town in France. The charming city centre, dating back from Medieval and Renaissance time...

Château de Fénelon The Château de Fénelon is a listed historic monument, located in the Dordogne department on the heights of the town of Saint-Mondane from where it dominates the valleys of the Dordogne and Bouriane. The castle was the birthplace of François de Salignac de la Motte Fénelon (much better known by his name of writer Fénelon) who lived during the reign of the Enlightenment of Louis XIV and became Archbishop of Cambrai. The castle draws up its powerful architecture behind three fortified enclosures whose defensive system has been kept intact. The front door was defended by a first gatehouse. The attackers then had to bypass a second defensive wall which left them uncovered and led them to a second 'chatelet' defending access to the foot of the castle. The fortress played a strategic role during the Hundred Years War and was besieged on numerous occasions. Château de Fénelon Main courtyard, Château de Fénelon Well (90m deep), Château de Fénelon The castle was then...

I fell in love with Sarlat the second I got my eyes on it, I’ve stood in awe at the beauty of the many castles of the Dordogne Valley more than once, and I’ve tasted the best French food at the local markets, but it’s the hidden gems of the Dordogne that genuinely took my heart and made me decide to move here. From scenic villages of medieval stone houses built against rocky walls to hidden churches lost in the lushest and most untouched countryside, going off the beaten path in the Dordogne truly pays off. This is what makes the Dordogne so interesting, so enchanting...so much a place to deeply fall in love with. And, since I moved here 6 years ago, I’ve had the time to discover plenty of hidden gems on the way, especially over our hikes through this astonishing countryside.  So I have created this list of my personal favourite places that often fall off the radar of the visitor.  Cheylard Chapel  in St Genies Cheylard chapel, Saint Geniès The Cheylard Chapel, on its...

The Dordogne, a hikers paradise The Dordogne is one of the top destinations for those that want to explore the rural side of France, and, besides the amazing castles , the medieval villages, the astonishing prehistoric art and the colorful farmers markets full of exquisite local products, this region offers lush landscapes made of green rolling hills, quiet valleys and beautiful forests. Walking along the paths in this generous countryside, other than being an excellent exercise, is a joy for the heart and the eyes!  And, if you like hiking, the region proposes approximately 780 kilometers of long hiking trails and 4000 kilometers of short ones that will offer you the chance to explore this beautiful scenarios scattered with golden stone hamlets that seem to be lost in time and space.  3 different variants of Way of Saint James cross the Dordogne Valley leading pilgrims and walkers to the vertiginous city of Rocamadour . But our favourite long walk in the region is...

Winding pebbled alleys, little squares framed by beautifully preserved medieval buildings and a long series of hidden corners... You are in Sarlat, centre of the Perigord Noir and quintessential french village. Sarlat-la-Caneda Walking through the streets, you'll be astonished by the details: the ancient doors,  the Reinassance windows, the typical honeyed stones, the peculiar 'lauze' roofs... The old artisans ateliers may have been replaced by souvenirs shops and restaurants, but the atmosphere is still that of the historical films; it feels like descending into Middle Ages. Sarlat-la-Caneda To the south east of the city, the Cathedral Saint Sacerdos shows a mix of architectural styles including Roman and Gothic, signs of the several renovations over the centuries. Just above the cathedral, is the ancient abbey cemetery, called `Jardin des Enfeus` spotted with several sarcophagus and, above it, there is an unusual bullet shaped building called the Lanterne...

Following our 3 days itinerary in the Dordogne , here you will find our suggestions if you have a bit more time to spend in this lovely corner of France. You won’t probably be able to see everything the region has to offer but you will get a real sense of it.                               5 DAYS IN THE DORDOGNE Day One Your first day in the Dordogne should start with the exploration of the medieval city centre of Sarlat . Possibly, choose to do it on a Wednesday or Saturday that are market days, when the city livens up with the hustle and bustle of the farmers and the locals browsing the stalls for delicacies. Start your visit from Place de la Liberté. Explore the little alleys. Enjoy the perfectly preserved Perigourdine architecture, the golden stones, the decorated portals, the beautiful towers and the Reinassance windows. Don't miss ...