For excitement and adventure, look no further than the Dordogne region of France where you will discover ancient castles and prehistoric cave attractions and energetic activities including kayaking and cycling. If you are planning a holiday in this region with your family or friends, consider renting one of the comfortable Dordogne gites so that you can have ample time to explore the top tourist attractions in this beautiful corner of Southwest France. Read our guide to the top five attractions that you will not want to miss when visiting Dordogne.
1. Lascaux Caves – These renowned caves incorporate some of the best-known Paleolithic cave paintings in the world. The original caves are closed, but a detailed replica as well as a mini-museum is available that offers visitors a unique and educational look at Paleolithic cave art.
2. Chateau de Castelnaud – The Chateau de Castelnaud, a reconstructed medieval castle that overlooks the Dordogne river, offers medieval sword fight recreations as well as plentiful opportunities to research medieval castle life through interactive displays.
3. La Roque St-Christophe – This prehistoric troglodyte site has been lived in by hundreds of generations of people. Take the opportunity to enjoy a self-guided tour at your own leisure and explore all the ancient structures including the church building. Consider bringing a picnic for lunch as this area makes a lovely place to relax and eat in addition to sturdy walking shoes toe explore the area.
4. Rocamadour – Known in religious circles as one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations, Rocamadour has been attracting visitors for over 1,000 years. Situated on a cliff top offering panoramic views, this tourist location is regarded as one of the most popular in France attracting a million tourists each year. You can walk its medieval streets and visit the celebrated sanctuaries.
5. Canoeing on the Dordogne – This is the ultimate way to explore the scenic rivers of the Dordogne. Select one of the widely available and quaint French gites nearby so that you can spend plenty of time canoeing the area. Many tourists find this a relaxing way to discover the Dordogne valley and take in the magnificent scenery. The river Vezere is perfect for those looking for a quieter Dordogne river experience.
