Lovely villages, prehistoric art and exceptional food and wine
The department of Dordogne lies about halfway between the Pyrenees and the Loire Valley, northwest of Bordeaux. This beautiful region is known for its hundreds of picturesque castles and châteaux, medieval villages, pastoral scenery and distinctive cuisine featuring black truffles, walnuts and duck.
Coinciding with the former province of Périgord, the department is divided into four areas – black, white, green and purple – each with their own emblematic scenery and landscapes ranging from oak forests to sweeping valleys.
There are plenty of renowned wineries and important historical sites to discover here, including the Lascaux Cave – home to some of the most significant examples of cave art on Earth. Although the original prehistoric caves are closed to the public, the highly accurate replicas nearby are well worth a visit.
The Dordogne Valley is a wonderful addition to any tour of France, inviting you to slow down and soak in the thousands of years of history that have left their mark on the region. Wander through regional markets, sip on Bergerac wine and explore scenic towns perched on hilltops and clinging to cliffs.
Get in touch and we will design a private Dordogne tour that showcases the best that this part of France has to offer, including exceptional accommodation, exclusive culinary experiences, bespoke outdoor activities and much more.
Highlights
Take flight in a hot air balloon at dawn or sunset and admire the castles of Castelnaud, Beynac and Monrecour from above as well as the rolling countryside around them
Take a day trip out to the famous Palaeolithic site the Lascaux Cave where some 2,000 paintings and engravings of animals and symbols were discovered, and browse highly detailed replicas
Explore small country roads in and around the village of Trémolat on a hybrid or electric bike stopping along the way to discover hidden spots and incredible views
Stroll along over 6km of pathways in the romantic and picturesque Marqueyssac Gardens, discovering over 150,000 hand-pruned boxwoods, beautiful viewpoints and rockeries
Dordogne is a delightful destination for anyone interested in medieval history, winemaking or French cuisine. It's also packed with gorgeous nature that you can enjoy on scenic hikes, cycling trails or canoeing and kayaking trips on the Dordogne River.

Luisa Armandine
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Dordogne
There are many incredible places to stay in Dordogne. Here is one of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?

Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our France example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
Where else to go in France

Bordeaux
The southwestern region of France has been producing wine since the Romans arrived in the 1st century AD and is today the world’s major wine industry capital.
Discover more
Burgundy
Burgundy is a fairytale land of Renaissance châteaux, medieval abbeys, fortified villages and rolling vineyards.
Discover more
Champagne
With its sweeping, lush vineyards, Champagne is best known for its sparkling white wine that bears the region’s name.
Discover more
French Riviera
Also known as the Côte d’Azur, this is a beautiful section of France’s Mediterranean coastline stretching from the Italian border westward.
Discover more
Lyon
Undeniably one of the best destinations in France for exceptional produce and world-class gastronomy, Lyon offers a feast for all the senses.
Discover more


Provence
Provence offers a rich and diverse landscape, from endless lavender fields to bountiful vineyards, rocky hilltop villages and dazzling Côte d’Azur waters.
Discover more
The Loire Valley
The romantic nature of the Loire Valley captivates history enthusiasts, gourmets and wine lovers alike.
Discover moreMeet your Europe team
When to visit Dordogne
The best time of year for Dordogne Valley tours is generally during the spring and autumn shoulder seasons for the perfect combination of nice weather and small crowds.
Spring and early summer (April–June) offer warm temperatures and wildflowers before the region starts to get busy and uncomfortably hot. During the peak summer months (July–August), average highs hover around 28ºC (82ºF).
Early autumn (September–October) is a fantastic time to enjoy wine harvests and locally sourced cuisine, and to visit popular attractions after the summer crowds have dispersed.
Late autumn, winter and early spring (November–March) tend to be cool and quiet in Dordogne, with average highs dropping to 9ºC (48ºF) in January. This can be ideal if you’re looking for a calmer experience and don’t mind the cold.

River activities
June–September

Harvest festivals
September–October

Truffle hunting
November–March
Travel guides
Plan your trip to Dordogne
Whatever you want from your adventure in the Dordogne, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.


Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.






































