John’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Former home to Josephine Baker, evocative and full of her memorabilia. A loving memory of a great entertainer, resistance fighter and larger than life character.
180 locals recommend
Chateau des Milandes
Former home to Josephine Baker, evocative and full of her memorabilia. A loving memory of a great entertainer, resistance fighter and larger than life character.
Lovely topiary gardens with wonderful views and host to the 'white picnic' evenings held several times in the height of Summer.
134 locals recommend
The Gardens of Eyrignac Manor
EyrignacLovely topiary gardens with wonderful views and host to the 'white picnic' evenings held several times in the height of Summer.
Incredible chateau built in to the cliff face. It houses prehistoric objects, grand rooms, armoury, kitchens, bedrooms, chapel, prison cell and dungeons.
31 locals recommend
Strong House of Reignac
Incredible chateau built in to the cliff face. It houses prehistoric objects, grand rooms, armoury, kitchens, bedrooms, chapel, prison cell and dungeons.
World-heritage site, originally inhabited by human beings over 50,000 years ago.
91 locals recommend
La Roque St. Christophe
2433 Route de la PréhistoireWorld-heritage site, originally inhabited by human beings over 50,000 years ago.
8 hectares of a reconstruction of life as it was in former times. The village houses a school, church, windmill and many workshops displaying the skills and tools of artisans.
27 locals recommend
Le Bournat
8 hectares of a reconstruction of life as it was in former times. The village houses a school, church, windmill and many workshops displaying the skills and tools of artisans.
Overlooking the River Dordogne, this chateau is one of five within a small area. It was particularly active in the many battles between the French and the English in former times.
The views are stunning and the spectacular villages of Beynac and La Roque Gageac are nearby.
124 locals recommend
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
Overlooking the River Dordogne, this chateau is one of five within a small area. It was particularly active in the many battles between the French and the English in former times.
The views are stunning and the spectacular villages of Beynac and La Roque Gageac are nearby.
City/town information
Beautifully preserved city with its medieval centre, cathedral and traces of its place in Roman history.
As well as sightseeing, it is recommended for the numerous restaurants that can be found in its cobbled streets.
275 locals recommend
Périgueux
Beautifully preserved city with its medieval centre, cathedral and traces of its place in Roman history.
As well as sightseeing, it is recommended for the numerous restaurants that can be found in its cobbled streets.
Probably the most visited town in the Dordogne. It holds a market on every Saturday and Wednesday. The historic town centre has remained the same for centuries.
799 locals recommend
Sarlat-la-Canéda
Probably the most visited town in the Dordogne. It holds a market on every Saturday and Wednesday. The historic town centre has remained the same for centuries.
Nicknamed 'the Venice of the Dordogne'. This very pretty town is particularly popular on Friday mornings when it holds an extensive market of local produce and products.
45 locals recommend
Brantôme en Périgord
Nicknamed 'the Venice of the Dordogne'. This very pretty town is particularly popular on Friday mornings when it holds an extensive market of local produce and products.
Our closest town and home of the world renowned Lascaux museum and cave. As well as several restaurants and bars, it hosts a market every Saturday and Wednesday morning.
133 locals recommend
Montignac
Our closest town and home of the world renowned Lascaux museum and cave. As well as several restaurants and bars, it hosts a market every Saturday and Wednesday morning.
Home of Cyrano de Bergerac and situated on the banks of the river Dordogne, this town has a pretty centre and is close to many vineyards. The Chateau de Monbazillac is close by and is particularly famous for its dessert wine.
296 locals recommend
Bergerac
Home of Cyrano de Bergerac and situated on the banks of the river Dordogne, this town has a pretty centre and is close to many vineyards. The Chateau de Monbazillac is close by and is particularly famous for its dessert wine.
City advice
Getting around
A car is absolutely essential to get around.
Although there are trains between the big cities e.g. Perigueux, Bordeaux and Brive, buses are rare and taxis are not commonplace.
Don't miss
Make sure you visit one of the many 'night' markets.
Night markets are held throughout the summer months in nearly every town or village. They normally will have music and stalls selling a variety of local cuisine. They are very informal and a great way of meeting fellow travellers.
Useful phrases
Vous avez une toilette? (do you have a toilet).
As in any country, thank you (merci), please (s'il vous plait), sorry (pardon) are expected.
English is widely spoken, particularly by the young and those in the hospitality sector.
Ways to save
Eating at lunchtime is normally better value.
Most restaurants offer a menu of the day at lunchtime, it is usually far cheaper (but a more limited choice) than the evening menu. Also, be aware that many restaurants do not serve after 13.15 to 13.30.