Looking for a place to stay during your stay in the Dordogne – Périgord? Below, we’ve listed our favorite villages for easy accommodation and sightseeing, as well as our best hotel addresses and ideas for unusual accommodation.
I’m originally from Périgueux, and had the opportunity to explore the Dordogne with my family when I was younger. As you know, we have trouble staying put, so whenever Matthieu and I come to spend a few days in the Périgord region, I take the opportunity to show him a new place. Come on, we’ll take you on a tour of this beautiful region.
Les meilleurs villages et villes où séjourner en Dordogne ?
The Dordogne department, nestled in the heart of Aquitaine, will surprise you with the sheer number of things to see and do, from listed villages and prehistoric sites to instructive museums and superb natural sites. Even after almost 35 years of exploring this department, I still regularly discover new sites.
To make the most of the different villages and activities in the Dordogne, we recommend to choose several drop-off points. Last but not least, there are long distances between the most interesting towns and villages.
If you’re staying 3 or 4 nights, we advise you to choose 2 places to sleep, a few days in Périgueux and then a few days in the Périgord Noir. Sarlat-la-Canéda or Le Bugue (less charming, but more central) are two ideal villages for exploring this area.
We advise you to book your accommodation in advance, especially in Périgueux and Sarlat, where hotels fill up quickly during the school vacations and high season.
- 1 day : The must-see city of Périgueux
- 2-3 days: Périgueux and surrounding area
- 4-5 days: Périgueux, Sarlat and the listed villages of Périgord Noir
- 6-7 days: Périgueux, Sarlat and Bergerac
We’ve grouped together on our map the main places to see in the Dordogne, as well as our best accommodation addresses.
The must-see Périgueux
As you know, we are particularly attached to the city of Périgueux, capital of the Dordogne and Périgord Blanc, located in the center of the department.
We recommend that you stay for a few days to take advantage of its many interesting facets, such as its old medieval center with its magnificent Saint-Front cathedral, its Gallo-Roman remains and its natural setting with the quays bordering the Isle river. Of course, you’ll find all the attractions of a city here, from the many good bars and restaurants to cultural and artistic activities.
If you’re arriving by car, you’ll find it easy to park in the city center’s free or paid parking lots. Périgueux train station is 1.5 km from the city center.
In summer, Périgueux is a lively town with many events not to be missed. Come and relax at Périgueux Plage (we love it) or sample the local specialities at the day and night markets. In fact, you could stay for several weeks to test everything!
We recommend you stay in the historic center, also known as the medieval center, so you can easily visit the city on foot. You’ll also be spoilt for choice when it comes to bars and restaurants.
We’ve written an article in which we give you all our tips and itinerary for visiting Périgueux like a local, since if you follow along, this is the town where I grew up.
◊ Where to sleep in Périgueux? ◊
Nous vous recommandons les Apparts Limogeanne, situés au cœur du centre historique de Périgueux (secteur sauvegardé) dans la rue Limogeanne, une rue piétonne, à 5 minutes de tout, cathédrale Saint-Front, restaurants, office du tourisme…
Les logements sont entièrement équipés et meublés (linge de lit et serviettes de toilette, Nespresso, Internet par la fibre, Netflix…). Il y a la climatisation, un point qui est très appréciable pendant les fortes chaleurs estivales.
➡️Voici un code promotionnel pour nos lecteurs, recevez 5% de réduction avec le code PERIGUEUX à renseigner dans la case coupon directement sur le site internet Apparts Limogeanne.
The medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda
The town of Sarlat La Canéda is located in the heart of the Périgord Noir region, home to some of the most beautiful listed villages, prehistoric sites (including the Lascaux caves), castles and natural attractions. It’s an ideal base for exploring the south-east Dordogne.
It’s also one of our favorite villages in the Dordogne. We’ve tried to establish a ranking of our favorite villages, which you can consult in this article.
If you don’t sleep there, we still recommend a visit to Sarlat! Every time we visit, we feel like we’ve stepped into a time machine, and are walking through a living tableau of the Middle Ages. The center of Sarlat-la-Canéda is a succession of intertwining cobbled streets lined with beautiful old buildings with slate roofs.
Sarlat is a lively town in every season, with markets all year round. For our part, we were amazed that even on a rainy winter’s day, the streets were busy and the restaurants were open.
We’ve written an article giving you all our tips and itinerary for visiting Sarlat on foot, the capital of the Périgord Noir.
◊ Where to sleep in Sarlat? ◊
Nous vous recommandons de séjourner à l’Hôtel Montaigne très bien situé, à 1 minute à pied du centre médiéval de Sarlat, vous pourrez visiter entièrement la ville à pied.
Les chambres sont spacieuses et très propres, le matelas était hyper confortable. Il y a la climatisation, ce qui a été fort appréciable lors des fortes chaleurs estivales. Parking gratuit hors saison. Bref, un excellent rapport qualité/prix !
Camping Romanée – Les Grottes De Roffy est un camping 4 étoiles familial et paisible. Il propose une variété de logements, allant des emplacements traditionnels pour tentes et camping car aux mobil-homes et chalets tout équipés. Ce camping est équipé d’un beau parc aquatique avec piscine chauffée.
Visit Le Bugue
Le Bugue is ideally located between Périgueux and Sarlat. Beyond its own appeal, this village can serve as an ideal base for exploring the region.
Situated not far from the village of Le Bournat, the Périgord Noir aquarium and the Proumeyssac chasm, the largest man-made chasm in the Périgord, Le Bugue is also well placed for visiting the listed villages of southern Périgord Noir.
Last but not least, it’s a charming, lively commune. The village boasts an almost permanent market, an unusual feature for a village in the Dordogne.
Accommodation rates are more attractive in this village.
Le Noyer Résidence, est une charmante résidence de vacances en pleine campagne. Les différents logements sont joliment décorés. En plus d’être bien situé pour visiter la région, la piscine est un réel avantage pour se détendre après une bonne journée de visites. Le rapport qualité/prix est excellent avec petit-déjeuner inclus.
What to do in Bergerac
A final point of interest, especially for wine lovers, is the town of Bergerac. This pretty commune in the heart of Périgord Pourpre in the Dordogne is famous for its renowned vineyards, notably Monbazillac and Pécharmant. This name will certainly ring a bell, as it is closely linked to the legend of Cyrano de Bergerac, even though the author never lived here.
The historic center, with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, and its proximity to the Dordogne River, provide the perfect backdrop for picturesque strolls along the quays.
Bergerac combines the charm of a historic town with modern amenities, including numerous bars, restaurants and cultural activities. For an authentic taste experience, the Bergerac market is a must, offering a variety of Périgord specialties.
Authentic and Unusual Experiences : Staying in a Château
Now imagine a night in a château in the Dordogne. These stately homes, witnesses to the region’s history, sometimes open their doors to visitors. Sleeping in a château in the Dordogne is like immersing yourself in history, with all the comforts of modern life. Exquisitely decorated rooms, formal gardens and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside: that’s what awaits you at these châteaux-hotels.
- Chateau des Reynats : un très beau château que nous connaissons bien qui est situé à côté de Périgueux, et le restaurant de l’hôtel est très réputé, le parc autour du château est magnifique.
- Domaine du Château de Monrecour : ce beau domaine est idéalement situé pour visiter le Périgord Noir, dont la ville de Sarlat à seulement 10 minutes. Il fut bâti par les seigneurs de Beynac, désireux de résider dans une demeure plus agréable à habiter que la forteresse militaire de Beynac éloignée d’à peine deux kilomètres.
Unusual stays : Tree houses
If you’ve been following us for any length of time, you’ll know that we love sleeping in original accommodations. We like to try out nature cabins. We usually drop our daughter off at her grandparents’ for a much-appreciated break for the 2 of us, without having to drive too far.
- Ce domaine propose plusieurs cabanes Auriac à 30 km au nord de Sarlat : la Cabane de La Mésange et la Cabane Rouge-Gorge dans laquelle nous avons dormi. C’est une cabane perchée en pleine nature, au milieu des chênes, avec son bain nordique privé + le petit-déjeuner déposé dans un panier sur la terrasse.
- Ô Bois Dormant à Lempzours à 30 km au nord de Périgueux : Ce domaine propose plusieurs hébergements insolites, soit dans une bulle transparente, une yourte ou dans une roulotte, nuit insolite garantie ! Avec petit-déjeuner livré directement à votre logement.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the most beautiful part of the Dordogne?
The question of which is the “most beautiful” part of the Dordogne can vary greatly according to personal taste, as this region offers an incredible variety of landscapes, histories and experiences. However, we can give you an overview of some of the most popular areas:
- Périgueux: capital of the Périgord Blanc and the Dordogne, this is the city to discover during your stay.
- The Vézère Valley: Often described as the cradle of prehistory, this valley is famous for its prehistoric sites, notably the Lascaux caves. It offers a fascinating blend of ancient history and natural beauty.
- The Dordogne Valley: With its winding rivers, imposing castles and picturesque villages, this valley is a real gem. It’s perfect for lovers of history, nature and outdoor activities such as canoeing and hiking.
- Sarlat and surroundings: Sarlat, a town of art and history in the heart of the Périgord Noir region, is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture. The surrounding villages, such as Domme and La Roque-Gageac, offer spectacular views and a glimpse of traditional Dordogne life.
Each of these areas has its own unique charm and offers a different experience. The “most beautiful” part will depend on what you’re looking for: history, nature, gastronomy or a combination of all these.
We wrote an article in which we tried to classify the most beautiful villages in the Dordogne.
When is the best time to visit the Dordogne?
The best time to visit the Dordogne depends on what you’re looking for in terms of climate, available activities and tourist numbers. Here’s an overview of the different seasons:
- Spring (April to June): This is a wonderful time to visit the Dordogne. Temperatures are mild, nature is in full bloom, and tourist sites are less crowded than in summer. It’s the perfect time for hiking, visiting castles and discovering villages.
- Summer (July to August): This is the peak tourist season. Temperatures can be quite high, but this is also the time when all attractions are open, and many festivals and cultural events take place, including Périgueux plage. However, expect more people on the popular sites.
- Autumn (September to October): Autumn is a superb season in the Dordogne, with pleasant temperatures and colorful landscapes. It’s also harvest season, ideal for tasting local produce such as walnuts and porcini mushrooms, and an excellent time to visit the vineyards.
- Winter (November to March): Although some tourist sites are closed and the days are shorter, winter has its own charm in the Dordogne, especially around the festive season. It’s a quiet time of year, perfect for enjoying Christmas markets and the peaceful beauty of the countryside.
In short, every season in the Dordogne has its advantages. For a complete experience with pleasant weather and fewer crowds, spring and autumn are often considered the best times to visit.
A final note: Obviously, we haven’t visited every village in the Dordogne yet, and this selection has been made from those we have. Feel free to leave us a comment at the end of the article with your favorite accommodations to share with other readers.
We had a lot of fun writing this article about this region that we know (almost) by heart. We would like to thank our families and friends who have given us valuable advice. We also update this article regularly since we come to the Dordogne several times a year.
Feel free to drop us a line below to let us know if you’re planning this trip, to drop 5 stars, to ask any questions you may have here or on our Instagram we’ll get back to you with great pleasure!
