The Dordogne is a department in France brimming with wonders, and among them is the Dordogne Valley. Traversed by the Dordogne River, this valley enchants visitors with its natural beauty and rich historical and cultural heritage. Nestled between the Périgord Noir and Périgord Blanc, the Dordogne Valley is home to numerous points of interest.
Villages Classified as “The Most Beautiful Villages of France”
If you love charming French villages, the Dordogne Valley will not disappoint! This area in the heart of Périgord boasts several villages labeled as “The Most Beautiful Villages of France,” including Collonges-la-Rouge, Curemonte, Carennac, Autoire, Loubressac, Rocamadour, Martel, and Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne. Unsure which village to visit first? Our advice: visit them all! Local tourist offices can provide you with a map highlighting these classified villages.
Loubressac
This charming village in the Lot is so popular thanks to its unique location atop a rocky peak. Overlooking three valleys (the Dordogne, Cère, and Bave), Loubressac offers breathtaking views and invites you to admire the castles of Castelnau, Montal, and the Towers of Saint-Laurent.
Rocamadour
Arguably the most famous of Dordogne’s most beautiful villages, Rocamadour majestically overlooks the Dordogne Valley in the Lot department. Perched 150 meters above the Alzou stream and the Gramat plateau, it’s worth taking the time to admire its castle and the houses clinging to the cliff.
Autoire
Once a favored holiday destination, it is nicknamed "The Little Versailles." Nestled in a natural amphitheater, Autoire is a haven of greenery in the heart of the Dordogne Valley, in the Lot. It boasts the highest waterfall in the Périgord. Don’t miss the Château des Anglais, a beautiful medieval structure.
Carennac
This medieval village in the Lot is built on a rocky terrace overlooking the Dordogne River. Visit the Abbey of Cluny, the Church of Saint-Pierre, the cloister, the chapter house, the Château des Doyens, and enjoy the stunning views of the Dordogne's banks.
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
Once a village of fishermen and farmers, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne is now a charming village in the heart of the Périgord. Visit the Saint-Pierre Abbey, the Renaissance House, the Chapel of the Penitents, and the traditional riverboat quay.
Curemonte
Located in the Corrèze department, Curemonte is a medieval village in the Dordogne Valley, stretching along a rocky ridge. Wander through the village to discover the Church of Saint-Barthélémy, the Church of Saint-Hilaire de la Combe, the Romanesque Church of Saint-Genest, and the 15th-century market hall.
Martel
Known as “the town of seven towers,” Martel in the Lot features several towers, including the Tower of the Cordeliers and the Tournemire Tower, as well as fortified gates that once protected the village. Stroll along its cobbled streets to see the Hôtel de Briance, the Vidalie House, and the charm of Rue du Puits and Rue Sans-Lys.
Collonges-la-Rouge
Another tourist gem in Périgord is Collonges-la-Rouge. Its name comes from the village’s emblematic red sandstone. Stroll through the medieval red streets, explore the red Saint-Pierre Church, the Chapel of the Penitents, the market hall, and the Siren House.
Sarlat: Capital of the Périgord Noir
Sarlat, officially known as “Sarlat-la-Canéda,” is the sub-prefecture of Dordogne and the heart of the Périgord Noir region. A major tourist destination, Sarlat is a must-see for anyone vacationing in the Dordogne Valley. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of this fortified medieval town and explore its stunning medieval buildings: the Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral, the Maison de La Boétie, the Lanterne des Morts, and the Manoir de Gisson. Don't miss the Sarlat-La-Canéda Museum to dive into the history and heritage of this Périgord town. With over 66 classified monuments, Sarlat boasts an immense historical wealth. There are so many tourist attractions to visit in this beautiful Dordogne town!
The Padirac Chasm
Another gem of the Dordogne Valley is the Padirac Chasm. Located on the Quercy plateau in the Lot region, it is the premier underground natural heritage site in France. Marvel at this monumental natural cavity, 35 meters in diameter, plunging 75 meters below the plateau’s surface. Treat yourself to a boat tour through galleries open to the public, discovering underground wonders such as the Grande Pendeloque, the Lac des Gours, and the Grand Dome Hall. There’s so much to explore in the Dordogne Valley! During your stay at our Corrèze campsite, grab a map and set off to discover these incredible sites!