Captivated by our rolling landscapes, where the forest is omnipresent, take our roads to admire them up close and discover our rich historical and natural heritage, full of remarkable sites such as villages, castles and rivers. Along the way, the valleys of the Dordogne and the Vézère will offer you breathtaking views. Further north, the Causse region will lift you up with its unrivaled panoramic views. Everywhere, limestone cliffs are home to ornate grottos, medieval fortresses and troglodyte sites. Immerse yourself in the incredible landscape of the Périgord Noir and follow your inner compass. It will undoubtedly lead you to new charms.
Sarlat, the unrivaled star
With 66 listed or registered monuments within a perimeter of 11 hectares, 3 Michelin stars, the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire label ... With such a list of achievements and international renown, Sarlat could easily be a superb town. However, that is not what defines its essence. Sarlat's true personality lies in sharing, generosity and discovery. This character is reflected in its charming streets, its restaurants, monuments and shops. Here, everyone is proud to tell you the fascinating story of this thousand-year-old town, where the art of living in the Périgord is fully expressed.
Must-sees in Sarlat
Sarlat offers extraordinary tourist experiences. On Rue Victor Hugo, the modernism of the former Sainte-Marie church will impress you: restored by Jean Nouvel, it houses the covered market and a panoramic elevator that rises to a height of 35 meters. After this first visit, we invite you to stroll and contemplate. Lose yourself in the city's alleys and keep your eyes peeled to discover the settings for more than 170 films shot here since 1928. Absorbed by this journey into the seventh art, you won't even notice the night falling. Don't worry: the gas lighting will transport you to a magical world that only Sarlat can offer.
The sweetness of the Dordogne Valley
The river in majesty
A merchant and nutrient of yesterday, the river has retained an essential function, that of connecting humans with nature. An ideal companion for your sports sessions, it will take you through the Périgord Noir by rowing or canoe, an accomplice to your romantic walks, and will take you on a journey through history aboard its traditional "gabarres". The Dordogne is as much a part of their lives as it is of our landscapes. The proof: it appears in all your photos!
The essential villages
During your getaway in the Dordogne, let yourself be dazzled by our waterside villages. They offer you charming and unforgettable stopovers.
- The charm of La Roque-Gageac:
Nestled at the foot of the cliffs, this "Most Beautiful Village in France" offers a picturesque stopover with its cobbled streets. - Treasures of the past in Beynac:
Dominated by its majestic castle, the village has a unique charm. As you stroll through the village, you will be seduced by the harmony of its stone houses and the charm of its small squares. When you reach the ramparts, the view is extraordinary! - A bucolic break in Carsac-Aillac:
In this village where life flows gently along its shopping street, Carsac-Aillac invites you to escape to the banks of the Enéa stream: a shaded park welcomes you for a moment of calm where nature whispers reassuring stories.
In the privacy of the Dordogne Valley
If you thought you knew everything about the Dordogne Valley, you'll be happy to know that it's full of surprising walks. In addition to the Sarlat-Cazoulès greenway, there are many other paths and trails ready to welcome you. To discover them, ask your host or visit the local tourist offices. Or leave your car in a car park and take the first route that comes your way. You'll soon find yourself swept away by a fascinating natural world. It will share its secrets with you, inviting you to stop and enjoy landscapes that only it knows. Here, a viewing point with a breathtaking view; there, a clearing that brings you face to face with the unexpected profile of a cliff.
Our advice: vary your pleasures by alternating hiking, cycling, horse riding and canoeing!
La Vézère, prehistory in a nutshell
Lascaux, the odyssey of prehistory
Lascaux Cave, famous since its discovery in 1940, is one of the most exceptional ornate caves in the world. With its unique cave paintings, it is an invaluable testimony to prehistoric art. Closed in 1963 to ensure its preservation, the original cave has been replaced by two facsimiles. Lascaux II, opened in 1983 and the first cave facsimile in the world, accurately reproduces the famous galleries of the Salle des Taureaux and the Axial Diverticule . Lascaux IV, its complete replica opened in 2016, welcomes visitors to a truly immersive experience.
An essential exploration
The Vézère Valley is home to everything you need to know about prehistory. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its 15 prehistoric sites, from caves to chasms, it invites you to delve into the daily life of our ancestors who occupied the Périgord region for more than 400,000 years. Don't miss the sites whose discoveries have advanced our knowledge of the evolution of the human species. From the site of La Micoque (the oldest traces of human occupation) to the Abri du Poisson (the first known representation of a fish), via the caves of Font-de-Gaume and Combarelles.
The Vézère sees life in green
Our unspoilt natural environment offers us a unique privilege: access to areas where nature reigns supreme. To fully enjoy this wonderful freedom, we suggest you put on your walking shoes and take a bottle of water to discover our many hiking trails.
In addition to the 675 km of marked trails in our territory, you can also take the " La Vézère à vélo " cycle route, which takes you into the heart of our landscapes. With the prestigious title of Grand Site of France, the Vézère Valley has achieved a remarkable feat: bringing together human activity and nature in a shared harmony.
By France.fr
El equipo editorial de France.fr sigue de cerca las tendencias y noticias del destino para mostrarte una Francia que innova y renueva sus tradiciones. Nuestra pasión es contar historias y descubrir los talentos que te inspirarán a explorar nuestros territorios.
