This Dordogne-Périgord car route starts in Sarlat, the capital of the "Black Périgord", so called because of its dark forests, and which also reminds us of the colour of the truffles in this region. From Sarlat to the Dordogne Valley, a three-day car tour through its castles, prehistoric sites, gardens and charming villages.
Day 1 - Going to meet the illustrious
Sarlat-la-Canéda, France
Listed as a Town of Art and History, the medieval city of Sarlat is renowned for its exceptional concentration of historical monuments per square metre (66 on 11 hectares). Its architecture lends itself well to all historical filming: winding alleys, old restored buildings.
This medieval town has developed around a large Benedictine abbey of Carolingian origin. Thanks to a law on the restoration of protected areas, the medieval citadel with its stone roofs of Lauze was saved from modernism. You can therefore admire the house of Etienne de la Boétie (a philosopher and friend of Michel de Montaigne), one of the most remarkable in the region, and you will fall under the spell of the medieval buildings and Renaissance mansions.
"Because it was him, because it was me" - you may know this phrase about friendship, but not its author. It is by Etienne de la Boétie, one of the world-famous Perigords. The author of the "Discourse on Voluntary Servitude" still admires his house where he was born in 1530 and lived in the old town of Sarlat. Classified as a historical monument in 1889, the façade of this house is a magnificent example of the Italian Renaissance, typical of the reign of Francis I.
Another author born in a village near Sarlat was François de Salignac de la Mothe Fénelon who wrote the "Adventures of Telemachus". His furnished castle can be visited. The castle of Fénelon in Sainte Mondane is built on a succession of rocky terraces. It skilfully combines the warlike character of the Middle Ages with the elegance of the Renaissance.
Closer to home, you probably know the French photographer Robert Doisneau. At the Carlux station, near Sainte Mondane, come and discover the Photographic Art Galleries dedicated to this humanist photographer who spent his holidays in the Dordogne Perigord. Unless you are interested in the former owner of the Château de Milandes, Josephine Baker! Built in the 15th century, her residence is resolutely modern, with Renaissance-style fireplaces that blend in with Art Deco rooms. Surrounded by well-kept gardens, it offers an interesting biographical journey through the life of the great American artist.
Day 2 - Heading to the Dordogne Valley, land of charming villages and medieval castles
La Roque-Gageac, France
Famous for its characterful villages, which are listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", you will cross the bastide town of Domme, from which you can enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the region, stroll through the village of La Roque-Gageac, nestled in the hollow of a bend in the Dordogne River, that of Belvès, perched on a rocky promontory in the Nauze Valley or the village of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, with its cobbled streets and perfectly preserved houses.
The Dordogne Valley also offers sensational castles to visit. On either side of the river, two medieval castles face each other: Beynac, built at the beginning of the 11th century to defend the valley, and Castelnaud, which houses the war museum. Upstream, the Château de Fénelon is another reference point for medieval castles in the area. Rising up its powerful architecture behind three walls, it has preserved its defensive system intact, as well as its smooth stone roof typical of the area.
At the entrance to the medieval town of Sarlat, the Puymartin Castle is famous for its legend of the white lady.
Day 3 - Enjoy nature to try active tourism
Recognised as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the Dordogne River is a model of environmental protection. In this preserved environment, it is very pleasant to navigate the river by canoe or barge past medieval castles and villages. Barges are accessible from the villages of Beynac-et-Cazenac and La Roque Gageac.
Take a bike ride along the Dordogne River on the greenway to get a breath of fresh air. Very flat and shaded, it is an opportunity to take a picnic break, visit one of the small villages you cross or swim in the river.
The area offers many hiking trails. Today, you can try "Terra Aventura" with your family. It is an entertaining treasure hunt that you can download via an app on your mobile. Or you may prefer a stroll through the gardens listed as "Jardins Remarquables" such as those of Marqueyssac with its panoramic view and its activities (via ferrata, etc.) or the water gardens of Carsac Aillac. These water gardens are dedicated to the exuberance of the lotus and water lilies.
Sarlat in the Black Périgord, unavoidable!
The name Sarlat alone evokes culinary and cultural delights. Its worldwide fame is linked to its rich history, which dates back to the Middle Ages. Its evolution over the centuries has bequeathed it an exceptional heritage.
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.
