These distinctions can be very confusing for the Dordogne newcomer, especially when booking accommodation. This is because the Dordogne River and thus the Dordogne Valley pass through that region. ‘Dordogne villages’ are also in, for example, the Occitanie region. But let me go on …ĭepartments are further divided up into arrondissements, cantons and communes … oh and prefectures and subprefectures – but thank goodness we don’t need to delve too far into that!Įach Dordogne village, town or city is a commune but, and this is where the labelling of the ‘Dordogne’ gets tricky, what is called a ‘Dordogne village’ isn’t necessarily a village /commune in the department of Dordogne or even in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region. And it would be if all Dordogne villages were in the Dordogne Department. One of those 12, is the Dordogne Department One of those 13 regions, the one we are mainly interested in, for the sake of this article on Dordogne towns and villages, is the Nouvelle- Aquitaine region.Įach region contains a variety of ‘Departments – The Nouvelle- Aquitaine region contains 12 Departments Since the beginning of 2016, France has been divided into 13 official regions. You visit the medieval town of Domme, the 12th-century caste of Beynac and take a ride along the Dordogne River aboard a traditional wooden Gabarre.

This small group afternoon tour lasts for about 4 hours and covers some of Dordogne’s most photogenic landscapes. Several day tours operate from Sarlat, including a Dordogne Villages Half Day Tour. Many of Sarlat’s buildings have been restored and it has the highest density of ‘Historic Monuments’ and ‘Classified Monuments’ of any town in France. You can book a gourmet tour through the market, tasting the regional specialties like foie gras, walnuts, and Monbazillac wine.

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, the town hosts one of the biggest food markets in the Dordogne region. The best thing to do here is to wander the maze of old narrow streets through the old centre of town which will transport you back to the middle ages. Sarlat-la-Canéda, often referred to as simply Sarlat, is a popular medieval town in the Perigord Noir region of the Dordogne. A serene image as if it’s a moving watercolour painting. It not only has an unusual shape but as the river flows under it, swathes of emerald green mossy plants, just under the surface, melt into the river’s flow. The Bourdeille Bridge is extremely picturesque. This interestingly designed bridge was originally built in the 14th century but had to be rebuilt in the 18th century following severe floods. The two main attractions here are the Chateau de Bourdeille and Bourdeilles’ charming stone bridge. BOURDEILLESīourdeilles is a small medieval town situated on the Dronne, a northern Dordogne River. Whether you explore the beautiful towns in Dordogne or escape to the peaceful countryside and small villages of Dordogne, this area offers a variety of options for a memorable vacation. Whether you are a history buff, a food lover, or simply seeking a tranquil retreat, the Dordogne has it all.

The Dordogne River meanders through the region, adding to the beauty and charm of the landscape. So we were in the perfect place to explore the towns in the Dordogne region.ĭELIGHTFUL DORDOGNE VILLAGES AND TOWNS TO VISITįrom medieval castles to quaint market squares, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this delightful part of the country. We were lucky enough to call the Dordogne home for nine months and adapted to French village liferather easily in a tiny Dordogne village called Villars, (pronounced Ville -arr). Medieval castles dot the landscape and life moves in time with the leisurely flow of its rivers and streams. The Dordogne conjures up a dreamy image of picturesque rural France, idyllic rustic farmhouses, and creamy stone houses surrounded by rolling green hills. VISITING DORDOGNE VILLAGES … That’s a Wrapĭordogne villages are the quintessential essence of France.What is The Best Time to Visit the Dordogne?.DELIGHTFUL DORDOGNE VILLAGES AND TOWNS TO VISIT.QUICK OVERVIEW: BEST VILLAGES IN DORDOGNE.

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