One of the great things about the Dordogne is that the stunning Périgord is your backyard here, and waiting for river trips and days out at castles or outlandish cave networks.
Today we will give you our list of all of the beautiful towns in the Dordogne that are really worth exploring if you have the time!
Here is an overview and you will find a lot more detail of each village and town in our Guidebook on arrival at any of our holiday accommodations.
Before we get started, here is a map of where all these beautiful towns in the Dordogne located in relation to Sarlat so that you can get your whereabouts.
Beynac, La Roque-Gageac and Domme
12km from Sarlat
We’ve grouped these together as they follow the same route along the Dordogne river and great for full day out exploring. All three are listed as some of ‘the most beautiful villages in France’. It’s a picturesque drive with châteaux galore!
Rocamadour
46km from Sarlat
The beautiful and dramatic setting of the village, climbing up a cliff side is one of the Grand Sites of France (see main post photograph!).
Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
22km from Sarlat
In and around the town are a series of prehistoric rock dwellings, the caves include some of the most significant archaeological finds of the Upper Palaeolithic and Middle Palaeolithic eras.
Image: dordognemaison .com
Le Bugue
31km from Sarlat
Market day is Tuesday morning and is a particularly nice time to wander round Le Bugue. This is one of the most renowned markets in the region with a wide range of local food and artisanal artefacts.
Limeuil
36km from Sarlat
Limeuil is situated where the Rivers Dordogne and Vézère meet and is classified as one of “the most beautiful villages of France”.
Trémolat
43km from Sarlat
Tremolat is a very pleasant village to wander through or go for lunch. Indeed one of the best restaurants in the Dordogne is in the centre of this peaceful little village: The Vieux Logis is a 4 star hotel with a Michelin starred restaurant and an excellent reputation.
Cadouin
39km from Sarlat
Cadouin is a beautiful little town famous for its abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the pilgrim route to Compostela.
Image: enroutesimone.over.blog.com
Belvès
31km from Sarlat
A lively and attractive bastide town, Belvès is well preserved with lots of medieval features intact.
Issigeac
66 km from Sarlat
Issigeac is in the Perigord Pourpre region and a wonderful medieval village which is always particularly popular on Sunday mornings when it hosts one of the best markets in the area.
Image: frenchfoodieindublin.com
Périgueux
85km from Sarlat
It is a lively city with several weekly markets, antique fairs and local cultural and musical festivals. The small city of Périgueux is the administrative centre of the Dordogne and it doesn’t feature as much on the tourist routes so you will get a real feel for French lifestyle in the Dordogne.
So there you have it! What did you think of our selection of most beautiful towns in the Dordogne: Have you been to any yourself? Or maybe you have another one to add to this list? If so, please do let us know in the Comments section below! We would love to hear from you.
Looking for accommodation in The Dordogne?
If you are planning to visit the Dordogne and haven´t yet booked your accommodation, you can take a look at our central Bijoux apartments for 2 people in the heart of Sarlat here!
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À bientôt!