Dordogne Valley
His castles
The region
Here, your stay will become an invitation to relax and enjoy the many pleasures of the Périgord Noir, its castles, its caves...
Sarlat
The most famous town in the region and one of the most renowned and popular in France. It is also one of the most attractive. Often referred to simply as Sarlat, the town is actually twinned with its less famous neighbour and is more correctly known as Sarlat le Caneda.
Sarlat is located in the region known as Périgord Noir. Destined to be besieged by tourists at almost any time of year Sarlat is a beautiful, well restored town a few kilometres north of the River Dordogne. The old town, dating from medieval and renaissance times, is a pleasure to visit, especially during spring and autumn, or in the early morning. If you can catch the morning sun on the yellow sandstone buildings, all the better.
Sarlat is located in the region known as Périgord Noir. Destined to be besieged by tourists at almost any time of year Sarlat is a beautiful, well restored town a few kilometres north of the River Dordogne. The old town, dating from medieval and renaissance times, is a pleasure to visit, especially during spring and autumn, or in the early morning. If you can catch the morning sun on the yellow sandstone buildings, all the better.
Beynac
Beynac is one of the most beautiful villages in France and lies on the banks of the River Dordogne, south-west of Sarlat. Opposite Beynac castle, on the opposite bank of the river, is its traditional enemy, Castelnaud castle.
The pretty village of Beynac spreads along the north bank of the River Dordogne, and above it is Beynac Castle. The narrow streets are lined with white and yellow stone buildings in traditional Dordogne style.
The pretty village of Beynac spreads along the north bank of the River Dordogne, and above it is Beynac Castle. The narrow streets are lined with white and yellow stone buildings in traditional Dordogne style.
Rocamadour
The medieval town of Rocamadour, a vertiginous city dominating the Alzou canyon, is a wonder of balance.
Impressive is the view of the town, in fact a small village with a global reputation, from l'Hospitalet! Built in successive layers on the cliff, it clings 120 metres above a ravine through which the Alzou flows. Its houses, roofs and churches seem to be part of the rock.
What genius conceived and built Rocamadour? Perhaps your visit will reveal the answer. Rocamadour was already admired in the Middle Ages. In the 12th century, pilgrims from all over Europe came here to pray. The village housed the relics of Saint Amadour (the famous hermit who found solitude in Rocamadour). It was also the revered shrine of the Black Madonna.
Impressive is the view of the town, in fact a small village with a global reputation, from l'Hospitalet! Built in successive layers on the cliff, it clings 120 metres above a ravine through which the Alzou flows. Its houses, roofs and churches seem to be part of the rock.
What genius conceived and built Rocamadour? Perhaps your visit will reveal the answer. Rocamadour was already admired in the Middle Ages. In the 12th century, pilgrims from all over Europe came here to pray. The village housed the relics of Saint Amadour (the famous hermit who found solitude in Rocamadour). It was also the revered shrine of the Black Madonna.
Foie gras
In the land of foie gras, the rearing and force-feeding of geese and ducks is a tradition handed down from generation to generation. There's even a festival dedicated to it on the 3rd Sunday in February: Sarlat Fest'Oie.
In Périgord, many farmers process and sell foie gras preserves directly from their farms. There's no better way to meet them than on the Foie Gras Trail.
In Périgord, many farmers process and sell foie gras preserves directly from their farms. There's no better way to meet them than on the Foie Gras Trail.
