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Activities in Dordogne

Discover the top Dordogne activities

Located in
Sarlat-la-Caneda
Updated

Whatever you choose to do on your summer holiday you are sure to find a huge range of activities across the Dordogne area.

From relaxing to full on adrenaline there is something for everyone, every ability and every age in Dordogne. Check out the selection of things below for some holiday inspiration!

Boat trips & sailing in Dordogne

Boat Trips in Dordogne

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See our Boat Trip Guide

Culture and guided tours in Dordogne

Sights in Dordogne

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See our History Guide

Cycling in Dordogne

Enjoy a number of cycling trails and routes in Dordogne and what better way to explore Dordogne than on a bike when you can enjoy the beautiful scenery. Have a look at our cycling guide for more information and explore the cycling routes that are in the area. If you are in Dordogne without your biking gear there are a number of cycle hire shops in who rent and sell bikes, gear and more.

Bike Hire in Dordogne

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See our Cycling Guide

Flying in Dordogne

Flying in Dordogne

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Spas and massages in Dordogne

Spas in Dordogne

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Theme parks, waterparks and aquariums in Dordogne

Try an adventure playground or a theme park for a day of family fun. There are a number of adventure playground and theme parks, where both adults and children can play for hours. Head to our theme parks page to find out more and get your adventure started. 

Theme & Adventure Parks in Dordogne

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Walking, hiking and running in Dordogne

The hilly trails take you through the many hill top villages and banked vineyards of the region and are a great way to explore the terrain inland and the many medieval villages and vineyards that are dotted around the countryside.

See our Hiking & Walking Guide

Watersports in Dordogne

Watersports in Dordogne

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See our Watersports Guide

Gabares & canoes at La Roque Gageac

Best bathing spots in Dordogne

Whilst some may flock to the south coast in summer, there are literally hundreds of uncrowded beaches and fresh rivers in the Dordogne offering a welcome alternative to the busy Mediterranean coast. The cool, clear waters of the Dordogne river, or indeed one of the other rivers in the department on a hot summer's day cannot be beaten.

exterior & garden of chateau des milandes

Chateau des Milandes - the fairytale castle

Located in
Beynac-et-Cazenac

Everyone is looking for something different from their chateaux visits but for me this was by far my favourite trip in Dordogne...intriguing history (of a more recent variety), stunning gardens, a bird of prey show and great tea-room!

a horse sitting down in a horse show at rocamadour

Durandal Equestrian Show

There are so many medieval buildings, towns, remains and museums in the Dordogne region, all intriguing in their own way; but sometimes it's nice to sit back, relax, let history come to you and enjoy an energetic and comical show.

looking out at La Roque saint Christophe

Exploring Troglodyte dwellings

This area has been occupied by humans since prehistoric times and nowhere is this more evident that at the troglodyte dwellings at La Roque Saint Christophe.

looking through a hedge to chateau de losse

Guided tour of Chateau de Losse near Montignac

Located in
Montignac

On a slightly drizzly in September, a visit to a chateau is the ideal way to escape the gloom and delve into the past of this wonderfully historic area of the Dordogne.

Shop at lascaux caves

Lascaux - a trip back in time

Located in
Montignac

I'm not entirely a history buff but when you are in the Dordogne you really do have to at least try and see some of the pre-historic art that litters this region.

View of st emilion from the wine train

Taking a tour on St Emilion's wine train

Located in
Saint-Emilion

Only having time for an afternoon in St Emilion I was pleased to discover the Train des Grandes Vignobles which could take me around the region...without me even having to take a step.

a view from the bottom of the chasm, looking up

Visit to Gouffre de Padirac cave

Even in September the temperatures in the Dordogne can reach a toasty 32 degrees, so a trip to a cave offers some welcome respite from the sun's strong rays. Descending into the darkness and to a constant 13 degrees was just what I needed...

a building built into the cliff face

Visiting Maison Forte de Reignac

Located in
Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil

One of the most unusual sights in the Dordogne is Maison Forte de Reignac, a half house, half troglodyte cave dwelling set into the cliffside close to the town of Tursac.

News

Events

  • Festival du Perigord Noir
  • overlooking the stalls of a night market in eymet
  • the main market square in sarlat la caneda
  • Grandes Heures de Saint-Emilion, Saint Emilion
  • people in red robes in front of castle ruins
  • Rassemblement Europeen de Montgolfieres