This bastide town, sitting high above the Dordogne river, has an impressive number of its 13th century fortifications still intact, including three of its original gates.
The Porte des Tours is probably the best preserved of the three, and its towers imprisoned the Knights Templar from 1307 until 1318. The streets are lined with cream stone houses, oozing character and hidden underground are a number of caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Very beautiful, and offering wonderful views of the surrounding area, Domme has become a popular tourist destination.
There is plenty of parking outside this bastide town so that you can leave your car and walk up through the main gate 'Porte des Tour', or alternatively take the petit train that runs from the car park to just outside the gate if this suits you better.
No doubt busy in high-season, this sleepy bastide doesn't appear to wake up much before 10:30 - although the local bakery can see you through until everything else opens if you arrive before that. The streets of Domme are charming and will make you exceedingly jealous of the relaxed country life that the residents enjoy. Many houses have been renovated and many more are still in the process - one that is interesting to see.
























































