Domme, Perigord Noir
Pretty bastide town set high along the banks of the Dordogne river
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.
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Sights & Attractions in Domme
The main attractions of Domme are of course the old gates which have been well preserved since their inception in the 13th-century. The largest and most stunning among them is the Porte des Tours, with it's two large circular towers that once imprisoned the Knights Templar.
In the heart of the town you will find the old market hall, Halle, which now houses the tourist information centre and the entrance to the Grotte de Domme, and the church Notre Dame de l'Assomption.
Sights in Domme
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Grotte de Domme, Domme
A 450m long cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites and colonnades, deep underground, under the bastide town of Domme in the Perigord Noir.
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Chateau de la Malartrie, La Roque-Gageac
This chateau and family home is perfectly situated at one end of the village of La Roque Gageac and overlooks the Dordogne river.
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Porte des Tours (Tower Gate), Domme
One of the most beautiful and well-preserved examples of a town gate in the Perigord, the Porte des Tours in Domme is flanked by two large round towers from the 13th-century.
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Eglise de Notre Dame de l'Assomption Church, Domme
A simple church that offers a refreshing cool interior on a hot summer day.
Dining in Domme
Restaurants in Domme
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L'Esplanade Restaurant, Domme
Perched on a cliff, the Hôtel l'Esplanade has a great setting with good rooms and more importantly, a fantastic restaurant.
Events in Domme
Events in Dordogne
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Dordogne, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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Grandes Heures de Saint-Emilion
The association Les Grandes Heures of Saint-Emilion offer you high quality classical concerts held within the magnificent wine estates of Saint-Emilion.
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Ban des Vendanges, Jurade de Saint Emilion
The Autumn festival in Saint-Emilion celebrates the wine and heritage of this medieval city. The 'Jurade' are the Saint-Emilion wine brotherhood who historically had administrative rights over the town. As part of the festival they parade through the town in their traditional crimson robes, reminiscent of the all-powerful aldermen of centuries past.
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Rassemblement Européen de Montgolfieres, Rocamadour
A hot air balloon fiesta in Rocamadour in late September. This gathering of European hot air balloons forms a stunning sight against the backdrop of the pilgrimage town of Rocamadour.
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Sauternes and Barsac Chateaux open day wine tasting
At the beginning of November, the Sauternes and Barsac Châteaux opens its doors for a weekend in which more than 50 estates welcome the public to sample their wines.
Things to do in Domme
This is a small town but taking a brisk walk around the old ramparts shows off the magnificent views - looking north-west across the Dordogne river and fertile farmland to La Roque-Gageac.
If you're early enough you might be lucky to see some hot air balloons floating over the plains below - although you'd have to be mighty early to see them actually take off.
A hot air balloon ride is one of the most thrilling and unique ways to explore the Dordogne and the Domme area in particular. It will mean an early start but the views as the sun covers the land will be worth the effort.
Things To Do in Domme
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Canoes Loisirs Watersports, Vitrac
Offering various routes along the Dordogne river to enjoy the sights of the Perigord Noir region. Discover hidden treasures during a relaxing journey down the river.
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Montgolfieres du Perigord, La Roque-Gageac
With a fleet of five hot air balloons this company can take groups of 2 or 3 passengers up into the air above La Roque Gageac and the Dordogne river to enjoy a birds-eye view of this beautiful area.
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Canoe Vacances, La Roque-Gageac
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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Traditional Barge Boat Trip, La Roque-Gageac
Travel along the valley of the five chateaux on traditional barges and discover some of the most beautiful sites.
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Le Petit Train de Domme, Domme
A trip on a petit train is the perfect way to see this small bastide town and to learn a little more about the long history of the bastide town.
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Traditional Barge Boat Trip, La Roque-Gageac
This traditional wooden barge will take you on a picturesque cruise down the river Dordogne from La Roque-Gageac to the Castelnaud bridge.
Cycling in Domme
Cycling Routes in Dordogne
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Old Railway Greenway (Voie Verte) Route, Sarlat-la-Caneda
This Voie Verte (greenway) has been created along the track of an old and now unused railway line.
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Circular route between Ouysse & Causse, Rocamadour
Although just 25km this circular route from Rocamadour does cross some challenging terrain. Partly on river path and some parts on road, you will need to have some experience of cycling to enjoy this route fully.
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Greenway (Voie Verte) of Lalinde Canal, Lalinde
This short stretch of Voie Verte (greenway) is perfect for families looking to stretch their legs in the Dordogne countryside, without having to conquer any hills climbs.
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La Voie Verte, Perigueux
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
Hiking in Domme
Walking Routes in Dordogne
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Font-Blanque Loop, Lalinde
Following part of the GR6 route through the Dordogne this walk takes you from Lalinde on a circular route through the surrounding countryside.
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A Short Walk up Mont Saint Cyr, Cahors
With stunning views over the Lot river and the town of Cahors this walk is worth it just to enjoy the views.
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Cirque d'Autoire circular route, Autoire
This walk is wonderful and relaxing way to explore the valley of Autoire and the horseshoe shaped cliff band that guards it to the south-west.
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Chemin de Halage
Part of a long distance towpath, there is an interesting section cut out of the rocky cliff face between Bouziès and Saint-Cirq Lapopie which was used to drag barges along the river Lot. It's about five kilometres between the two villages and is a stunning section of the river.
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La Voie Verte, Perigueux
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
Watersports in Domme
Watersports in Domme
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Canoes Loisirs Watersports, Vitrac
Offering various routes along the Dordogne river to enjoy the sights of the Perigord Noir region. Discover hidden treasures during a relaxing journey down the river.
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Canoe Dordogne
Hire a canoe or kayak from this company and you can enjoy a gentle river cruise and the chance to explore the wonderful Dordogne river and its banks.
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Perigord Adventure & Loisirs Canoe, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Enjoy a relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
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Canoe Vacances, La Roque-Gageac
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
Families in Domme
Where to stay in Domme
There are a few hotels within the walls of Domme itself, however, this is the kind of charming town where a stay in a B&B is an absolute must. There are several that are only a short walk from the town centre and to truly discover the peace and calm of life in the Dordogne a short break at one of Domme's best B&Bs is a real treat.
Villas in Domme
Villas in Dordogne
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La Croix Villa, Prats-du-Périgord
This recently renovated semi-detached stone village house is a delightful addition to our collection of properties in the picturesque Dordogne region. Situated along one of the narrow lanes in the village of Prats-du-Périgord, La Croix is a restoration that blends the traditional with the contemporary to great effect.
Price: £1,298
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La Cloche Villa, Prats-du-périgor
Surrounded by a patchwork of fields and forests in the picturesque Perigord Noir area, the charming village of Prats-du-Perigord, with its honey coloured stone buildings topped with pitched roofs of deep red tiles, is most typical of the region.
Price: £1,234
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Lou Calvel Villa, Cazals
A haven of tranquillity, Lou Calvel sits within private woodland in the picturesque Lot region of South West France where the densely forested landscape teems with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Hedgerows of bluebells, posies and colourful orchids provide both walkers and keen photographers with much to admire while local market stalls always offer a wealth of freshly harvested, seasonal produce including asparagus, herbs and a wide variety of wild mushrooms.
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La Maison Fleurie Villa, Frayssinet-le-Gelat
The undulating countryside north of the River Lot is dotted with chestnut woods and stone villages. In a tiny hamlet, close to the border with the Dordogne (3km), sits La Maison Fleurie, a picturesque stone cottage, adorned with pots of colourful flowers.
Price: £880
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Le Mas Villa
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
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Maison La Seguinie Villa, Martel
A recently built house owned by an architect and an interior designer who have created a beautifully finished property that evokes the local style yet is thoroughly modern, exuding flair and taste.
Hotels in Domme
Hotels in Domme
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La Maison des Peyrat Hotel, Sarlat-la-Caneda
With parts of the building dating back to the 14th Century, there is no surprise that the building itself acts as a focal point throughout the property. With stone walls and ancient wooden beams being left exposed, the place really feels as though there are stories to be told while sitting out in its large gardens, laced with nut trees and springs.
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Bon Encontre Hotel, Sarlat-la-Caneda
Located just a 5 minute walk from the centre of Dordogne's capital Sarlat, the hotel has minimalist, comfortable rooms with a large en suit, flat-screen TV and free Wifi. Located in the grounds is also a hugely inviting swimming pool.
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La Villa Romaine Hotel, near Vitrac
A truly authentic 4 star hotel, with pale stone walls, antique furnishings, stunning gardens and outdoor swimming pool. A short distance from the medieval market town of Sarlat and just on the banks of the tranquil River Dordogne.
Price: €1,323
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Le Chateau de Monrecour Hotel, Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse
With a magnificent backdrop of the surrounding Dordogne hills, the Chateau with its big halls, stone fireplaces and chandeliers is the perfection location for weddings, events and seminars.
Price: €1,010
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La Hoirie Hotel, Sarlat-la-Caneda
A truly historical building, the hotel has been meticulously converted into something unique and modern, but doesn't shy away from its heritage with stone walls and masterpiece fireplaces.
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Domaine de Rochebois Hotel, Vitrac
Set in a 30-hectare park, with luscious green and floral gardens, wooded walks and a 9-hole golf course, the hotel has a great deal to offer. Spacious, warm and appropriately furnished rooms, suites and apartments adorn the property and are all fitted with modern appliances.
Campsites in Domme
How to get to Domme
This is another town that feels a world away. A narrow road through a dense forest winds its way across the Dordogne countryside until you can't imagine that you'll ever find a town. There are very few signposts once you leave the main road so make sure that you keep your eyes peeled for the sign that takes your through Saint Front, or stick to the main road to Cénac and then turn up to the town.
Property For Sale in Domme
Property for Sale in Domme
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Chateau Domme, Domme - Ref.MP112594
The chateau is located in a calm area close to the shops, 45 minutes from Brive airport and 75 minutes for Bergerac airport.
Price: €967,200