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.
Domme, Perigord Noir
Pretty bastide town set high along the banks of the Dordogne river
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.
Events in Domme
Events in Domme
See all Events in Domme-
Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
-
Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
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
See all Sights in Domme-
Chateau de la Malartrie, La Roque-Gageac
Renaissance style chateau overlooking the town of 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.
-
Grotte de Domme, Domme
Discover a fantasy world under the bastide town of Domme
A 450m long cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites and colonnades, deep underground, under the bastide town of Domme in the Perigord Noir.
-
Porte des Tours (Tower Gate), Domme
Impressive original gateway into the bastide town of 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.
-
Eglise de Notre Dame de l'Assomption Church, Domme
17th-century church in the heart of the bastide town of Domme
A simple church that offers a refreshing cool interior on a hot summer day.
Dining in Domme
Restaurants in Domme
See all Restaurants in Domme-
L'Esplanade Restaurant, Domme
Great truffle specialities
Perched on a cliff, the Hôtel l'Esplanade has a great setting with good rooms and more importantly, a fantastic restaurant.
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
See all Things To Do in Domme-
Perigord Adventure & Loisirs Canoe, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Canoe hire on the Dordogne river through the beautiful Perigord
Enjoy a relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
-
Le Petit Train de Domme, Domme
Great family entertainment whilst learning the history of 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.
-
Canoes Loisirs Watersports, Vitrac
Kayak & canoe rental on the Dordogne river south of Sarlat
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.
-
Montgolfieres du Perigord, La Roque-Gageac
Enjoy the sights of the Perigord from above in a hot air balloon
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.
-
Traditional Barge Boat Trip, La Roque-Gageac
48 person traditional boat trip with commentary
This traditional wooden barge will take you on a picturesque cruise down the river Dordogne from La Roque-Gageac to the Castelnaud bridge.
-
Canoe Vacances, La Roque-Gageac
Canoe holidays on the river Dordogne
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
Watersports in Domme
Watersports in Domme
See all Watersports in Domme-
Canoe Dordogne
Enjoy a gentle kayak down the river Dordogne from La Roque Gageac
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.
-
Canoes Loisirs Watersports, Vitrac
Kayak & canoe rental on the Dordogne river south of Sarlat
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.
-
Perigord Adventure & Loisirs Canoe, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Canoe hire on the Dordogne river through the beautiful Perigord
Enjoy a relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
-
Canoe Vacances, La Roque-Gageac
Canoe holidays on the river Dordogne
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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.
Holiday Rentals in Domme
Holiday Rentals in Domme
See all Holiday Rentals in Domme-
La Croix Villa, Prats-du-Périgord
3 bedroom Villa in Prats-du-Périgord, South West France. Sleeps 8
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.
-
La Cloche Villa, Prats-du-périgor
3 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 8
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.
-
Lou Calvel Villa, Cazals
2 bedroom Villa in Cazals. Sleeps 5
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.
-
La Maison Fleurie Villa, Frayssinet-le-Gelat
2 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 4
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.
La Maison Fleurie Villa, Frayssinet-le-Gelat
17 Oct 2026, 7 Nights, 1-4 people, Self-cateredFrom £880 -
Le Mas Villa
5 bedroom villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 10
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
-
Maison La Seguinie Villa, Martel
4 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 10
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
See all Hotels in Domme-
La Maison des Peyrat Hotel, Sarlat-la-Caneda
Personality packed 14th Century building & gardens
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.
-
Bon Encontre Hotel, Sarlat-la-Caneda
Charming Perigordian style hotel
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.
-
La Belle Etoile Hotel, La Roque-Gageac
"One of the countries most beautiful villages" & a hotel with style to match
Situated perfectly in the beautiful old village of La Roque-Gageac, the hotel is bookmarked between a mighty rock face and meandering River Dordogne. The streets are laced with buildings made of stone, now synonymous with the region.
-
Clos de Boetie Hotel & Spa, Sarlat-la-Caneda
Stylish, modern 4 star hotel set in the quiet medieval centre of Sarlat
The hotel offers the perfect opportunity to escape from the strains of day to day life. With luscious gardens, outdoor terrace, a swimming pool, bar, sauna and even a piano, it would be next to impossible not relax into this contemporary yet comforting environment.
-
Domaine de Rochebois Hotel, Vitrac
4* luxury & outdoor retreat on 19th Century estate
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.
-
La Villa Romaine Hotel, near Vitrac
Charming stone building on the river banks of the Dordogne
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.
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
See all Property for Sale in Domme-
Chateau Domme, Domme - Ref.MP112594
5 bedroom chateau for sale
The chateau is located in a calm area close to the shops, 45 minutes from Brive airport and 75 minutes for Bergerac airport.
Chateau Domme, Domme - Ref.MP112594
€967,200





















































