Family Holidays in Dordogne

Discover insights about Dordogne family holidays

Imprint: Updated 24 April 2026

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Dordogne is an ideal destination for a family holiday.

Surrounded by beautiful countryside, peaceful woods, and crystal blue waters, Dordogne is a fantastic year round outdoor playground for all members of the family - you just need to know where to stay, what activities to do, and where to drop the kids off so that the adults can have a holiday too!

Our guide to family friendly Dordogne features info on where to find family focused accommodation, a dedicated childcare section, the best activities on offer for kids, and plenty of other helpful family oriented advice and tips for a hassle free family holiday!

Accommodation for families

Taking the family on a holiday can be hard work so finding a good family-friendly hotel or apartment is essential to making life that little bit easier.

As far as hotels are concerned, something like an all inclusive resort is a great option. Normally they offer an array of facilities specifically for young people and have great swimming pool and playground facilities.

There are also plenty of tour operators and catered villas offer services ranging from inhouse nannies, games/play rooms, cinema rooms, hot tubs, and special needs childcare.

See our Where to Stay Guide

Activities for families

Summer holidays in Dordogne are all about being active and there are a wealth of activities on offer here for all ages and members of the family. Our dedicated guide to activities in Dordogne includes a section specifically on kids' activities with information on horse riding, short family hikes, high ropes courses, where to go swimming, nature parks, and numerous other fun things that will help make your family holiday as unique and memorable as possible!

See our Activities Guide

Traditional Barge Boat Trip, La Roque-Gageac

Location
Beynac-et-Cazenac

This traditional wooden barge will take you on a picturesque cruise down the river Dordogne from La Roque-Gageac to the Castelnaud bridge.
La Foret des Ecureuils Adventure Park, Sarlat-la-Caneda

From tree climbing to paintballing and even via ferrata, the Foret des Ecureuils Adventure Park has plenty of offer all ages.
CAP NATURE - Parc de Loisirs

Just 5 minutes from Cahors, in Pradines, there are a multitude of activities on offer from acrobatic courses in the trees, to paintball, kayaking, hiking, orienteering and much much more.
Aquarium du Perigord Noir, Le Bugue

Location
Le Bugue

A great place for a family day out and to escape the pre-historic world of the Dordogne...instead, enjoy the family atmosphere and displays of this fresh water aquarium.
Le Petit Train de Perigueux

Location
Perigueux

Discover the art and history of the city of Perigueux, exploring the ancient city, old town and admiring the beauty.
Chateau les Merles Golf Course, Mouleydier

Open every day of the year this 9-hole, par 35, course is set in the lush countryside of the Dordogne and the grounds of Chateau les Merles.

Childcare services

Depending on the age of your child there are a number of childcare options available in Dordogne.

There are also numerous babysitting and nursery facilities available in the area - have a look at our childcare listings page for more information or you can contact the local Tourist Offices for a list of available babysitters. NB There are several municipal crèches in the area but they are generally very French orientated, so we have omitted them here.

You may find that the main sports centre of each town host a kidsclub during the summer holidays, normally from 1st July to 30th August, with activities such as swimming, climbing, tennis, horse riding etc. and organised hikes & picnics.

School holiday dates

France divides its school holidays into a regional timetable to ensure that the entire country doesn't go on holiday at once - however this staggered system can mean that some months (particularly February) can be busy from beginning to end as one region after another arrives in resort! Planning ahead can help you avoid the crowds...

Zone A - Caen, Clermont-Ferrand, Grenoble, Lyon, Montpellier, Nancy-Metz, Nantes, Rennes & Toulouse
Zone B - Aix-Marseille, Amiens, Besançon, Dijon, Lille, Limoges, Nice, Orléans-Tours, Poitiers, Reims, Rouen & Strasbourg
Zone C - Bordeaux, Créteil, Paris & Versailles

French School Holiday Dates

UK & European School Holiday Dates