Guides & Tours in Dordogne — 17 of Our Favourites

This tour offers you a relaxed 'no rush' daily tour and liaises closes established winemakers int eh area. The chateaux that you will visit have award-winning labels, they are family run and you will learn about (and taste) Organic wines and Organic production methods.

The organiser will accompany you during the day, introducing you to the local people, the terroir and its produce. "Since we live here, we know this region like the back of our hand."

In addition to the wine tasting schedule, they include a visit to several local, food producing farms. Here you can sample some of the delicacies the Aquitaine region is most famous for, including plums, chocolate or cheese.

The church of Sainte Marie was built in 1385 and was transformed in 1905 into a post office. It was transformed once again in 1935 and served as a health center. Later abandoned, the municipality asked architect Jean Nouvel to renovate the building. In 2000, he created two giant steel doors which restore all the scale in the nave by restoring its volume and opening the triumphant arch which formerly overlooked the choir.

During the day the train acts like more of a convenient mode of transport between the valley parking and the medieval city. The parking at the bottom of Rocamadour is free and the added convenience of the train to take you higher up into the town is certainly a bonus for those who have young children or reduced mobility. Although not a long trip the train runs every 15 minutes meaning that you will arrive at your destination in no time. If you don't fancy the walk down either then you can buy a return ticket.

Alternatively, Le Petit Train de Rocamadour also offers an evening excursion. Your chance to discover the illuminated site of Rocamadour with historical commentary (in French, English, Spanish, Japanese, German and Dutch).

Descended from one of the last families of gabarriers (the men who worked the boats) and fishermen of La Roque Gageac, Gabarres Caminade invite you onto the Dordogne. From La Roque Gageac to Castelnaud bridge, explore the history of the valley, its castles and its boatmen.

Several tours are available, allowing you to experience the region from the comfort of the tuk-tuk. The city tour takes you through the narrow cobbled streets and provides a commentary of the history and heritage of the town. The vineyard tour, takes around 50 minutes and takes you past some of the largest and most famous wine chateaux in France. This guided tour tells you about the Grand-Crus and the other classes of St Emilion wine.

You can also combine the vineyard tour with a tasting for an extra special tour. This takes around 1hr45 and allows you to visit one of the chateau to discover its caves and enjoy tasting some of their best vintage.

The tuk-tuk also offers a shuttle service that runs from the train station to the south into the heart of the city of Saint Emilion.

The hot air balloon gently floats above chateaux, follows the river while drifting with the wind, offering you the most beautiful trip ever… A moment of weightlessness you will never forget!

Flights are scheduled for when the winds are calm and conditions are best for flying, this is either sunrise or just before sunset. A magical time. You will be able to explore the chateaux and villages of the Dordogne as you drift in the clouds along the river Dordogne.

The gabare is an authentic reproduction of an 18th-century boat that was once used to transport wine, wood, fish, salt, chestnuts and truffles along the river. You can learn about the history and traditions of the area as you take this hour long cruise. An audioguide is available in several different languages, including both French and English.

On this journey of just over 5km, part of which runs along the river, you will hear about Bergerac as the Roman town that it was in the hundred years war and of the barges to the Notre Dame Cathedrale.

Available from April until the end of October. Departure of the tourist train: Rue des Recollets (Facing the Old Port)

A flight of about one hour takes you over the Dordogne valley and between the castles of Beynac, Castelnaud, Milandes and La Roque Gageac. With extensive experience of teaching aerial sports you will enjoy the exclusive historical and geographical knowledge of the sectors flown.

They will create a photo gallery that they offer at the end of the flight. A breakfast will be friendly conclusion of the morning flight, or enjoy an after-flight aperitif in the evening.

A relaxing way to see the valley and the waterways of the Perigord. The Dordogne valley has been declared a UNESCO World Biosphere reserve.

Adults: 8.50€, Children (4-12 years): 4.50€. (Free for children on the morning departures: 10h, 10h30, 11h, and 11h30).

This train does a 20 min circuit of the bastide town, complete with commentary in six different languages - English, French, Spanish. Italian, German and Dutch. Departure is from Place de la Halle, before you travel on to the Maison du Gouverneur (Governor´s house), Maison du Batteur de la Monnaie, then the Ramparts. Each gate is visited, Porte Del Bos, Porte de la Combe and the Porte des Tours. You will have a chance to enjoy the panorama view of the Dordogne valley as well as the Old town, pretty floral streets and sun-scorched stones of the houses.

It is possible to stop at the parking lots outside of the village.

An on board commentary in available in several languages including French, English and Spanish. You have the option to buy a ticket for the train only or one that includes stopping off at a Chateau for a wine-tasting and to find out more about the wine making business.

Le Train des Grands Vignobles runs regularly throughout the day from the first weekend of April to mid-November. Each tour lasts around 35 minutes, or 1hr20 if you stop off at Chateau Rochebelle.

This passenger train offers tourists a fantastic view of the area and a journey back in time. The museum of old railway objects was installed above the passenger hall. It’s a unique collection donated by Jose and Nadine Demeurs and others. It includes uniforms, posters, signals, lanterns and various tools for track work, 2 model railways and numerous unusual objects-witnesses to the rich history of the railways.

Open from April until September and then again for the October holidays. Timetable vary throughout these periods so it is best to check in advance to avoid disappointment.

A wonderful way to experience the local sights and especially the wildlife of the area. Discover centuries of history around these barges, their skippers ,the vineyards and the flora and fauna of the river Dordogne that has been classified as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.

There are various different tours for individuals and groups and each lasting between one and two hours. You may find the tours are given in French, however reviews suggest that there is written information in English and the tour guides will do their best to assist in English.

There are several routes offered so you can explore different areas, and also pedal for a little longer if you prefer!

Corgnac-Thiviers  (route available all year) 11 km there and back, with the possibility of having a picnic at the end station of Chatignoles (except during the first three weeks of August), leaving at 11:00 and returning at 14:00 

Corgnac-St Germain - St Andrieux,  14 km there and back 

Corgnac -Thiviers-St Germain St Andrieux,  a 25 km journey with the possibility of having a picnic at the station of Thiviers les Chatignoles (except during the first three weeks of August), departing at 11:00

During July and August it is also possible to do a 'night time' journey!

A 4.5km tour through the city that will take you past the arenas, the tower of Vésone, the Gallo-Roman villa, Château Barrière, Church of the City, the Cathedral Saint-Front and the pedestrian streets.

Available from April until the end of October. Departure of the tourist train: rue Eguillerie (on the corner of Credit Mutuel and Société Générale)

Their main aim is to provide a home for retired British Police Horses. You can visit the sanctuary (by appointment only) and get a tour of the facility, meet the horses and learn more about them.

Throughout the summer months they hold regular Open Days (details on their website) where you can join them for afternoon tea after the tour. Again booking is required for these days.