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September in Dordogne: What's on and weather

Music, culture and wine mark the end of summer

featured in News & Reviews Author Tracy Wise, Destination Editor Updated

With classical music and traditional wine festivals, it's a great time to visit the region.

There is a whole host of events to be enjoyed in September, so it's a great time to visit. Here are just some of our favourite events this month.

Sinfonia en Perigord

What's the weather like in the Dordogne in September?

September is when the heat begins to let up. Average temperatures generally sit between a low of 16ºC in the evenings and a high of 24ºC during the day. It does tend to be a little wetter than previous months, so there is a chance of a shower. Sunrise is around 07:00 and sunset falls after 20:00. This is a much pleasanter time to be in the Dordogne, especially as the families have gone home and things are quiet.

Festival du Perigord Noir

What's on in the Dordogne in September?

Wine and song

The country's most famous wine region brings music and wine together at the Grandes Heures de Saint Emilion. Hosted on various dates in May, June, July and September, these classical music concerts are held in the beautiful wine estates of Saint-Emilion. Reservation in advance is essential.

Balloons

The end of September blows in with the hot air balloons of Rocamadour - the Rassemblement Européen de Montgolfieres brings a gathering of European hot air balloons who offer a stunning sight against the backdrop of this pilgrimage town. Cancelled for 2024 with plans to return in 2025.

Chateau Rochbelle in Saint Emilion

Things to do

Heritage Days

Across France mid-September brings with it the annual European Heritage Days. Exceptional locations around France, including Dordogne, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine. Museums, churches, and galleries all open their doors to the public for a weekend of celebration and the event has become increasingly popular over the years.

Wine and history

Saint Emilion hosts an annual festival, the Ban des Vendanges, celebrating the wine and heritage of the medieval city. The Jurade, the Saint-Emilion wine brotherhood who historically had administrative rights over the town, parade through the town in traditional crimson robes reminiscent of the all-powerful aldermen of centuries past. For a touch of history with your glass of red, this is one event not to miss.

See all Activities & Trips See our Activities Guide

looking up at the cathedral in sarlat la caneda

Local cuisine

As one of France's most important food regions, no visit here would be complete without tucking into some genuine local cuisine, whether it be a local café's plat-du-jour or a top-notch restaurant's tasting menu. Paired with a fine local wine, it's the perfect excuse to indulge.

See all Restaurants See our Local Cuisine

More inspiration...

Plenty going on and with the still warm weather and so many outdoor activities to enjoy, Dordogne is a great choice for a holiday in September - check our events calendar for a full run down and find some accommodation for your stay on our hotel pages.

See all Activities & Trips See our Activities Guide

News

  • Gabares & canoes at La Roque Gageac

    Best bathing spots in Dordogne

  • a chateau in the sunshine

    Top tips for enjoying the Dordogne

  • July in Dordogne: What's On & Weather

    July in Dordogne: What's on and weather

  • Concert at Chateau de Castelanu Bretenoux

    August in Dordogne: What's on and weather

  • a gabare in dock in bergerac

    September in Dordogne: What's on and weather

  • Looking up to the castle & ramparts of rocamadour

    June in Dordogne: What's on and weather

Events

  • Performers at Souillac en Jazz

    Souillac en Jazz

  • An image of a firework display

    Bastille Day

  • overlooking the stalls of a night market in eymet

    Marche Nocturne (night market), Eymet

  • Africajarc,  Cajarc

    Africajarc, Cajarc

  • Brive Festival

    Brive Festival

  • La Bataille de Castillon

    La Bataille de Castillon