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Considered one of the most beautiful departments in France, Dordogne owes much of its reputation to its historic towns and villages. Perched on steep cliffs or built right by the river, the Périgord villages each have their own uniqueness and charm. Here's a list of the most beautiful villages and towns in the Périgord!
Among the most spectacular landscapes in the region, La Roque-Gageac tops the list! This small troglodytic village is built right into a limestone cliff, on a thin strip of land along the Dordogne. Granite houses with tiled roofs seem to climb up the rock face to the troglodyte fort dating back to the 12th century, a relic of a time of bustling river trade.
The unique layout of this village creates an ideal microclimate for... tropical plants! The village gardens are surprisingly filled with exotic plants, contrasting with the oak forests and surrounding hills!
A medieval village par excellence, Beynac-et-Cazenac has never changed its structure: on one side, an imposing fortress overlooking the valley and on the other, a charming village along the river! The houses here are topped with lauze (thick slate) and built close together along still-paved alleys. Finally, two churches classified as historical monuments complete this much-appreciated postcard landscape!
Perched entirely atop a cliff, Domme is a historic bastide offering breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding landscapes. Founded in the 13th century, this fortified village charms with its preserved medieval architecture and timeless appeal. Surprise: Domme has an amazing visitable underground cave and an imposing belvedere where locals are accustomed to admiring the sunset!
A tiny village in Dordogne, Saint-Amand-de-Coly is classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France! Just a stone's throw from the Lascaux caves and only about twenty kilometers from Sarlat-la-Canéda, Saint-Amand is nestled between two wooded valleys. Known for its 12th-century Romanesque church and golden stone houses, it offers a peaceful and bucolic atmosphere, perfect for a timeless getaway.
Limeuil is a historic village built right by the water, at the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers. Once a bustling trading port, Limeuil is now a true haven of peace, perfect for relaxation and water activities. Its slowed pace and enchanting setting attract not only tourists but also individuals wishing to settle in the region, seeking a gentler life.
Monpazier is a medieval bastide founded in the 13th century by King Edward I of England. Now certified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Monpazier is one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in Dordogne! Particularly appreciated is its central square bordered by arcades, its half-timbered houses, and its lively atmosphere.
Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère is a little architectural gem: classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France (many are in Dordogne!), this picturesque village charms with its stone houses, lauze roofs, and 12th-century Romanesque church. The village is ideally located for visiting the surrounding prehistoric caves and strolling along the banks of the Vézère!
Dominated by its imposing fortress, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is a village built entirely on a hill! The houses climb up along a green hillside to reach the fortresses and watchtowers of its medieval castle... or rather one of the castles, as the village boasts no fewer than four! One of them, called the Château des Milandes, was even inhabited by Josephine Baker between 1947 and 1968. Josephine and her husband adopted 12 children there, affectionately named "the rainbow tribe". Today, the castle houses several rooms honoring this talented artist and committed woman.
Montignac is famous for being the gateway to the Lascaux caves, a prehistoric site classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But limiting oneself to the caves would be a shame: Montignac is a charming and dynamic village, with cobbled streets, Périgord-style houses, and the ruins of an ancient medieval castle. Between restaurants, brasseries, and ice cream parlors, the town exudes a holiday atmosphere, making it a real delight to stroll around. Culturally rich, the town organizes the "Festival du Périgord Noir" every year, which highlights classical music!
Sarlat is the best-known and most touristy city in the region: a medieval city of exceptional beauty, it benefits from a very homogeneous architecture that gives it a unique charm. Its city center is composed of paved streets and shaded squares, lined with Périgord-style houses and private mansions in granite. The main square, filled with terraces both in summer and winter, transforms into a large market offering all the local products. In short, Sarlat is truly the archetype of the Périgord, a must-visit city for tourists and lovers of the Southwest.
As the capital of Dordogne, Périgueux boasts a very pretty historic center. While it may lack the village atmosphere, it gains in liveliness! Its lively markets and dynamic cultural life give it a special charm, making it the ideal compromise for those who want a more rural life while staying in the city!
Nicknamed the Venice of the Périgord, Brantôme offers an enchanting living environment with its picturesque canals and peaceful atmosphere. Built around its Abbey, which welcomes pilgrims on the route to Compostela every year, Brantôme is a small village entirely of stone nestled in the heart of a green valley.
A pretty town in Dordogne, Bergerac is best known for its extensive wine region. The vineyards of Bergerac extend all around the town and into 93 municipalities: this represents 12,000 hectares of vineyards and 1200 growers! Among other things, they produce Bergerac, a dry, rosé, and red wine, Monbazillac, a world-renowned sweet wine, and Côtes-de-Montravel, a sweet white wine with smooth notes.
The town, steeped in history, is built on the banks of the river. Residents enjoy strolling along the quays, lively in summer and winter. History enthusiasts will appreciate the iconic monuments such as the magnificent Notre-Dame church and the town's tower, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Terrasson-Lavilledieu is a must-visit for anyone wishing to explore the Périgord. Why? The town is home to the famous Jardin de l'Imaginaire, a suspended garden offering a profusion of exotic plants, waterfalls, and panoramic terraces!
Finally, how can one talk about the Périgord without mentioning its local products? Thiviers, which seduces visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and preserved heritage, is best known for being the "foie gras capital" thanks to the many goose and duck farms!
In conclusion, the most beautiful villages of Dordogne offer a journey into authenticity, where centuries-old traditions and preserved heritage combine to offer a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, these picturesque villages will charm you with their timeless charm and enchanting atmosphere!
