Discover the beauty and history

UNESCO Sites

Fifteen sites of the Vézère Valley were listed as World Heritage by UNESCO in 1979.  Among them are the Cathedral Saint-Front de Périgueux, the ancient Abbey of Cadouin and the church of Saint-Avit.

The Hanging Gardens of Marqueyssac

Visitors to this historical monument will be delighted by fifty-four acres of park and a six-kilometer maze of 150,000 hand-pruned boxwoods.  The belvedere, 130 meters above the Dordogne River, offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Dordogne Valley.

Castles and Villages

The historic villages of the Dordogne, renowned for their beauty and impressive architecture, span the Middle Ages, Renaissance and the 18th and 19th centuries.  The most famous castles of the region are Domme, Castelnaud, Beynac, Fayrac and La Roque-Gageac.

The Caves of Lascaux

These caves display among the most stunning and consequential images from the Palaeolithic era.  An additional 50 caves, shelters and burial sites are located nearby.

National Museum of Prehistory

This museum, located near the Lascoux Caves, houses many treasures from prehistoric eras.  The exhibits highlight the early history of the region including the indigenous humans and animals.

Music festivals

Bergerac hosts an annual International Music Festival in July with such performers as Elton John, world famous orchestras and pop bands.

Castle of Michel de Montaigne

This fortified castle dates back to the 14th century.  Renaissance philosopher and thinker Michel de Montaigne lived here from 1571 until his death in 1592.

Antiques and Brocante shopping

The Dordogne Region is recognised globally for its extensive antique trade.

Battle Recreation

The Battle of Castillon ended the Hundred Years’ War in 1453.  Every summer a spectacular recreation occurs on the hillsides of the Château de Castegens.