How long is the Périgord Noir Loop: Dordogne Valley from Périgueux route?

This route takes 7 days taking in 6 stops.

Where does this route start and end?

The route runs from Périgueux to Périgueux in Dordogne, Périgord Noir, France.

When is the best time to travel this route?

The best time to travel this route is May to September: book caves ahead.

How active is this route?

Activity level: Easy-going. Easy-going and accessible for most fitness levels.

What transport do I need for this route?

A car is the primary way to get around on this route.

What budget do I need for this route?

Mid-range spending — expect comfortable accommodation and a mix of dining options.

What type of accommodation suits this route?

Mixed accommodation works well along this route.

What is the pace of this trip?

Relaxed — plenty of time to linger at each stop.

What type of trip is this?

This route is well-suited to: Scenic, Culture, Food & drink, Classic road trip, Nature.

Périgord Noir Loop: Dordogne Valley from Périgueux

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The route · 6 stops

1
Périgueux
1 night
The ancient capital of Périgord, founded by the Romans as Vesunna, makes a gentle introduction to the region. The old town clusters around the Byzantine-Romanesque Cathédrale Saint-Front and is dotted with half-timbered houses and restaurants serving duck confit, truffles and walnut cake. The Gallo-Roman museum sets the historical scene well.
The ancient capital of Périgord, founded by the Romans as Vesunna, makes a gentle introduction to the region. The old town clusters around the Byzantine-Romanesque Cathédrale Saint-Front and is dotted with half-timbered houses and restaurants serving duck confit, truffles and walnut cake. The Gallo-Roman museum sets the historical scene well.
Park at the Parking de la Cathédrale and explore the old town on foot. Wednesday and Saturday mornings bring a produce market with Périgord specialities.
2
Les Eyzies
1 night38m · 46 km from previous
Billed as the prehistoric capital of the world, Les Eyzies sits where the Vézère and Beune valleys meet, surrounded by some 150 documented Paleolithic sites. Font-de-Gaume, 1 km from the village, is the only decorated prehistoric cave still open to the public. Lascaux IV, the full-scale Paleolithic replica, is 25 km north in Montignac.
Billed as the prehistoric capital of the world, Les Eyzies sits where the Vézère and Beune valleys meet, surrounded by some 150 documented Paleolithic sites. Font-de-Gaume, 1 km from the village, is the only decorated prehistoric cave still open to the public. Lascaux IV, the full-scale Paleolithic replica, is 25 km north in Montignac.
Font-de-Gaume tickets sell out months ahead; book online the moment dates open. Lascaux IV tickets at lascaux.fr also go quickly. Book both before you travel.
3
Sarlat-la-Canéda
2 nights18m · 22 km from previous
The route's central hub and most beautiful stop: a medieval market town of golden limestone with over 200 listed buildings. The Saturday morning market fills Place de la Liberté with duck confit, foie gras, walnuts and truffles. Day trips reach the river castles of Beynac and Castelnaud, and the clifftop bastide village of Domme.
The route's central hub and most beautiful stop: a medieval market town of golden limestone with over 200 listed buildings. The Saturday morning market fills Place de la Liberté with duck confit, foie gras, walnuts and truffles. Day trips reach the river castles of Beynac and Castelnaud, and the clifftop bastide village of Domme.
Park at signposted lots outside the old town and walk in. Streets are too narrow to drive. A Wednesday market also runs from May to October.
4
La Roque-Gageac
1 night8m · 10 km from previous
Classified as one of France's most beautiful villages, with honey-golden houses pressed between a limestone cliff and the Dordogne River. Flat-bottomed gabarre boats depart from the riverbank for 50-minute cruises past Beynac and Castelnaud castles. A troglodyte fort sits in the cliff directly above the village.
Classified as one of France's most beautiful villages, with honey-golden houses pressed between a limestone cliff and the Dordogne River. Flat-bottomed gabarre boats depart from the riverbank for 50-minute cruises past Beynac and Castelnaud castles. A troglodyte fort sits in the cliff directly above the village.
Gabarre river cruises run April to November; the 50-minute trip reaches Beynac and Castelnaud. Buy tickets at the hut by the riverbank on arrival.
5
Bergerac
1 night1h 1m · 73 km from previous
The Dordogne's wine capital, where Bergerac AOC reds and honey-sweet Monbazillac dessert wine are made from vines stretching to the horizon. The compact riverside old town has a statue of Cyrano de Bergerac in Place de la Myrpe. Monbazillac château and its surrounding vines are 6 km south.
The Dordogne's wine capital, where Bergerac AOC reds and honey-sweet Monbazillac dessert wine are made from vines stretching to the horizon. The compact riverside old town has a statue of Cyrano de Bergerac in Place de la Myrpe. Monbazillac château and its surrounding vines are 6 km south.
Most châteaux offer tastings without advance booking. Monbazillac village and château are 6 km south of Bergerac town and worth the short detour.
6
Périgueux
45m · 54 km from previous
Close the loop in the Périgord capital. The short drive north from Bergerac takes under an hour on the D936. Périgueux train station has direct TGV services to Paris; Bergerac Airport (EGC) is an alternative departure for those flying back directly.
Close the loop in the Périgord capital. The short drive north from Bergerac takes under an hour on the D936. Périgueux train station has direct TGV services to Paris; Bergerac Airport (EGC) is an alternative departure for those flying back directly.
The drive from Bergerac to Périgueux takes under an hour via the D936. Bergerac Airport (EGC) is a convenient alternative departure point.

Périgord Noir Loop: Dordogne Valley from Périgueux

The route · 6 stops

Périgueux

Les Eyzies

Sarlat-la-Canéda

La Roque-Gageac

Bergerac

Périgueux

Route highlights

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Périgord Noir Loop: Dordogne Valley from Périgueux

The route · 6 stops

Périgueux

Les Eyzies

Sarlat-la-Canéda

La Roque-Gageac

Bergerac

Périgueux

Route highlights

Photos & videos · 0

No photos yet

Frequently asked questions

Ratings & reviews

Comments · 0

No comments yet

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