It is both grandiose and intimate, exhilarating and tranquil, ancient and new. The Dordogne and its tributaries shape a Valley of contrasts and diversity, underlain by the unity of its gentle beauty. Whether “locals” that have been here for generations or among the many from around the world that choose to make their home here, that warm twinkle in their eye as they eagerly share their heritage and their river with you will tell you that you are welcome. There are also gardens including the wonderful. The Dordogne.much more than just a river The 483-km-long Dordogne is the fifth longest river in France. From passionate guides to proud merchants and expert athletes, the people of the Dordogne Valley will invite you to contemplate the history, taste the gastronomy, revel in the natural beauty, and just enjoy the fun of this Valley as well.Īnd you’ll also meet a joyful mix of people here, deeply proud and attached to their land and way of life, but also happy to share the great and simple pleasures of their home with you. Domme is situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the Dordogne and is close to other most beautiful villages such as La Roque Gageac and Beynac as well as the fabulous town of Sarlat on the other side of the river - indeed you can see La Roque Gageac from the Belvedere de la Barre in Domme. The changing landscapes of the Dordogne and its tributaries lend themselves to wide array of human imprints as well, from the lively ski resort of Le Mont-Dore to the regal city of Bordeaux, with prehistoric caves, medieval villages, majestic castles, fertile farmland, renowned vineyards, and so much more along the way. From its source at the meeting of two trickling streams at the foot of the highest volcanic peak in the Massif Central, to the vast Gironde Estuary where it opens its arms to join the sea, the Dordogne winds its way through rugged gorges, narrow valleys, steep cliffs and wide alluvial plains. (photo: Rick Steves) A reader once asked me: If I were to. (photo: Rick Steves) At the Lascaux caves, you can see a near-perfect replica of animal paintings done more than 15,000 years ago.

More than 1800km2 of forests, rivers, wet meadows, pastures. Canoeists get a dramatic view of the French village of Beynac as it tumbles down a steep hill from its majestic castle to the Dordogne River.

Of course, it is a true natural paradise that is offered to you, thanks to the Périgord Limousin Regional Natural Park (fr). At the heart of the Valley is its river, the Dordogne. Family hikes in the Dordogne, on the way In Périgord Vert.

Dordogne river map