Here, with an approximate distance from the villa and a link to each official website, are the places we recommend most often — from the medieval town itself to the caves of the Vézère valley.
Where to go
Price guide: € · €€ · €€€ — Distances and prices are approximate; exact rates are on the official websites.
Sarlat, just steps away
Cité médiévale de Sarlat
The historic centre, on foot from the villa.
Official website ↗Cabanes du Breuil
A hamlet of 15th-century dry-stone huts, listed as a historic monument.
Official website ↗Castles and gardens
Château de Commarque
A ruined medieval fortress above the valley, wild and atmospheric.
Official website ↗Villages and river
Canoë sur la Dordogne
Paddle at your own pace; launch points nearby.
🎟 Booking advisedOfficial website ↗Aquarium du Périgord Noir
Europe’s largest private freshwater aquarium, with sturgeons and alligators.
Official website ↗Village du Bournat
A recreated Belle Époque village, with craftspeople, an old carousel and farm animals.
Official website ↗Prehistory and caves
Gouffre de Proumeyssac
The “crystal cathedral”, on a guided tour.
🎟 Booking advisedOfficial website ↗Lascaux IV
The recreated painted cave, at Montignac.
🎟 Booking advisedOfficial website ↗Le Thot, espace Cro-Magnon
Animal park and museum, tracing the animals painted at Lascaux.
🎟 Booking advisedOfficial website ↗The Dordogne and outdoor activities
The Dordogne can be paddled at your own pace, with launch points close to the villa (see above). The Périgord Noir also has plenty of waymarked hiking trails, particularly around the Vézère valley and the listed villages, along with cycling routes that follow the river. Exact schedules and conditions — canoe hire, waymarked trails, bike hire — are on the websites of the local tourist offices, including Sarlat’s.
On a budget
Wandering the medieval town costs nothing, and it is often the part of a stay guests mention most. The listed villages of La Roque-Gageac and Domme are just as free to explore. The “Free” markers above flag the outings with no entrance fee.
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