The Prettiest Villages in the Dordogne, France + Where to Stay

Small, charming villages are a specialty of France, but, I’m convinced that you’ll find the prettiest villages in the Dordogne, an idyllic region in the southwest corner of the country.

This area in France is a popular holiday destination for visitors from the UK, but is lesser known to tourists from North America.  Based on my visit, these might just be the cutest towns in France you don’t want to miss. Indeed, the Dordogne is home to 22 of “The Most Beautiful Villages in France“.

Centuries ago, the Dordogne Valley was an important battle area during the Hundred Years War and because of this, the area is dotted with hilltop castles and pretty medieval towns.

What’s more, the food is sensational, based on locally grown ingredients and specialties like duck, walnuts and truffles.

To help you plan your visit, (also known as the Dordogne Périgord region), this list will give you the best options on the most beautiful towns in Dordogne to visit plus where to stay in the Dordogne.  It includes suggestions on things to do in the Dordogne, where to eat and a handy Dordogne map.

Table of Contents

How to get to the Dordogne Valley
Best time to visit the Dordogne
Sarlat-la-Canéda
Beynac-et Cazenac
La Roque-Gageac
Domme
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
Rocamadour
Monpazier
Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère
Belvès
Limeuil
Brantôme
Dordogne Map

How to get to the Dordogne Valley

The Dordogne Valley is served by two international airports, the Brive Airport or Bergerac Airport.  Travelers from the UK often fly directly into these two locations.

International travelers may take the train to, or fly into Bordeaux and rent a car there.  I usually use Auto Europe to find a good price.  It’s helpful to have a car to explore the small towns in the Dordogne, although there are local tours available from the central towns of Sarlat or Périgueux.

Best Time to Visit the Dordogne:

The most popular time to visit the Dordogne is during the summer months of July and August. All of the restaurants and attractions are open in the summer, and the weather is usually warm and pleasant.

However, my favourite time to visit is during the shoulder seasons in the spring or fall.  The weather is still warm, although there is a slightly higher chance of rain.  Most restaurants will be open and prices for accommodations will be lower than in the summer.

The Prettiest Villages in the Dordogne:

Sarlat-la-Canéda is a perfect base for exploring the Dordogne

Sarlat is a perfect base to explore many of the villages, and this is where you’ll find many options for accommodations in the Dordogne.

I really fell for this medieval town, with its glowing honey-coloured building and romantic gas-lit lanes.  This has to be one of the most romantic places to visit in France.  It’s no wonder that the town has been popular as a movie set for films like Jeanne d’Arc and The Duellists.

It’s also no surprise that you’ll discover fresh and fantastic food in Sarlat, well known for its foie gras and other local delicacies.  Take a gourmet tour on Sarlat’s market day that includes tastings of the local specialties and the major sights.

If you’re using Sarlat as your base, you can also take tours to Beynac & Domme, along with a boat ride on the Dordogne River or a half- day tour to Rocamadour.

Where to stay: I can’t think of a more romantic place to stay than  Les Suites Sarladaises.  Lovingly restored by its owners, a stay at Les Suites provides a real taste of the Sarlat of the past.  See my review here.  Check pricing and availability at Les Suites Sarladaises.  See more hotel options in Sarlat here.  Or check VRBO for vacation rentals.

The medieval village of Beynac-et-Cazanac

La Roque-Gageac, a story book town in the Dordogne

With its dramatic setting against a limestone cliff and its castle, La Roque-Gageac looks like a village out of a story book.  Another one of the most beautiful villages in France, it features a maze of cobbled streets (be ready for uphill walking), a Romanesque church and a troglodyte fort.

The village enjoys its own microclimate, thanks to its south-facing position along the cliffs.  The town is small, but it’s the perfect place to get out on the water to explore.  On the waterfront, you can rent a canoe or take a ride on traditional cargo barges, known as ‘gabarres’, that were once used to transport merchandise along the Dordogne.  Don’t miss the stunning Gardens of Marquessac nearby or fulfill your bucket list with a hot air balloon ride over the Valley.

Domme, a pretty village with a view of the Dordogne

The incredible panoramic views from the historic village of Domme surely make it one of the prettiest villages in the Dordogne.

Founded in 1281, this fortified medieval town served as a key defence point in the Hundred Years War between France and England.  When you enter the city, you go through a large, double towered gate, which leads to the town square. In this area, you can browse at the many artisanal shops in the town, and, on Thursdays, the local market.

But, the best thing to do is to soak in the views while enjoying a beverage or a meal on a terrace overlooking the stunning countryside.

Where to stay: It’s easy to explore Domme from your base in Sarlat, or you may enjoy a stay at the Hôtel L’Esplanade in Domme. This three-star hotel has traditionally-styled rooms and an excellent restaurant.  Whether you stay or not, enjoy the a romantic al fresco terrace with these views.      Check pricing and availability at Hôtel L’Esplanade.

Castlenaud-La-Chapelle, a tall and quaint village in the Dordogne

Perched high above the Dordogne River, the quaint village of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle has breathtaking vies of the peaceful Dordogne countryside.  As you’ll see at the castle, things weren’t always so quiet here.  You can visit the castle, now a museum on the art of war in the Middle Ages.  It’s a fascinating glimpse into medieval weaponry, and life in the 15th century.  You can even try on a suit of armour.

At the town’s lowest point, you’ll find some inviting cafes and picnic spots along the river’s edge.

Where to stay:  The best option is to stay in nearby Sarlat at Les Suites Sarladaises.  Check pricing and availability at Les Suites Sarladaises.

Rocamadour, a fairy tale village in France

Nothing short of spectacular, Rocamadour is built on three successive layers rising 120 metres up a cliff.

This village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is actually just outside of the Dordogne, but it is one of the area’s most popular tourist destinations.  Rocamadour’s stunning castle, used to defend the village in the Middle Ages, balances proudly at the top of the village. The castle’s ramparts are open to visitors and the views are amazing.

The town also forms part of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and many come to see its religious sites. The 216 steps of the Grand Escalier staircase take you to La Cité Réligieuse, the main complex, which includes the Chapelle Notre-Dame, with its Black Madonna statue, and the Romanesque-Gothic Basilique Saint-Sauveur.

The are many shops for browsing, but the one thing you must be sure to try is the famous Rocamadour soft goat’s cheese. There are also several fascinating prehistoric caves in the area, the most popular being the the Gouffre de Padirac.

Monpazier, the best preserved village in the Dordogne

Built in 1284 by King Edward I of England just before the Hundred Years War, Monpazier is considered to be one of the best preserved fortified towns in the Dordogne.  Discover medieval life in its main square, which is almost completely intact from 600 years ago.  It’s surrounded by 23 beautiful stone houses and a market hall, which still has its original weigh scales.

The town surrounding the square is perfectly symmetrical, with streets running parallel from one end of the village to the other.  You won’t get lost!  Monpazier is also a great foodie destination in the Dordogne, with several excellent restaurants.  You may wish to try Restaurant Eleonore or Restaurant La Bastide.

Where to stay:  A lovely spot to stay in the heart of Monpazier is the petit château,  Hôtel Edward 1er.  The family-run hotel has 17 rooms in a  country-style environment.  Check pricing and availability at Hôtel Edward 1er.

Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, where medieval meets Monet

Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère is a small medieval village (another on the most beautiful list!) set in the curve of the Vézere River.  The houses along the meandering pathways retain their original look, having been restored, but not renovated.  You will see that some still have parts of their roof made with stone.

The small church near the river is part of an ancient pilgrimage route and is worth a visit.  There are a few cafes in the centre of the village, but not many shops.  The real pièce de résistance for me was a delightful hidden-away cafe at the edge of the river,  Le Dejeuner sur L’Herbe.  It serves delicious sandwiches and quiche and had super chocolatey brownies on the day I visited.  You can eat at tables alongside of the river, which reflects the trees and surrounding stone as if in a painting by Monet.

Where to stay:  The best option is to stay in Sarlat at Les Suites Sarladaises.  Check pricing and availability at Les Suites Sarladaises

Belvès, the town of seven bell towers

The name, Belvès, means “beautiful view” and that’s just what you’ll see from the highest point in this village.  The old town, called Le Castrum, dates back to the 11th century and was originally surrounded by ramparts.

In the main square, Place des Armes,  you can see the 15th century covered market, medieval houses and the original gateway into the town centre.  Underneath the square, you can visit fascinating troglodyte (cave) dwellings.  You’ll find the entrance by the fortified gate.  Take some time to explore the side streets, which have shops and cafes and houses with ornately carved stonework around the doors.  Stop in for a visit at the Castle of Belvès and the the Church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption.

Limeuil is a quiet village that sits on a promonotory where the Dordogne and Vézère rivers meet.  There’s a beach along the river, and you can rent canoes for a serene river expedition.

Follow a steep narrow street up to the historical old town. The village is still partly surrounded by fortified walls, and has lovely honey-coloured houses, cobbled streets and pretty gardens.  You’ll notice that some of the houses are very narrow with deeply sloped roofs.  Stop by the mairie (town hall) next to the tourist office, where you’ll find a lovely garden with nice views over the river.

Where to stay:  Limeuil is 40 kilometres from Sarlat, so you may choose to stay in Sarlat, or at Au Bon Accueil, a cute B&B in a typical house in the centre of Limeuil.  Check pricing and availability at Les Suites Sarladaises in Sarlat or Au Bon Accueil in Limeuil.

Brantôme, a romantic village in the Dordogne

Brantôme is often called the ‘Venice of the Dordogne”, because the tiny village is encircled by the Dronne River. The village is further out from the others, about a half-hour drive north of Périgueux.  The easiest thing to do is to park before reaching the bridge and walk around the village.

The beautiful Abbey of Brantôme is the big attraction. It was originally founded in 769 by Charlemagne.  You can visit the lovely chapel, or take a tour which includes a climb to the top of the bell tower for amazing views.  You can also rent a canoe and go for a paddle amidst the incredible scenery.

Travel Bliss Now visited the Dordogne region as a guest of Dordogne Périgord Tourism.

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