What to see and visit in Périgord?

Périgord is a territory in southwestern France divided into 4 distinct parts: Green Périgord, Purple Périgord, White Périgord and Black Périgord. This uncommon division is the result of historical, cultural, economic and tourist factors.

Whatever Périgord you choose to visit, you won't lack sporting and cultural activities: prehistoric caves, castles, gastronomy, gardens, boat rides on gabarres along the Dordogne, vineyards and not forgetting that Périgord has many villages labeled "most beautiful villages of France". Family holidays, weekend with friends or romantic getaway, Périgord has more than one trick up its sleeve to amaze and enchant you.

Périgord has no less than 10 villages classified as "most beautiful villages of France" including 9 in Black Périgord around Sarlat, these are:

1. La Roque-Gageac

When you arrive in this village, the steep cliff that overlooks it is truly impressive, then you love its typical architecture, the brown tiles, the steep roofs, it has lost none of its charm, as for the panoramas, they are simply exceptional.

Don't hesitate to visit the 19th century church with its Périgord slate roof, in its courtyard stands a surprising exotic garden where palm trees mingle with banana trees, bamboos and cacti. The Tarde manor is a must-see during your village visit. It is the former residence of the bishops of Sarlat, its main building and circular tower are most beautiful. Children will love solving Eliette's riddles or going on a treasure hunt with geocaching!

• Must-do activity: A ride on a gabarre on the Dordogne, the view of the village will be all the more beautiful.
• Local products: every Friday morning from May to September, the producers' market in La Roque-Gageac country is held.

2. Beynac-et-Cazenac

You'll immediately fall under the spell of its stone streets, these blonde stone houses, a real leap back in time, welcome to the Middle Ages! From the port of Beynac, you'll also have the opportunity to take an excursion on the Dordogne, these ships once transported merchandise to Bordeaux. The local produce market takes place on Monday mornings in Beynac. Terra Aventura plunges you into riddles to solve, caches to find in nature, characters to track down on a 7.7 km route with geocaching.

Must-do activities:

• Hot air balloon flight at dawn or evening towards the Valley of Castles,
• Notre Dame de l'Assomption church from the 12th century,
• Beynac Castle, a feudal fortress that has stood proudly since 1115, to see: the Renaissance staircase, the States room, the 13th century kitchen, a rare place.

3. Castelnaud

This medieval village is built in terraces, creating steep streets decorated with typically Périgordian buildings. The Saint-Michel-Archange church will not fail to surprise you with its atypical architecture, with its bell tower-wall featuring a rectangular gable pierced with two round arches.

Must-do activities:

• Castelnaud castle and its museum of medieval warfare,
• The Walnut Ecomuseum and its 7-hectare organic walnut grove,
• The truffle farm of Vielcroze estate.

4. Saint-Amand de Coly

The old hospital or the guards' house are buildings that have mattered in the village's life and must be seen. Taking the nature trail, you'll discover plants and their uses through time, a fun 7-stage circuit sends you on the trail of a mysterious character covered with rabbit skin.

Must-do activities:

• The abbey of Saint-Amand-de-Coly, an impressive and imposing 12th century fortified abbey church that testifies to a past disturbed by wars.

5. Belvès

A guided tour of the city of seven bell towers is a must when you arrive in Belvès, this medieval city offers an unparalleled view, moreover, Belvès means beautiful view in Occitan. Its architectural and historical heritage is worth the detour. The troglodyte dwellings were inhabited between the 13th and 18th centuries.

Must-do activities:

• The Belvès spinning mill,
• The Organistrum Museum and hurdy-gurdies.

6. Domme

Pass through the towers gate to discover the magnificent golden stone dwellings with ancient doors, mullioned windows and ribbed vaults. The belvedere offers an exceptional panorama of the local heritage and the Dordogne gorges.

Must-do activities:

• The cave and chasm of Domme, with its 450 meters of galleries and the ascent by panoramic elevator with view over the Dordogne valley.

7. Limeuil

The Middle Ages is still very present in Limeuil's architecture, the ancient city walls have preserved their three access gates and the typical houses are marked with coat of arms. Also to see, the old shops, latrines and andronnes (streets used to collect wastewater). The port is a place where you can swim, canoe or mountain bike.

Must-do activities:

• The Chapel-Saint-Martin in Périgordian Romanesque style,
• The Panoramic Gardens, a fun and interactive place (medieval garden, witches' garden, water garden, insect garden...).

8. Monpazier

The bastide of Monpazier is renowned for being the "model" bastide with a perfect orthogonal layout. It has no less than 32 historical monuments intact since the 13th century, the arcaded houses or "cornières" or "couverts" form a covered gallery. The rampart and its 3 gates, the Gothic church are all monuments to discover in this magnificent village. Artists, art craftsmen and producers are very present in the shops.

The bastideum: ancient games make you discover the Middle Ages and the history of bastides, an animation around scents in the medieval garden will not fail to interest the curious of all ages!