![]() ![]() You should also include a visit to the Museum of Medieval Warfare in the château grounds for a taste of life in those turbulent war years a thousand years ago!įor more of a Renaissance château experience, visit Château Milandes a few miles down the road, the impressive former home of American dancer and singer Josephine Baker. Of course, you’ll want to wander through the picturesque streets and narrow lanes of this tiny village on your walk up to the castle. These fortresses were built during the Hundred Years War between the French and the English, and were so well-built that many still stand to this day. Its stronghold sits strategically on a soaring outcrop overlooking the valley, and it’s the most visited château in southern France!ĭordogne is commonly called the Land of 1001 Castles, and in the Middle Ages many fine fortresses like the one here were constructed. Castelnaud-la-Chapelleĭirectly across the Dordogne River from Beynac-et-Cazenac is the plus beau village of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle. Noted for its fine-looking topiaries and far-reaching valley views, these gardens are a Dordogne delight. One of the highlights here is a taking a boat ride in a Gabarre – a traditional boat used in the Middle Ages to transport goods along the waterways of the region.Ĭoast along past age-old castles and outstanding scenery, and savor a great view of one of France’s best-loved landscapes! Beynac-et-CazenacĪ short drive from La Roque-Gageac is another plus beau village beauty and a classic example of a historic Dordogne village.Ī crowd-pleaser with cute cobblestoned streets and even more photogenic façades, the crowning glory of Beynac-et-Cazenac is its stately clifftop castle with commanding views of the surrounding countryside.Īdmire the village high on its lofty perch from a river boat, or amble the narrow walkways with historical buildings where movies like Chocolat and The Last Duel were filmed.ĭon’t miss out on the nearby Jardins de Marqueyssac, France’s famous hanging gardens set between Beynac-et-Cazenac and La Roque-Gageac. Rows of chocolate-box, honey-colored houses built into the cliffside along pretty streets run along this striking stretch of the river. La Roque-Gageac, on the banks of the Dordogne River, is another of these eye-catching classified villages. ![]() The original walls of the stronghold still surround the village, and a ride on the tourist train gives a great overview of both the ramparts and lovely cottage-lined streets.Įxplore the network of caves that run deep through the rocky outcrop on which the village is perched! La Roque-Gageacįrance’s Plus Beaux Villages Association has designated Dordogne with no less than ten of France’s Most Beautiful Villages.Īlong with Aveyron, the Dordogne region has the highest density of plus beaux villages of any department in the country! Its architecture is a blend of buildings: a mix of half-timbered houses and others built in the attractive local limestone. Suspended high on a hilltop with the Dordogne River meandering serenely below, the village offers splendid vistas of the Dordogne Valley.ĭomme dates from the 13th century and is a great example of a bastide – or fortified townl What does that mean? These are designated Most Beautiful Villages in France, and Domme is one such beautiful small village! Surrounding Sarlat are a cluster of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. It’s a uniquely modern way to get a stunning view of this picturesque village! Domme Get a panoramic view of Sarlat from the top of the Sainte-Marie Church in the impressive glass elevator designed by famous French architect, Jean Nouvel. Sarlat’s historic center is the ultimate fairytale town, crammed with characteristic limestone architecture and cobbled streets that are a dream to get lost in.Ī great way to take in this extensive example of medieval heritage is from above! With well over 200 listed buildings dating from the 14th century onward, it’s also one of the most visited medieval towns in France. The perfectly-preserved ancient medieval town of Sarlat is perhaps the most sublime in all of Périgord! It’s also the seat of some of the most beautiful of all of Dordogne’s picture-postcard towns and villages, as well as a profusion of other popular sites - and some of the most beautiful villages of France, period. The Périgord Noir in south-east Dordogne merits this name because it’s rich in oak and pine forests with dark, dense foliage. The Most Beautiful Towns in Dordogne’s Périgord Noir The Most Beautiful Dordogne Villages in Périgord Pourpre.The Most Beautiful Villages in Dordogne in Périgord Blanc. ![]() The Most Beautiful Villages in Dordogne in Périgord Vert.The Most Beautiful Towns in Dordogne’s Périgord Noir. ![]()
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