Things To Do
Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
This medieval fortress dates back to the 13th century. Here you can tour the castle, learn about its exciting history as the site of many battles and sieges, and witness working trebuchets. Look to book the double ticket with les Jardins de Marqueyssac.
Château de Beynac
This Castle was built in the 12th century and was once guarded by illustrious figures such as King Richard I "the Lionheart" of England and Simon de Montfort, leader of one of the crusades. The views over the river and the opportunity to see a spectacular landscape dotted with history, Beynac is a Robin favorite.
Rocamadour (Holy City)
Rocamadour is a must visit. The city is built into/on a cliff, and serves as many things: a pilgrimage site, a stop on the Camino de Santiago, and a medieval city that hints of Rivendell.
Collonges-la-Rouge
Collonges-la-Rouge proudly proclaims status as one of ‘The Most Beautiful Villages in France’. Founded in the 8th century, Collonges’s hallmark is red buildings built with sandstone rich in iron oxide, unusual for other areas in France but characteristic of parts of the region.
Château de Fénelon
The site has been inhabited since at least the 11th century, and the oldest surviving parts of the castle date back to the 12th century. Birthplace and home of François Fénelon, a famous 17th-century Catholic archbishop, theologian, poet, writer, and tutor charged by Louis XIV with guiding a future King of France, Chateau de Fenelon is set apart atop a hill.
Sarlat-la-Canéda
Sarlat is a gem of a medieval town in the southwest of France and Dordogne River Valley. This historic capital of the Périgord region offers a plethora of restaurants, shops, a wonderful town center, beautiful architecture, street performers, and an overall great place to spend your day.
The Marqueyssac Gardens
Offering 6km of pathways boasting 150,000 handpruned boxwoods, these gardens also feature one of the best panoramas in the Dordogne. On site is the Château de Marqueyssac, a 17th-century château built by a counselor to Louis XIV.
Domme
A fortified medieval city on a cliff, Domme offers breathtaking views of the valley. Very close to Sarlat!
Canoeing & Kayaking on the Dordogne
Switch it up with a little outdoor adventure! Kayaking/canoeing the Dordogne River is a great way to get a lot for a little and see from the water a fairytail landscape of hills, waterfront medieval towns built into cliffs, castles perched above the river, and more. A plein air jour extroadinaire!
The Gardens of Eyrignac Manor
Extensive gardens featuring sculpted box hedges inspired by 18th-century French garden designs. A green jewel set on a 500 acre estate.
Martel
Martel is a small medieval town founded by Charles Martel. Featuring medieval towers, a great farmer's market, and plenty of charm, Martel is worth the visit! *This is where the marriage ceremony will take place.
Château des Milandes
Built in 1489, this chateau is a great example of Renaissance architecture with magnificent Gothic features. Owned by several illustrious figures throughout its history, including Josephine Baker, Chateau des Milandes offers plenty to see, including a falconer demonstration of a dozen birds of prey!
Lascaux Cave
Discovered in 1940, the Lascaux caves are a treasure trove of over 600 prehistoric paintings. Here you can get a glimpse into the lives of 'ancestors' living here some 20,000 years ago.
Padirac Caverns
Padirac offers explorers a network of beautiful caverns and crystal-clear waters - perfect for those who want an underground adventure!
Rocher des Aigles
Perched on a rocky hilltop near the holy city of Rocamadour, the Eagles Rock aviary park offers visitors a memorable falconry display, and is home to more than 400 birds of prey including eagles, vultures, hawks, falcons, different varieties of owls, parrots, and more.
French Pharmacy
An aside, but if you have a moment, you won't be disappointed (pharmacies in France offer great skincare, haircare, and overall clean-ingredient health products galore). Located in Sarlat, Pharmacie Lagoubie is a particularly good one.