Périgord map and places of interest

Between Périgord Noir, Périgord Blanc, Périgord Pourpre and Périgord Vert, there's so much to do in Périgord!

To make sure you don't miss out on any must-see activities or places of interest, it's crucial to prepare your stay well in advance.

Here's a map of the Périgord region and a panorama of must-see places.

Places to visit in the Périgord Noir

• Sarlat-la-Canéda Sarlat-la-Canéda is one of the jewels of the Périgord Noir region. The best way to appreciate this fortified medieval town, with its cobbled streets and magnificent medieval buildings, is on foot. Your walk will take you to the Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos, a beautiful church blending Gothic and Romanesque styles, the Place de la Liberté, the beating heart of the town, and the Maison de La Boétie, the writer's former home. Don't miss the Lanterne des Morts, a 12th-century structure, or the Manoir de Gisson and Musée de Sarlat-La-Canéda, where you can discover the history and heritage of the region.
• The Lascaux Caves : this world-famous prehistoric site features incredible cave paintings dating back to prehistoric times. A must-see for history buffs.
• Castelnaud-la-Chapelle castle Castelnaud-la-Chapelle: this medieval castle built on a rocky spur dominates the Dordogne valley. A medieval fortress dating from the 12th century, it boasts a fine collection of weapons and armor.
• Château de Beynac Chateau de Beynac: Lovers of old stones shouldn't miss a visit to this listed château, one of the best preserved in the region. The breathtaking views over the Dordogne valley are well worth the detour.
• La Roque-Gageac La Roque-Gageac: nestled between the cliffs and the Dordogne River, this village is listed as one of France's most beautiful villages. A charming gem.
• The Gardens of Marqueyssac For park and garden enthusiasts, plan a visit to these romantic and picturesque French-style gardens, famous for their pruned boxwood.
• The caves and chasms of the Périgord Noir: the Dordogne abounds in natural chasms and caves. Explore the Gouffre de Proumeyssac, nicknamed "The Crystal Cathedral" for its impressive light show. Or take a trip to the Gouffre de Padirac and plunge into the Grotte de Grand Roc or Grotte des Carbonnières.

Places to visit in Périgord Blanc

• Périgueux : heart of the Périgord Blanc region, it's also the prefecture of the Dordogne. Visit the Cathédrale Saint-Front, a beautiful building with Byzantine domes, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a welcome dose of history, don't miss the Vesunna museum. Built on the remains of an ancient Gallo-Roman villa, this archaeological site offers a glimpse into ancient Périgueux and the way of life of its inhabitants, the Petrucores.
• Château de Hautefort : this magnificent Renaissance château boasts splendid formal gardens and a fine collection of period furniture.
• Grotte de Tourtoirac: take time to explore this underground cave and its magnificent limestone formations.
• Chancelade Abbey: enjoy an immersion in this peaceful place with a rich history. Guided tours are organized in this thousand-year-old Romanesque abbey, as well as religious and spiritual activities.
• The Truffle Museum : located in Sorges, this is a must for gourmets visiting the region. The truffle is one of the Dordogne's most emblematic mushrooms. Discover the mysteries of the black diamond and take home some local produce.

Places to visit in Périgord Pourpre

• Bergerac: the main town in this part of the Périgord region, Bergerac is a charming commune of narrow streets and half-timbered houses. Don't miss the Maison des Vins, where you can find out all you need to know about Bergerac wines, and the Musée du Tabac, which recounts the plant's 3,000-year history.
• Château de Monbazillac: this listed 16th-century building features immersive exhibitions tracing the history of the Bacalan family, who once owned the Château. Famous for its sweet wine, the château also offers panoramic views over the Dordogne valley.
• The villages of Périgord Pourpre: some of the most beautiful villages in this part of the Dordogne include Issigeac, a charming medieval village; Eymet, a pretty bastide with a beautiful central square; Lalinde, one of the first English bastides founded in 1267; and Villefranche-de-Lonchat, a peaceful little village with a beautiful church and a lake ideal for water sports.
• Château de Lanquais: located in the village of the same name, this 15th- and 16th-century edifice has been dubbed "the unfinished Louvre of Périgord". A skilful blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture, it invites visitors to discover the daily life of the inhabitants of these periods through exhibitions and events.
• Vineyards: don't leave Périgord Pourpre without taking a tour of the region's vineyards. Discover the great Périgord estates by following one of the many wine itineraries. And, of course, don't forget to sample local wines such as Pécharmant or Côtes de Bergerac.

Places to visit in the Périgord Vert

• Brantôme: this charming village is nicknamed the "Venice of Périgord" because of the river Dronne that surrounds it. Take in the bucolic scenery as you stroll along the river and through the narrow streets, discovering the village's rich architectural heritage.
• Lovely surrounding villages : soak up the beauty of the Périgord Vert by visiting the most beautiful villages in the area. Bourdeilles, with its castle featuring a medieval keep and a Renaissance dwelling, and its river ideal for canoeing, as well as Mialet, with its museum of the Resistance and its magnificent natural setting. Not forgetting Saint-Jean-de-Côle, a picturesque village classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", with its castle, church and old bridge. Last but not least, Dordogne gastronomy is not just about truffles, it's also about foie gras. Visit Thiviers, the "Capital of Foie Gras", home to a museum dedicated to foie gras gastronomy and a gourmet market.
• Les Grottes de Villars: this cave contains both original prehistoric paintings and concretions. The largest underground network in the Périgord, this cave offers a spectacular display of stalactites and stalagmites.
• Château de Puyguilhem: Situated near Villars and built in the 16th century, this is one of the Dordogne's best-restored castles. In fact, it's the best-preserved Renaissance château in the region. Admire the grand dwelling, the main tower, the stair turret and the sculpted decor.
• Parc Naturel Régional Périgord Limousin: this 1,800 km² protected area is ideal for hiking, observing flora and fauna and discovering the local heritage. Take advantage of the enchanting setting of this natural park for bucolic nature walks.

The Périgord map: a colorful breakdown

• Périgord Noir: its name refers to the dark foliage of the holm oaks, but also to the charcoal burners who transformed the wood in these dark forests.
• Périgord Blanc : this name comes from its soils, rocks and limestone cliffs. This typical white color can be seen on the Cathedral Saint Front in Périgueux.
• Purple Périgord: Périgord is known as "purple" because of the wine and the autumn color of the vines. This is the second largest vineyard in Aquitaine.
• Le Périgord Vert : the abundant vegetation that gives this part of the Dordogne its nickname. Hills, valleys and meadows generously cover the territory.