9 day itinerary
Dordogne
Itinerary
The Dordogne region in France is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, charming villages, and rich history. Here’s a delightful 9-day itinerary that will let you soak in the beauty and culture of this enchanting area. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in
Morning: Arrive in Sarlat, the heart of the Dordogne. Check into your accommodation and freshen up.
Afternoon: Stroll through the medieval streets of Sarlat. Don’t miss the beautiful and the stunning cathedral. Grab a leisurely lunch at a local café—try some duck confit!
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant. Sarlat is known for its culinary delights, so indulge in some local specialties.
Day 2: Exploring the Vézère Valley
Morning: Head to the Vézère Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start with a visit to the , famous for their prehistoric paintings.
Afternoon: After lunch, visit the charming village of . Explore its quaint shops and enjoy a riverside walk.
Evening: Return to Sarlat for dinner. Perhaps try a local wine to complement your meal!
Day 3: Castles and Gardens
Morning: Visit , perched on a cliff with stunning views of the . Explore the castle and its gardens.
Afternoon: Head to , known for its beautiful topiary gardens. Take a leisurely walk and enjoy the panoramic views.
Evening: Dine in Beynac or return to Sarlat. Enjoy a relaxed evening, maybe with a glass of local wine.
Day 4: The
Morning: Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle down the . It’s a fantastic way to see the landscape from a different perspective!
Afternoon: Stop for a picnic lunch by the river. Afterward, visit the picturesque village of , nestled against the cliffs.
Evening: Enjoy dinner in , perhaps at a riverside restaurant.
Day 5: The Bastide Towns
Morning: Drive to , a bastide town with stunning views. Explore its narrow streets and visit the fascinating caves.
Afternoon: Head to the nearby town of , known for its medieval architecture. Have lunch at a local bistro and explore the town’s charming squares.
Evening: Return to Sarlat for dinner. Try a different restaurant to experience more of the local cuisine.
Day 6: Prehistoric Sites
Morning: Visit the prehistoric site of , the capital of prehistory. Explore the National Museum of Prehistory.
Afternoon: Visit the nearby , known for its polychrome cave paintings. Make sure to book in advance!
Evening: Enjoy dinner in Les Eyzies or return to Sarlat.
Day 7: Wine and Truffles
Morning: Take a wine tour in the . Visit local vineyards and learn about the wine-making process.
Afternoon: Enjoy a wine tasting and a leisurely lunch at a vineyard. If it’s truffle season, consider a truffle hunting experience!
Evening: Return to Sarlat for dinner. Perhaps try a dish featuring truffles if you had a successful hunt!
Day 8: Day Trip to
Morning: Take a day trip to , a stunning cliffside village. Visit the sanctuary and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Afternoon: Explore the village, visit the shops, and have lunch at a local café. Don’t forget to try the local goat cheese!
Evening: Return to Sarlat for your final dinner. Celebrate your trip with a special meal!
Day 9: Departure
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Sarlat. Take a final stroll through the market if it’s a market day.
Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, you might squeeze in a visit to a nearby village or a last-minute shopping spree for local delicacies.
Evening: Depart from the Dordogne, taking with you wonderful memories of this beautiful region!
I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your 9 days in the Dordogne! Each day is filled with a mix of history, culture, and stunning scenery, ensuring a memorable experience. Bon voyage! 🌍✨