Sights of Dordogne, France
The very famous French Dordogne region is very popular as a holiday destination. The region is known for its many castles and beautiful routes. The green hills with historic villages often have old churches and beautiful squares. Certainly in the Dordogne you can eat well or enjoy delicious cheese and a matching wine. The Dordogne can be divided into four areas: Périgord Blanc (limestone), Périgord Noir (truffle), Périgord Pourpre (wine) and Périgord Vert (forest and rain). Much about prehistory has been found in the several caves present. This is discussed in several museums. Some villages such as Rocamadour and Sarlat still reflect the atmosphere of the past. Fortunately, many monumental buildings and buildings have remained intact.
Top 10 things to do in Dordogne
#1. Château Castelnaud
According to Science Dictionary, this castle has been featured in important mentions since the thirteenth century. High up on a mountain, it rises above everything else. His imposing appearance is not only due to his location, but also to his stately appearance. Since 1966, the castle has been one of the historical monuments of France. From the castle you have a breathtaking view over Beynac. The castle now houses a museum where you can learn a lot about life in the Middle Ages.
#2. Grotte du Pech-Merle
Near the town of Cabrerets near the Quercy river are some remarkable caves. In addition to the stalactites, there are also caves with rock paintings dating back to prehistoric times. Animals are often depicted here. Because one of the drawings concerns a spotted horse, there is still the debate whether these also existed in prehistoric times. Another special location with caves are the Lascaux Caves.
#3. Rocamadour
After Lourdes, this is the most visited pilgrimage site in France. The city is mainly built against and on a rock. The city owes its name to Saint Amadour, who is compared to a disciple of Jesus. This person was found intact in a tomb in the mountainside. Rocamandour means; rock of Amadour. During the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, Rocamandour was not missed. Various churches and other sanctuaries are all built against the rock in a special way, which gives the whole a striking appearance.
#4. Prehistologia Prehistologia
is located in Lacave. This is a park dedicated to prehistory. Many a child’s heart beats faster here. There are many prehistoric creatures to discover that lived here billions of years ago. In addition, there are many educational things to do and discover. Human evolution is also discussed. The park is not far from the historic site of Rocamadour.
#5. Sarlat
Anyone who likes to enjoy delicious regional products in a connecting atmosphere should definitely not miss the place Sarlat. The Old Historic Town of Sarlat-La-Canedais car-free and therefore offers the tourist a wonderful destination to explore. Especially in the summer months, the terraces are well filled and you will be entertained here and there by street artists. The most beautiful and oldest part of the city can be found around the Place du Peyrou with its beautiful St.Sacerdos Cathedral and the Présidal palace. Many houses date from between the 14th and 18th centuries. The Place de la Liberté is often the most to do. The Theater Festival is also held here in the summer. On the Place du Marché-aux-Obies you will find a weekly regional products market.
#6. Monpazier
The large square with its characteristic arcade arches represents the center of the city. The neighboring houses in Monpazier date from the thirteenth century. In the narrow alleys and streets you will often find workshops and antique shops. Furthermore, many old crafts are still performed. The core of the city still exudes the atmosphere of the thirteenth century. It is possible to take a walk through the city accompanied by a guide.
#7. Brantôme
Adjacent to the Regional Natural Park Perigord-Limousin is the place Brantôme. The place was once no more than a small island completely surrounded by water. In the eleventh century the monks dug a connecting canal and so the city grew into what it is today. The most beautiful sights are the Benedictine abbey with its accompanying church, founded in the ninth century, and the caves behind the church. Many hermits used to live in these caves. The place Brantôme is also called the Venice of Perigord.
#8. Musée National de la Préhistoire
It will come as no surprise to many that there is a lot of history to be found in the Dordogne. However, the fact that you can find one of the most important prehistoric museums in the place Eyzies is not known to many. The Musée National de Préhistorie takes you back in time to at least 400,000 years BC. The impressive collection of more than 18,000 artifacts includes 15,000-year-old bison and a replica of a first known human footprint that is believed to be more than three million years old.
#9. Domme
Around 1281 the place Domme was founded as a bastide on a rock. It is thus about 250 meters above sea level. Because of this, it quickly acquired the name ”Acropolis of Périgord”. The place Domme is tastefully decorated and has not lost its old character. The small houses, narrow streets and cozy squares give the city a very friendly atmosphere where time seems to stand still. There are stalactite caves in the area.
#10. Moulin de Larroque
Sometime in the thirteenth century, Moulin de Larroque was placed on the river Couze to make paper. It was a heavy craft to mix wood with water to make paper. How this was done at the time can be seen in this old mill. The paper was of such quality that it had many customers, including artists, writers and publicists. The paper was also used for photo albums, guest books, cards, wine labels and perfume cases. The mill is about a fifteen minute drive from the town of Bergerac.
