Best of Dordogne

Dordogne Essentials

The Dordogne region, or Périgord, encompasses some of the world's most significant prehistoric sites alongside medieval and Renaissance architecture. This selection features the UNESCO-listed Lascaux and Rouffignac caves, renowned for Paleolithic art, and the Gisement de la Micoque archaeological site. Architectural landmarks include the Byzantine-style domes of Périgueux Cathedral and various châteaux, from the manicured gardens of Hautefort to the defensive structures of Losse. The list also highlights regional history through the Maison du Chapître, a 13th-century tithe barn in the bastide town of Monpazier.

Dordogne Essentials — Map

A

Lascaux Caves

Monumental prehistoric art site containing Upper Paleolithic paintings and engravings primarily of animals. This UNESCO World Heritage site features ancient artistic expressions dating back 17,000 to 22,000 years.

B

Périgueux Cathedral

Périgueux Cathedral is a Catholic church located in the city of Périgueux, France. A cathedral since 1669, it is dedicated to Saint Front.

C

Château de Hautefort

The Château de Hautefort is a French château and gardens located in the town of Hautefort in the Dordogne.

D

Rouffignac Cave

The Rouffignac cave, in the French commune of Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac in the Dordogne département, contains over 250 engravings…

Henk Monster / cc-by-3.0

E

Château de Losse

Renaissance castle and former medieval fortress featuring 16th-century architecture and gardens designated as Jardins Remarquables. The site contains a significant collection of period furniture and defensive structures adapted for early firearms.

F

Château de Puyguilhem

The Château de Puyguilhem, also called Puyguilhem Castle, is a château in the commune of Villars in north of the Dordogne, France.

Léo Drouyn / Public domain

G

Maison du Chapître

A 13th-century former tithe barn located in the medieval bastide of Monpazier. This stone structure historically served as a storehouse for agricultural taxes collected by the church.

H

Château de Mareuil

The Château de Mareuil is a château in Mareuil-sur-Belle, Dordogne, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.

I

Château de l'Herm

Château de l'Herm is a castle in the commune of Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-de-Reilhac in the department of Dordogne in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine…

J

Gisement de la Micoque

An open-air Paleolithic archaeological site near Les Eyzies. It is the type-site for the Micoquien industry, featuring some of the oldest documented human occupation layers in the Vézère Valley.

Other Lists

Heritage Sites of Dordogne Historic Castles & Manors Historic Churches & Cathedrals Archaeological Sites and Ruins Regional Cuisine & Gastronomy