Things to Do in Périgord Noir: The Ultimate Guide for Your Stay

Are you wondering what to do in Périgord Noir to make your stay unforgettable? Nestled in the heart of this exceptional region, in La Chapelle-Aubareil, The Enchanted Village is the ideal starting point to explore one of France’s most fascinating areas. Between world-renowned prehistoric caves, majestic castles overlooking the Dordogne, and medieval villages with their timeless charm, the possibilities are endless. This complete guide reveals the must-sees, authentic experiences, and our insider tips on what to do in Périgord Noir to make the most of every moment.

Why Explore Périgord Noir from The Enchanted Village?

The Périgord Noir, this southeastern part of the Dordogne, owes its name to its dense forests of holm oaks, whose dark foliage contrasts with the golden stone of the villages. This area boasts a remarkable concentration of prehistoric sites, castles, classified villages, and world-renowned gastronomy. Staying at The Enchanted Village means choosing a strategic home base to answer the question, “what to do in Périgord Noir?”.

Our estate, certified with the Green Key eco-label for its environmental commitment, allows you to easily reach all major sites while offering a peaceful haven to recharge at the end of the day. You thus combine the best of both worlds: the cultural richness and buzz of tourist sites, and the absolute tranquility of the Périgord nature.

The Top 5 Must-Sees: Essential Things to Do in Périgord Noir

If your time is limited, here are the five fundamental experiences that define the soul of the Périgord Noir. This is the essential answer to the question “what to do in Périgord Noir?”.

1. Travel Back in Time at the Lascaux Caves

Just 10 minutes from The Enchanted Village, Lascaux IV is much more than a simple visit; it’s an emotional journey to the origins of art. The complete replica of the original cave is strikingly realistic. The guided tour immerses you in the context of its discovery and reveals the secrets of prehistoric artists. It is an absolute must-see to understand the history of humanity.

2. Wander Through the Alleys of Sarlat-la-Canéda

As the capital of Périgord Noir, Sarlat is a medieval city with an exceptional architectural heritage. Getting lost in its maze of cobbled streets, admiring the golden-facaded mansions, and soaking up the atmosphere of its famous market (Wednesday and Saturday) is a unique sensory experience. A day in Sarlat is essential for anyone wondering what to do in Périgord Noir.

3. Cruise on the Dordogne at the Foot of the Castles

The Dordogne Valley is nicknamed the “Valley of 1001 Castles.” The most magical way to discover them is from the river. Board a traditional “gabarre” boat or rent a canoe for a peaceful trip. Passing by the fortresses of Castelnaud and Beynac, perched on their cliffs, is an unforgettable sight.

4. Explore a “Most Beautiful Village of France”

The Périgord Noir has several, but La Roque-Gageac is undoubtedly the most spectacular. Tucked between its cliff and the river, this village with its slate roofs and exotic gardens is a living postcard. Climbing its steep alleys to admire the view over the valley is a reward not to be missed.

5. Savor the Flavors of the Terroir

What would the Périgord Noir be without its gastronomy? Your stay must include tasting its star products: foie gras, duck confit, “pommes de terre sarladaises” (potatoes cooked in duck fat), Périgord walnuts, and for the lucky ones in winter, the black truffle. Visiting a local market is the best way to get acquainted with this culinary wealth.

Things to Do in Périgord Noir: Our Selection of Authentic Experiences

Beyond the major sites, the Périgord Noir is best experienced through more intimate and authentic activities. Here is our selection for those wondering what to do in Périgord Noir off the beaten path.

For Families with Children

Figuring out what to do in Périgord Noir with children is an exciting adventure. We recommend the Préhisto-Parc, which recreates scenes from the life of Neanderthals, or Le Bournat park, a reconstructed 1900s village with its old-fashioned rides. For the more adventurous, treetop adventure courses offer thrills in complete safety.

Find the Vézère Valley tourist office website here

Find the Sarlat tourist office website here

For History and Culture Lovers

For enthusiasts, the question “what to do in Périgord Noir” has endless answers. Visit the Château de Commarque, a forgotten fortress in a valley, or explore the Abri de Cap Blanc with its horses carved directly into the rock. We can also recommend lesser-known but equally fascinating caves, such as Rouffignac, the “cave of a hundred mammoths.”

Nature and Outdoor Activities

The Périgord Noir is a huge playground for nature lovers. If you’re wondering what to do in Périgord Noir to recharge, here are a few ideas.

Hiking and Walking: Exploring the Périgord on Foot

With its rolling landscapes and deep forests, the region is a hiker’s paradise. Directly from The Enchanted Village, three marked trails of 4, 12, and 14 km allow you to explore the surroundings. For the more athletic, the GR 36 trail crosses the region and offers spectacular views. Families will enjoy the interpretation trails that combine walking with fun discovery.

Water Activities on the Dordogne and Vézère Rivers

Canoeing and kayaking is the ultimate experience. The route from Vitrac to Beynac is the most famous for its castle views. For a calmer experience, opt for a guided “gabarre” boat trip, which will immerse you in the history of river transport. Stand-up paddleboarding is also an excellent option for a more athletic and solitary approach to the river.

Gastronomy and Local Flavors of Périgord

Asking what to do in Périgord Noir is also asking “what to eat?”. Gastronomy is at the heart of the region’s identity.

Local Markets: The Beating Heart of the Terroir

The Sarlat market (Wednesday and Saturday) is a must-see. But don’t miss the smaller, more intimate markets in the surrounding villages, like Montignac or Saint-Geniès. This is where you’ll find the best farm-fresh goat cheeses, homemade jams, and get to chat directly with the producers.

Iconic Products to Taste

Your stay should be a culinary exploration. Taste the semi-cooked foie gras, simply grilled duck breast, “pommes de terre sarladaises” cooked in goose fat, ceps sautéed with garlic and parsley, and finish with a walnut cake. Many farm-inns offer authentic menus to discover this rich cuisine. It’s a delicious answer to the question “what to do in Périgord Noir“.

Itineraries and Practical Tips from The Enchanted Village

To help you organize your stay, here are some suggestions for day-trip itineraries starting from our gîte for family reunions in the Dordogne.

Itinerary 1: The Vézère Valley, Cradle of Humanity

• Morning: Visit Lascaux IV (10 min away). Remember to book in advance!
• Lunch: Picnic or a restaurant in the charming village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère.
• Afternoon: Explore the Roque Saint-Christophe, an impressive troglodytic cliff, then visit the village of Les Eyzies, the world capital of prehistory.

Itinerary 2: The Dordogne Valley and its Castles

• Morning: Visit the Château de Castelnaud and its museum of medieval warfare.
• Lunch: In the village of La Roque-Gageac, by the river.
• Afternoon: A “gabarre” boat trip from La Roque-Gageac to admire the castles from the river, followed by a visit to the Gardens of Marqueyssac for a panoramic sunset view.

These itineraries are suggestions, and we would be delighted to help you create the perfect program to answer your question: “what to do in Périgord Noir?”.

Frequently Asked Questions about Activities in Périgord Noir

Ready to Explore the Périgord Noir?

You now have all the keys to answer the question “what to do in Périgord Noir“. All that’s left is to plan your stay to live these unforgettable experiences. The Enchanted Village offers you the perfect starting point. Our eco-friendly chalets guarantee comfort and authenticity. Don’t put off the joy of discovering this exceptional region!