Dordogne Family  Holidays

The Dordogne, also known as Périgord, lies in South-West France (Nouvelle-Aquitaine). Renowned for its gentle landscapes, rivers, medieval towns and prehistoric heritage, the Dordogne is a dream destination for a family holiday. With quiet countryside, child-friendly villages, forest walks, rivers to splash in, castles to climb, food to savour, and accommodation options to suit babies, toddlers, teens, grandparents – and yes, even the family pet – there is something for everyone here, all the year round.

Landscapes & Nature

The Dordogne is covered with dense oak and chestnut forests, rolling hills, vine terraces, meandering rivers such as the Dordogne, Vézère and Isle with deep valleys. There are so many places that are ideal for picnic spots, river swimming, canoeing, and gentle hikes. Many trails are shaded, safe and manageable for young children and seniors.

History & Culture

The tranquil Vézère river which flows south into the Dordogne is dotted with more than a dozen unique prehistoric sites.   Most famous of all is Lascaux, discovered in 1940 by teenagers looking for their dog, and today the perfect replica that is Lascaux II enables 21st century visitors to marvel at their fabulous wall paintings.

Get an overview of the whole UNESCO-listed valley at the Prehistory Museum at Les Eyzie-de-Tayac, and don’t miss Font de Gaume, the last cave with polychrome paintings still accessible to the public.  The lifelike bison and horses, mammoth and reindeer are guaranteed to wow audiences of all ages – advance booking strongly advised.  Further east, take an unforgettable underground journey by boat at the Gouffre de Padirac.

Fun on the water

Families can have a great time on holiday in the Dordogne. Paddle your own canoe, paddleboard or kayak to experience the river at water level and get up close and personal with its wildlife.   Hire centres along the river offer full instruction and safety equipment, with beginners of all ages welcome.   To find out more about life along the river, relax on a cruise with commentary in a traditional flat-bottomed boat or gabarre, once the commercial lifeblood of the river – departure points include Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Beynac, Bergerac and La Roque-Gageac.   And share some of the many outdoor activities on offer such as horse riding, cycling and walking – ask at any local Tourist Office.

Explore Castles and Gardens

Dordogne family holidays are great if you love history, adventure and a good solid fortress. Often called the land of 1001 chateaux, you’ll love playing soldier amongst the imposing Medieval castles overlooking the Dordogne.   Built during the 100 Years War between France and England, they are steeped in atmosphere.   Particularly popular with families is Castelnaud for its museum of medieval warfare and regular live-action displays.   Across the valley, the hanging gardens of Marqueyssac are also huge fun.  Perched on a promontory with sweeping river views, the park includes an extraordinary box tree maze, play areas for children, themed trails for younger visitors, and even the chance to try rock climbing.

Towns and Villages

The Dordogne is dotted with some of France’s most beautiful towns and villages, many proudly listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. In the heart of the Périgord-Noir, the medieval town of Sarlat-le-Canéda is a highlight for any family visit — the glass lift inside the former Sainte-Marie church offers unforgettable views across its golden rooftops. Along the Dordogne River, La Roque-Gageac enchants with its fairy-tale setting. Brantôme is one of the most popular villages and is often called the “Venice of Périgord” for it’s riverside setting and charm, it is also home to one of the oldest Benedictine Abbeys in the country. A family trip to Saint-Émilion, also one of Les Plus Beaux Villages, is sure to delight — celebrated for its world-class wines, it also tempts younger visitors with its delicious macaroons.

Market Shopping

Every town along the Dordogne Valley has a regular market day, a great opportunity to soak up the sights, sounds and colour of local life.   Browse stalls piled high with fresh, seasonal produce, such as cheese, walnuts, duck, fruit and truffles; watch local craftspeople at work on pottery or leatherwork; and let your children put their classroom French into practice by buying ingredients for lunch.  Many markets take place in historic squares.   Try Périgueux, historic capital of the ancient Périgord region, or the bastide towns of Monpazier or Bretenoux   These walled communities were built between the 13th and 14th centuries with straight streets leading into a central market place. Visit stalls and shops beneath stone arcades for a retail experience far removed from the usual modern high street.

Food and Dining

For those who enjoy sampling different foods this is an area renowned for truffles, walnuts, duck, goose and foie gras – the markets are overflowing with local produce and at every corner you will see signs offering opportunities to sample and buy  local products.

For wine buffs, the areas around Bergerac and Bordeaux are the places to head for, with vineyards stretching in all directions as far as the eye can see.

Many restaurants are relaxed and child-friendly; bistros where kids menus are catered for.  There are so many picnic options with markets where you can assemble your own meal, everyone picking their favourites. Not to mention all the delicious patisserie and sweet treats.

Weather and practical tips

• Climate: The Dordogne has an agreeable climate with long hot summers, great for families who enjoy warm weather on their holiday.  Beware of the occasional thunderstorm when it is humid.  Winters are generally mild although you can get the odd very cold snap.
• Best time to visit: Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September) are wonderful, fewer crowds, mild weather.  Summer (July & August) are the busiest months, but you do get to experience many festivals, longer daylight hours and lots of activities and attractions.
• Getting around: A car is very helpful as public transport is limited in rural areas. Many of the roads are scenic but often winding so do allow extra travel time. Parking in medieval towns can be tight so you might need to plan ahead.

Dordogne is a region that truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to historical through its many chateaux and prehistoric culture or the quaint charm of its towns and villages, you’ll find a variety of experiences to enjoy.

The region’s stunning countryside provides both high-energy activities and gentle, relaxing options, making it adaptable to any family or group.

Ready to start planning? Browse our wide selection of gîtes, cottages, villas, even Chateaux in Dordogne suitable for all families.