Your French Country Road Trip

Flyer promoting a French road trip to Dordogne, featuring an image of medieval village with church and river, with details about trip duration, distance, highlights, and landscapes.

Dordogne Highlights:
Take a boat or canoe down the Dordogne and marvel at the villages from the water
Hot air balloon over the UNESCO city site of Rocamadour
Visit the many charming villages throughout the valley
See Josephine Baker’s castle
Go the the many daily markets for local specialties
Wander the famous suspended gardens
See the historic cave paintings in Lascaux
Explore cave villages
City visit: Bordeaux

What to Do & See in the Dordogne

People shopping at outdoor market stalls with umbrellas in front of historic European-style buildings under a blue sky.

Markets & Medieval Villages

Simply exploring the picturesque villages is one of the highlights of the Dordogne valley. There are so many that are classified as les plus beaux villages that are wonderful. Driving along the river and making stops wherever you fancy is perfect. And don’t forget to shop at many of the excellent village markets that happen daily.

Additional info here & here

Multiple colorful hot air balloons floating over a town and landscape with cliffs and trees during sunset.

Fly over Rocamadour

Experience the famous hot air balloon festival that happens the last weekend in September. Take a ride over this remarkable UNESCO city site. How incredible to view it from above!

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A historic stone castle with multiple towers, turrets, and arched entrance, surrounded by well-maintained gardens and a bright blue sky.

Visit Josephine Baker’s Castle

There are plenty of castles to visit in the region but this one is particularly special. Not only can you see the gorgeous gardens, architecture and cool art deco decor but you’ll also learn all about the fascinating history of Josephine.

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A large historic house surrounded by a beautifully landscaped garden with neatly trimmed, rounded bushes. There are people walking and relaxing in the garden during sunset, with tents visible in the background.

Explore stunning gardens

You could spend an entire afternoon wandering this suspended hilltop garden with breathtaking views over the valley below. It’s a gem in the area that is not to be missed.

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Prehistoric cave paintings of animals, including bison and possibly horses, in shades of red, yellow, black, and white.

Prehistoric Cave Visits

From to the world famous Lascaux cave paintings to cave dwelling villages, to taking a subterranean boat ride into the Gouffre de Padirac—there are various interesting tours, excursions and visits to be had in the area.

Additional info here & here

A scenic view of a river with a wooden boat named 'Caminate 6' in the foreground, green trees on both sides, a stone bridge crossing the river, and a hillside with houses and a large castle-like building at the top under a blue sky.

Boat tour down the river

It’s wonderful to drive through the many adorable villages that line the Dordogne but why not see them from the river! You can take a boat ride or if you’re feeling adventurous, rent a canoe (a perfect excursion on a sunny day).

Additional info here & here

Loose Itinerary

Map showing a route from Orquevaux to Bordeaux in France, passing through Dijon, Tulle, and Bordeaux, with a travel time of approximately 9 hours and 9 minutes.