Hidden places in Dordogne you have to visit

Dordogne may be one of France’s most visited areas, but there are still plenty of towns and villages here that have escaped the tourists’ radar. Here is our pick of places not to miss

Limeuil

Lying on a promontory at the point where the Dordogne and Vézère rivers meet, this medieval village offers an indelible image of rural Dordogne. Climb up through the main street and you will past rose-covered stone houses, timber-framed cottages and a cluster of artisans’ workshops. Climb right to the top and you will find beautiful gardens boasting centuries-old plants and trees from where you can steal perfect glances at the rolling fields down below.

Saint-Cyprien

This quaint village just a stone’s throw from the Dordogne River is a wriggle of medieval streets and steep, cobbled lanes. Travel on uphill out of the village and you’ll enjoy breathtaking Dordogne Valley panoramas. The village’s other main attraction is its weekly Sunday market, where specials include foie gras, walnut cake and locally-produced red wines.

Trémolat

This tiny, gold-stone village is not on the list of picture-perfect Dordogne villages, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit. Positioned at the top of a hill overlooking a loop in the Dordogne River, this oh-so-tranquil village is an ideal place for a weekend wander. You will also find a clutch of superb restaurants here and you can book onto a seasonal truffle hunt too.

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Bourdeilles

Perched on the edge of the Dronne River, this charming, pint-sized village comes with a château, moulin and medieval centre. Its main calling card is its château, which is actually two separate properties; there is a fortress dating back to the 13th century complete with defensive walls within which lies the second chateau, a Renaissance-style structure from the 16th century. The latter is lavishly decorated and features a salon doré, or golden room, complete with furniture from the 15th – 19th centuries.

Périgueux

The capital of the Dordogne département, Périgueux often gets overlooked for the stunning riverside villages. Dare to stop here and you’re rewarded with a fairy-tale medieval centre, where nothing but independent shops line quaint, narrow streets that all lead to the striking Saint-Front cathedral. It’s a striking piece of architecture for it boasts a series of bulbous domes, which, together with the tall, narrow bell tower, make it appear almost mosque-like.

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