Sarlat and the Dordogne Valley: a van getaway in the land of castles and cliffs

With medieval villages clinging to cliffs, hilltop castles and prehistoric caves, the Dordogne is the perfect playground for van road-trippers. Here are five must-see spots between Sarlat, La Roque-Gageac and Beynac.

The Dordogne is all about taking your time. Here, winding roads follow the emerald river, markets overflow with local produce (walnuts, foie gras, truffles) and every detour reveals a slice of history, from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. In a van or motorhome, you’re free to stop wherever you like, whether for a riverside picnic or an impromptu visit to a listed village. Follow our guide for a full immersion in this jewel of the Périgord Noir.

Sarlat-la-Canéda

The capital of the Périgord Noir charms visitors with its historic centre of cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. Don’t miss the Saturday market, one of the liveliest in the region.

Where to sleep nearby

Bookable motorhome area Sarlat-la-Canéda Motorhome area ★ 4.7 Shaded countryside rest area, 12 minutes' walk from the centre. Warm welcome, clean facilities (4.7/5). › Camping les Acacias/ Sarlat Campsite ★ 4.6 Family-friendly campsite with a spa pool, free shuttle. Spacious pitches (4.6/5, 4 km away). › Old town parking Sarlat-la-Canéda Parking ★ 4.5 Free central parking (7pm-9am), 2 minutes from old Sarlat. Flat, max height 2.20 m (4.5/5). › Les Noyeraies du Lander Campsite ★ 4.9 Artisan walnut grove 2 km away, free guided tour. Flat parking for 10 motorhomes (4.9/5). › Parking at foot of wooded cliff Sarlat-la-Canéda Parking ★ 3.6 Quiet site near a wooded cliff, 22 minutes' walk. Quick bike access (9 minutes to the centre). ›

La Roque-Gageac

This cliffside troglodyte village is one of France’s most beautiful. Its golden-stone houses reflect in the Dordogne’s waters, creating a magical sight at sunset.

Where to sleep nearby

Parking hot air balloon takeoff La Roque-Gageac Parking ★ 4 Spacious parking 11 minutes' walk from the village, direct access to the beach and hot-air balloons. Free and flat, ideal for a simple overnight stay. › Camping Pech de Caumont Campsite ★ 4.9 4.9/5 campsite in nature, valley views and pool. 5 km from La Roque-Gageac, absolute peace. › Camping la Plage Campsite ★ 4.6 3-star campsite by the Dordogne, 13 minutes' walk from the village. Modern facilities, shaded pitches. › Parking by chapel and town hall Castelnaud-la-Chapelle Parking ★ 4.7 Free and quiet parking in Castelnaud, 7 km by car. Clean toilets, picturesque hamlet centre. › La Bouysse de Caudon camping Campsite ★ 4.8 3-star campsite with direct Dordogne access, integrated canoe base. 6 km from Sarlat, shaded pitches. ›

Château de Beynac

Perched on a rocky spur, this medieval fortress overlooks the valley, offering breathtaking views. Its ties to the Hundred Years’ War make it a deeply moving place to visit.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Dordogne Les Deux Vallées Campsite ★ 4.4 Stunning views of Beynac Castle, heated pool. 15 minutes' walk from the site, absolute peace. › Camping la Plage Campsite ★ 4.6 By the Dordogne, beach access 800 m from La Roque-Gageac. Modern facilities, 33 minutes' walk. › Dordogne riverside parking Bézenac Parking ★ 4.3 Wild riverside spot, direct swimming. Free, secluded, 6 minutes by car. › Slow Village Saint-Cybranet Campsite ★ 4.8 Luxury campsite, 3 pools and river. 6 minutes by car, shaded pitches. › Castelnaud castle parking Parking ★ 4.5 Quiet, shaded parking, 37 minutes' walk. Ideal for visiting Castelnaud without noise. ›

Domme

Listed among France’s most beautiful villages, Domme is a walled medieval town. Its caves (such as the Domme Cave) and panoramic valley views are well worth the trip.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping la peyrugue Campsite ★ 5 5-star campsite in nature, spacious and shaded pitches. 6 minutes by car, absolute peace. › La Ferme de Turnac Campsite ★ 4.9 Organic farm with valley views, 10 pitches. 6 minutes by car, authentic atmosphere. › Domme canoe-kayak base parking Parking ★ 4.8 Shaded parking by the Dordogne, canoe base. 32 minutes' walk, purchase required. › Parking hot air balloon takeoff La Roque-Gageac Parking ★ 4 Free hot-air balloon parking, beach 1 minute away. 37 minutes' walk, views of La Roque-Gageac. › Camping Pech de Caumont Campsite ★ 4.9 Family campsite with pool, valley views. 26 minutes' walk, warm welcome. ›

The Lascaux Caves

Nicknamed the ‘Sistine Chapel of Prehistory’, these caves contain 17,000-year-old cave paintings. A visit to Lascaux IV, a faithful replica, is an unforgettable immersive experience.

Where to sleep nearby

Pine forest clearing parking Saint-André-d'Allas Parking ★ 4.8 Isolated forest clearing, magical sunsets. 7 minutes by car, free and very quiet. › La Ferme de Turnac Campsite ★ 4.9 Organic farm with valley views, 10 spacious pitches. 6 minutes by car, 4.9/5 rating. › La Bouysse de Caudon camping Campsite ★ 4.8 3-star shaded campsite, direct Dordogne access. 6 minutes by car, on-site canoe base. › Dordogne riverside parking Carsac-Aillac Parking ★ 4.2 Dordogne riverside parking, pebble beach and free showers. 8 minutes by car, ideal for swimming. › 70 Avenue Joséphine Baker, Sarlat-la-Canéda Parking ★ 4.5 Large shaded parking, €3 shuttle to Sarlat. 25 minutes' walk, free and practical. ›

Castelnaud-la-Chapelle and its castle

This 13th-century fortress houses a museum of medieval warfare, with an impressive collection of weapons and armour. The views from the ramparts are simply stunning.

Where to sleep nearby

Castelnaud castle parking Parking ★ 4.5 Quiet, shaded dead-end parking, 4 minutes' walk from the castle. Free, ideal for a discreet overnight stay. › Camping Pech de Caumont Campsite ★ 4.9 4.9/5 campsite in nature, pool and valley views. 6 km (6 minutes by car). › Camping Les Magnanas Campsite ★ 4.6 Direct Dordogne access and pebble beach, 18 minutes' walk. Spacious pitches and clean facilities. › Theatre parking in the woods Carves Parking ★ 4.2 Free, isolated forest parking, 7 km (7 minutes by car). Peaceful night in nature. › Slow Village Saint-Cybranet Campsite ★ 4.8 4.8/5 campsite with 3 pools and river, 37 minutes' walk. Guinguette atmosphere and peace. ›

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