Sarlat-la-Canéda and the Périgord Noir: 6 must-sees for your van or motorhome trip
Discover the medieval treasures and wild landscapes of the Périgord Noir, from golden-stone villages to prehistoric caves and winding rivers. Perfect for a van or motorhome adventure, where every stop is a dive into history and nature.
The Périgord Noir is that part of the Dordogne where time seems to stand still. Between Sarlat-la-Canéda, a medieval gem with cobbled streets, and the lush valleys of the Dordogne or Vézère rivers, every turn reveals a new spectacle. Here, you can alternate cultural visits (cathedrals, castles, caves) with walks in nature, all with the freedom that a campervan provides. Ready to hit the road? Here are 6 unmissable stops.
Old town of Sarlat-la-Canéda
© Wikimedia CommonsStep into a postcard-perfect scene with its half-timbered houses, Renaissance mansions and Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral. The atmosphere is especially lively on Saturday mornings, when the bustling market takes over.
Where to sleep nearby
The Lascaux Caves
© Wikimedia CommonsNicknamed the 'Sistine Chapel of Prehistory', these caves contain 18,000-year-old cave paintings. Today, it’s the replica (Lascaux IV) that you can visit, offering a breathtaking immersive experience.
Where to sleep nearby
Castelnaud Castle
© Wikimedia CommonsPerched on a rocky spur, this medieval castle overlooks the Dordogne Valley and houses a museum of medieval warfare. The views from the ramparts alone are worth the trip.
Where to sleep nearby
La Roque-Gageac
© Wikimedia CommonsListed among France’s Most Beautiful Villages, this cliffside village offers an idyllic setting with its ochre stone houses and port on the Dordogne. A traditional gabarre boat ride lets you admire it from the water.
Where to sleep nearby
Marqueyssac Gardens
© Wikimedia CommonsOverlooking the Dordogne Valley, these French-style gardens, carved into the rock, offer stunning views and a shaded walk. In summer, candlelit evenings here are magical.
Where to sleep nearby
Padirac Chasm
© Wikimedia CommonsOn the border of the Périgord Noir and Quercy, this exceptional natural site is explored by boat on an underground river before continuing on foot through its galleries. A guaranteed change of scenery, 103 metres below ground.