Sarlat-la-Canéda and the Périgord caves: a van road trip through stone and mystery

Explore the Périgord Noir by campervan, from the medieval streets of Sarlat to the subterranean treasures of France’s most famous caves.

By the Le Campeur editorial team · 24 September 2026

Welcome to the heart of the Périgord Noir, where every turn of your van reveals a new spectacle. Here, Sarlat-la-Canéda, a medieval gem with its stone roofs, awaits you with bustling markets and half-timbered houses. Just a few kilometres away, the Périgord caves, UNESCO World Heritage sites, immerse you in human history, from breathtaking cave paintings to stunning geological formations. Prepare for a road trip where nature, culture and adventure blend effortlessly.

Old town of Sarlat-la-Canéda

Lose yourself in Sarlat’s cobbled streets, where golden stone houses and 18th-century mansions tell centuries of history. Don’t miss Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral and its imposing bell tower, a symbol of the town.

Where to sleep nearby

Les Noyeraies du Lander Campsite ★ 4.9 Quiet artisanal walnut grove 2 km from the centre. Flat parking for 10 campervans, free visit (27 min walk). › Bookable motorhome area Sarlat-la-Canéda Motorhome area ★ 4.7 Shaded, authentic parking. Warm welcome, 12 min walk from the historic heart. › Old town parking Sarlat-la-Canéda Parking ★ 4.5 Free central parking from 7 PM to 9 AM. 2 min from the old town, max height 2.20 m. › Camping les Acacias/ Sarlat Campsite ★ 4.5 Family campsite with spa pool. Free shuttle or bike to Sarlat (4 km). › La Croix Rouge, Sarlat-la-Canéda Motorhome area ★ 4.5 Free, flat parking at Carrefour Market. Toilets and shops nearby (16 min walk). ›

Lascaux Cave

Discover the ‘Sistine Chapel of Prehistory’ and its famous 18,000-year-old cave paintings. A must-visit to understand cave art and the ingenuity of our ancestors.

Where to sleep nearby

Parc de Loisirs Motorhome area ★ 4.8 Quiet area 900 m from the village, full services (water, electricity, waste disposal). 10 €/night, 4.8/5 from 261 reviews. › Camping Castillonderie Campsite ★ 4.6 Family campsite in the Vézère Valley, heated pool and private pond. 4.6/5, 4 km from Lascaux. › Village parking Valojoulx Parking ★ 4.6 Large, free, flat parking, 24/7 toilets. 4.6/5, 5 km by car. › La Ferme Aux Canard Du Bois Bareirou Campsite ★ 4.7 Farm with local produce, free grass parking. 4.7/5, 6 km by car. › Le domaine du Terroir Campsite ★ 4.9 Quiet forest estate, 10 free pitches under the trees. 4.9/5, 45 min walk. ›

Grotte des Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this cave houses exceptional engravings and paintings. The nearby National Museum of Prehistory perfectly complements the visit.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Le Tilleul - (ancien Camping Bouyssou) Campsite ★ 5 5/5 nature campsite, pool and warm welcome. 6 min drive (5 km). › Roadside parking near castle Campagne Parking ★ 4.5 Free parking opposite Château de Campagne, spacious. 5 min drive (5 km). › Camping EAU Naturelle Campsite ★ 4.9 4.9/5 campsite, natural setting with stream and pond. 5 min drive (4 km). › Shaded Grand Roc cave parking Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil Parking ★ 4 Free shaded parking by the Vézère, 22 min walk. › Free parking along the railway track Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil Parking ★ 4.1 Quiet free parking near the station, 6 min walk from the centre. ›

Castelnaud Castle

Step into the medieval world with this 13th-century fortress overlooking the Dordogne Valley. Its collections of weapons and armour, along with crossbow demonstrations, will delight young and old alike.

Where to sleep nearby

Castelnaud castle parking Parking ★ 4.5 Shaded, quiet parking below the castle. 4 min walk, free and flat. › Camping Pech de Caumont Campsite ★ 4.9 4.9-star campsite in nature with a pool. 6 min drive, spacious pitches. › Theatre parking in the woods Carves Parking ★ 4.2 Discreet free forest parking 7 km away. Peaceful night in nature. › Camping la Plage Campsite ★ 4.6 3-star campsite by the Dordogne. 25 min walk, modern and spacious facilities. › Château des Milandes parking Castelnaud-la-Chapelle Parking ★ 3.9 Free parking at Château des Milandes. Closed at night, but large hardstanding pitches. ›

Padirac Chasm

Embark on a unique underground adventure, navigating lakes and spectacular galleries. This natural site, on the border of Périgord and Quercy, is a masterpiece of nature.

Where to sleep nearby

Le Ventoulou Campsite ★ 4.6 4-star shaded campsite, pool. 5 min drive, direct access to the Dordogne. › Lakeside restaurant parking Miers Parking ★ 4.4 Grassy lakeside area, 5 pitches. 5 min drive, preserved natural setting. › La Ferme De Borie Campsite ★ 4.7 Local farm, free parking. 26 min walk, includes shop visit. › Camping-Car Park Tauriac Motorhome area ★ 4.1 Camping-Car Park area, shaded slabs. 6 min drive, 16 €/night. › Parking with toilets and water Alvignac Parking ★ 4.2 Equipped picnic area, toilets and water. 7 min drive, village nearby. ›

Marqueyssac Gardens

Overlooking the Dordogne, these formal gardens offer a breathtaking view of the valley and Castelnaud Castle. A peaceful stroll among topiary and belvederes, ideal for a relaxing break.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Pech de Caumont Campsite ★ 4.9 4.9/5 campsite in nature, valley views. Pool, spacious pitches (6 km, 6 min). › Parking by chapel and town hall Castelnaud-la-Chapelle Parking ★ 4.7 Quiet, free parking in the heart of the hamlet. Clean toilets, easy access (6 km, 7 min). › Camping la Plage Campsite ★ 4.6 3-star campsite by the Dordogne, walking access to La Roque-Gageac. Modern facilities, 194 reviews (8 min walk). › Domme canoe-kayak base parking Parking ★ 4.8 Shaded riverside parking, canoeing and food truck. Free with purchase (5 km, 5 min). › Camping le Tiradou Campsite ★ 4.7 Intimate campsite, heated pool, full service area. 19 reviews, 4.7/5 (4 km, 5 min). ›

See all spots on the map