Sarlat-la-Canéda and the Dordogne Valley: 5 must-sees for a campervan trip

Discover the medieval treasures of Sarlat and the breathtaking landscapes of the Dordogne, perfect for a campervan getaway.

By the Le Campeur editorial team · 15 August 2026

With its limestone cliffs, hilltop villages and prehistoric caves, the Dordogne is an ideal playground for campervan road-trippers. Sarlat-la-Canéda, a medieval gem, is the perfect gateway. Here are five unmissable spots, all accessible by campervan.

Old Town of Sarlat-la-Canéda

Step into the historic heart of Sarlat with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. The Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral and its bustling markets will transport you back to the Middle Ages.

Where to sleep nearby

Les Noyeraies du Lander Campsite ★ 4.9 4.9/5 campsite 2 km from the centre, free guided tour of the walnut grove. Flat pitches for 10 campervans. › Bookable motorhome area Sarlat-la-Canéda Motorhome area ★ 4.7 Shaded, rustic area 10 minutes’ walk away, warm welcome. Slightly sloping ground, peaceful. › Old town parking Sarlat-la-Canéda Parking ★ 4.5 Free overnight parking 19:00-09:00, 2 minutes from old Sarlat, quiet at night. Height limit 2.20 m, water available. › Camping les Acacias/ Sarlat Campsite ★ 4.5 Family-friendly 4.6/5 campsite 4 km away, free shuttle. Spa pool, shaded pitches. › La Croix Rouge, Sarlat-la-Canéda Motorhome area ★ 4.5 Free parking at Carrefour Market, 16 minutes’ walk. Flat ground, toilets and shops nearby. ›

The Lascaux Caves

Marvel at the famous cave paintings of Lascaux, dubbed the 'Sistine Chapel of Prehistory'. The site offers an immersive tour to explore these 17,000-year-old masterpieces.

Where to sleep nearby

Parc de Loisirs Motorhome area ★ 4.8 Private area 900 m from Montignac, full facilities. €10/night, 4.8/5 (256 reviews), 24-minute walk. › Village parking Valojoulx Parking ★ 4.6 Large free car park, 24/7 toilets. 4.6/5 (73 reviews), 5-minute drive. › Camping Castillonderie Campsite ★ 4.6 Family campsite in the Vézère Valley, heated pool. 4.6/5 (24 reviews), 5-minute drive. › Quiet clearing parking Valojoulx Parking ★ 4.1 Secluded forest clearing, flat grassy ground. 4.1/5 (13 reviews), 38-minute walk. › Aire de Camping Car Municipale Montignac Motorhome area ★ 4.2 Municipal area with 30 spaces, facilities included. €10/night, 4.2/5 (341 reviews), 20-minute walk. ›

Castelnaud Castle

This medieval castle overlooks the Dordogne and houses a museum of medieval warfare. Its ramparts provide a stunning view of the valley.

Where to sleep nearby

Castelnaud castle parking Parking ★ 4.5 Shaded parking in a cul-de-sac, 4 minutes’ walk from the castle. Free, quiet and flat under the trees. › Camping Pech de Caumont Campsite ★ 4.9 Family-friendly 4.9/5 campsite with pool and valley views. Warm welcome, 6 km from the castle. › Camping la Plage Campsite ★ 4.6 3-star campsite by the Dordogne, 25 minutes’ walk from La Roque-Gageac. Spacious pitches, modern amenities. › Parking hot air balloon takeoff La Roque-Gageac Parking ★ 4 Free hot-air balloon parking, flat and spacious. 34-minute walk, beach and village access. › Slow Village Saint-Cybranet Campsite ★ 4.7 4.8/5 campsite with 3 pools and direct river access. Wooded, 37-minute walk from the castle. ›

La Roque-Gageac

Listed among France’s most beautiful villages, this cliffside settlement charms visitors with its stone houses and idyllic riverside setting. A gabarre boat ride offers a unique perspective of the landscape from the water.

Where to sleep nearby

Parking hot air balloon takeoff La Roque-Gageac Parking ★ 4 Flat, spacious parking 11 minutes’ walk from the village. Direct beach and hot-air balloon access. › Camping Pech de Caumont Campsite ★ 4.9 Family-friendly 4.9/5 campsite with pool and valley views. 5-minute drive. › La Bouysse de Caudon camping Campsite ★ 4.9 Shaded 3-star campsite with integrated canoe base. 6 km from Sarlat, 6-minute drive. › Parking by chapel and town hall Castelnaud-la-Chapelle Parking ★ 4.7 Quiet, shaded parking in the heart of the hamlet. Clean public toilets, 8-minute drive. › Camping la Plage Campsite ★ 4.6 3-star campsite by the Dordogne, 4.6/5. 13 minutes’ walk from La Roque-Gageac. ›

Marqueyssac Gardens

Overlooking the valley, these formal French gardens offer spectacular views and shaded pathways. Over 150,000 boxwood trees, pruned into cloud-like shapes, await you.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Pech de Caumont Campsite ★ 4.9 Family-friendly 4.9/5 campsite, pool and valley views. 6-minute drive. › Castelnaud castle parking Parking ★ 4.5 Free shaded parking, 21-minute walk. Quiet cul-de-sac under the trees. › Camping la Plage Campsite ★ 4.6 3-star campsite by the Dordogne, 8-minute walk. Modern amenities and shaded pitches. › Parking by chapel and town hall Castelnaud-la-Chapelle Parking ★ 4.7 Free, quiet parking, 7-minute drive. Clean public toilets in the heart of the hamlet. › Camping le Tiradou Campsite ★ 4.7 Intimate campsite, heated pool and service area. 5-minute drive. ›

Padirac Chasm

Explore this extraordinary natural site with its underground galleries and navigable river. A unique adventure among stalactites and stalagmites.

Where to sleep nearby

Lakeside restaurant parking Miers Parking ★ 4.4 Peaceful mountain lake, 5-6 spaces by the water. 5-minute drive, grassy ground. › Le Ventoulou Campsite ★ 4.6 4-star shaded campsite in the Dordogne Valley. 5-minute drive, spacious pitches. › Camping-Car Park Tauriac Motorhome area ★ 4.1 Paid area at €16/night, shaded pitches on slabs. 6-minute drive, by the Dordogne. › Regional Nature Reserve parking Mayrinhac-Lentour Parking ★ 4.4 Preserved natural site by the marsh, picnic tables. 6-minute drive, overnight stop permitted. › La Ferme De Borie Campsite ★ 4.7 Farm with free grass parking in exchange for a visit. 26-minute walk, water and toilets available. ›

See all spots on the map