Sarlat-la-Canéda and its prehistoric caves: 5 must-sees on a van trip

Discover Sarlat and its prehistoric treasures on a road trip. From ancient stones to cliffs and cave art, here’s where to park up.

By the Le Campeur editorial team · 8 October 2026

Sarlat-la-Canéda, a gem of the Périgord Noir, is the perfect stop for van or motorhome travellers. With its medieval old town, listed among France’s most beautiful detours, and the nearby prehistoric caves, UNESCO World Heritage sites, you’ll have plenty to fill your days with adventure and culture. Ready to explore? Here are 5 places you simply can’t miss.

Old town of Sarlat-la-Canéda

Wander the cobbled streets of this medieval city, where half-timbered houses and grand townhouses tell centuries of history. Don’t miss Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral and its lively market, a feast for the senses.

Where to sleep nearby

Les Noyeraies du Lander Campsite ★ 4.9 Peaceful walnut grove 2 km from the centre, flat parking for 10 motorhomes. Free guided tour, artisan atmosphere. › Les Chalets d'Argentouleau Campsite ★ 4.8 Shaded chalets 800 m from the historic heart, clean facilities. Clear views, absolute quiet on the heights. › Old town parking Sarlat-la-Canéda Parking ★ 4.5 Free from 7pm to 9am, 2 minutes’ walk from the old town. Flat, height limit 2.20 m, water available. › Camping les Acacias/ Sarlat Campsite ★ 4.5 Family campsite 4 km away, free shuttle or cycle path. Spa pool, shaded and spacious pitches. › La Croix Rouge, Sarlat-la-Canéda Motorhome area ★ 4.5 Free at Carrefour Market, 16 minutes’ walk from the centre. Flat ground, toilets and shops nearby. ›

Lascaux Cave

Nicknamed the 'Sistine Chapel of Prehistory', this cave holds 18,000-year-old cave paintings. Today, Lascaux IV, an exact replica, immerses you in the emotion of the original discovery.

Where to sleep nearby

Parc de Loisirs Motorhome area ★ 4.8 Private area 900 m from Montignac, full services. €10 per night, 4.8 rating (261 reviews), 24-minute walk. › Camping Castillonderie Campsite ★ 4.6 Family campsite in the Vézère Valley, heated pool. 5-minute drive (4 km), 4.6 rating. › Village parking Valojoulx Parking ★ 4.6 Large free and flat car park in Valojoulx, 24-hour toilets. 5-minute drive (5 km), 4.6 rating. › La Ferme Aux Canard Du Bois Bareirou Campsite ★ 4.7 Duck farm, free parking on grass. 7-minute drive (6 km), 4.7 rating. › Le domaine du Terroir Campsite ★ 4.9 Rural estate in the forest, 10 pitches under the trees. 45-minute walk, 4.9 rating. ›

Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil

The world capital of Prehistory, this village is home to the National Museum of Prehistory and several rock shelters. A fascinating place to understand the lives of our ancestors.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping Le Tilleul - (ancien Camping Bouyssou) Campsite ★ 5 3-star family campsite in nature, pool. 6-minute drive (6 km), 5/5 rating. › Roadside parking near castle Campagne Parking ★ 4.5 Spacious free parking opposite Château de Campagne. 5-minute drive (5 km), absolute quiet. › Camping Ferme de la Brauge Campsite ★ 4.9 Farm campsite, pool and heated facilities. 5-minute drive (5 km), 4.9/5 rating. › Free parking along the railway track Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil Parking ★ 4.1 Free parking along the railway line, very quiet. 7-minute walk from Les Eyzies centre. › Camping EAU Naturelle Campsite ★ 4.9 2-star campsite with stream and natural pool. 5-minute drive (5 km), 4.9/5 rating. ›

Rouffignac Cave

Hop aboard a small electric train to explore this cave adorned with drawings of mammoths, bison and horses. A unique underground adventure, accessible to all.

Where to sleep nearby

Rouffignac caves parking Parking ★ 4.1 Forest cul-de-sac 0 km from the cave, water and seasonal toilets. Perfect for early morning visits. › D706, Tursac Motorhome area ★ 4.5 20 free grass pitches by the Vézère, absolute quiet. 6 km, 7-minute drive. › Camping Le Tilleul - (ancien Camping Bouyssou) Campsite ★ 5 3-star family campsite, pool, preserved nature. 5 km, 6-minute drive, perfect rating (5/5). › Camping EAU Naturelle Campsite ★ 4.9 Natural setting with stream and swimming basin, 4.9/5. 6 km, 7-minute drive, very quiet. › Camping La Nouvelle Croze Dordogne Périgord Campsite ★ 4.5 4-star campsite, direct routes to the caves. Pool, 23-minute walk, ideal for hikers. ›

Castelnaud Castle

Perched on a hill, this medieval fortress offers a breathtaking view of the Dordogne Valley. Its Museum of Warfare in the Middle Ages takes you back to the region’s turbulent history.

Where to sleep nearby

Castelnaud castle parking Parking ★ 4.5 Shaded and quiet parking in a dead-end, 10-minute walk from the castle. Flat gravel access, ideal for a discreet night. › Camping Pech de Caumont Campsite ★ 4.9 Family campsite 4.9/5 in nature, valley views. Pool and spacious pitches, 6-minute drive. › Camping la Plage Campsite ★ 4.6 3-star campsite on the Dordogne, beach access 800 m away. Modern facilities, 25-minute walk from La Roque-Gageac. › Theatre parking in the woods Carves Parking ★ 4.2 Isolated free forest parking, preserved nature. Slightly sloped gravel ground, 7-minute drive. › Camping Les Magnanas Campsite ★ 4.6 4.6/5 campsite with direct pebble beach, large pitches. Clean facilities, 18-minute walk from the centre. ›

La Roque-Gageac

Listed among France’s most beautiful villages, this troglodyte hamlet clings to the cliffside. Its golden stone houses and exceptional setting make it a magical stop.

Where to sleep nearby

Camping la Plage Campsite ★ 4.6 3-star campsite on the Dordogne, pedestrian access to La Roque-Gageac (13 min). 4.6 rating, 194 reviews, shaded pitches. › Camping Pech de Caumont Campsite ★ 4.9 Family campsite in nature, valley views. 4.9 rating, pool, 5-minute drive. › Parking by chapel and town hall Castelnaud-la-Chapelle Parking ★ 4.7 Free parking in the heart of the hamlet, quiet and shaded. Public toilets, 8-minute drive. › Camping Le Bosquet Campsite ★ 4.6 Quiet and shaded campsite, heated pool. 42-minute walk, immaculate facilities. › 70 Avenue Joséphine Baker, Sarlat-la-Canéda Parking ★ 4.7 Large shaded car park near Sarlat, €3 shuttle. Free, 6-minute drive, 4.7/5 rating. ›

See all spots on the map