La Dordogne en camping-car : advices, areas, routes

New Aquitaine is an ideal destination for travellers of the hexagon. This summer, why not discover the Dordogne by camping-car?

The Dordogne is a historic region of the south-west of France, corresponding to the former County of the Périgord. In the Middle Ages, the Territory had an important role in French sovereignty. Charlemagne himself established the first Count of the Périgord, Widable.

Over the centuries, many lords have succeeded. From Guillaume I to Catherine-de-Bourbon, this ancestral land still houses several vestiges of his History. Nevertheless, the region also has a rich environmental heritage and an unusual terroir. Its visitors are usually charmed by its exceptional landscapes and local specialties.

During your trip, you can taste the famous black truffle or Bergerac wines. Between traditions and nature, your stay in the Dordogne by camping-car promises to be unforgettable.

Ideas of itineraries in Dordogne

Before taking a trip to the Dordogne by camping-car, the ideal is to plan to travel . By using various routes, you can better select the stages of your journey. Of course, you'll have to rely on the multiple must-see sites in the region and your interests.

Nevertheless, two four- and five-day road-trips were particularly important to visit the Dordogne by camping-car. These will take you to discover the most beautiful places in the region. From atypical villages to historical buildings, you will not have time to get bored. You can admire real architectural treasures, and iconic fortresses in the region. We think of the Château de Monbazillac or the Château de Monbazillac. Castelnaud-la-Chapelle .

By exploring the Dordogne by camping-car, you will also be invited to explore fabulous natural sites. The region actually has regional parks and beautiful preserved reserves. From the green Perigord to the Perigord Purpre, hikes can follow many trails.

In addition, this legendary territory will take you in the footsteps of our most distant ancestors. During your visit to the Dordogne by camping-car, you will pass by the famous Lascaux Cave . If it houses magnificent prehistoric representations, it is not the only unusual place in the territory. Indeed, tourists can also make a stop at the amazing Sorcier Cave or Rouffignac.

Five days from the Périgord Vert in the Perigord

• Saint-Jean-de-Cole (Village de charme, Château de la Marthonie),
• Nature Park of the Dordogne (hiking, mountain biking, trail),
• Périgueux (medieval buildings, Museum of Archaeology),
• Saint-Astier (local specialities, Moulin de Duellas),
• Sarlat (medieval village, water gardens),
• Lascaux Cave,
• Font de Gaume,
• Beaumont (medieval fortifications, 12th century church),
• Monpazier (Saint-Dominique Church, Chapter House),
• Château de Monbazillac.

Four days over History

• Lascaux Cave,
• Vezac (historical city, Marqueyssac gardens),
• Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (Mediterranean Forteresse, War Museum),
• Beynac (Château et village historique),
• Cave of Font-de-Gaume,
• Gouffre de Proumeyssac (spéléologie, canyoning),
• Château des Milandes,
• Château de Hautefort,
• Brantôme en Périgord (Abbaye Bénédictine, Dolmen Peyrelevade),
• Périgueux (medieval buildings, Museum of Archaeology).

Drive in Dordogne by motorhome: traffic rules to know

The historical territory of the former County of the Périgord belongs to the administrative France. Thus, it is subject to the same traffic rules as the rest of the Hexagon. During your trip to the Dordogne by camping-car, you will be able to ride as usual. For example, you will need to tighten to the right at all times and take roundabouts in the anti-clockwise direction. In the same way, you will have to respect speed limitations on the different routes you will travel.

In agglomeration, you will not be able to overcome them 50 km/h . The secondary roads, for them, will allow you to circulate until 80 km/h . If you take the highway, you will have to respect the limit 110 km/h .

Caravans can't drive 130 km/h like cars. In addition, they cannot park in the same places as the latter. You will need to inform you about the various dedicated areas before leaving for the Dordogne on a camper.

Motorways in Dordogne: what price for your motorhome category?

To get to the Dordogne by camping-car, you could opt for the motorway. These main tracks are actually faster and safer than secondary axes. However, they are subject to rates, depending on your entry point and the distance of your journey.

Also, the size of your vehicle will necessarily vary the amount you need to pay at toll. For example, a Lyon-Périgueux trip with a Class 2 caravan 72€ . On the contrary, the same route with a Class 3 or 4 van will return to 100€ about. On the other hand, if you leave Paris , you'll pay between 30€ and 50€ to reach the Dordogne by motorhome.

The French motorways are governed by different private companies. However, vehicle classification is the same for all lanes. Class 2 therefore corresponds to all vans or utilities whose height is between two and three metres. Their PTAC (or Total Weight Allowed in Charge) should not exceed 3.5 tonnes.

The third category includes vehicles more than three metres, of which the PTAC is more than 3.5 tonnes. Most of them also have two distinct axles. For their part, Class 4 busavans have the same weight and size criteria as the previous ones. However, they belong to this category if they have at least three axles.

How and where to rent a motorhome in France?

But how do I rent a motorhome to sneak around the Dordogne? Now it is very simple to rent these vehicles between individuals, especially in France. Many platforms allow this type of rental, online, as Yescapa For example.

How does it work?

• At first, you have to choose the motorhome in your city (For example Bordeaux, Nantes, Toulouse, Paris, Montpellier or Marseille).
• Be careful choose unlimited mileage, to check the number of beds available and if travel abroad is possible.
• Do your work online rental request and share your travel information (dates, rental options, mileage, etc.) to the owner.
• If your request is accepted and after payment, you will have access to the owner's contact information to organize a First meeting.
• Day J, present your driver's license and pour bail.
• One. status of premises is executed and a lease is signed between the two parties. It signs on your return from Dordogne, and once done, it's all set!

How and where to rent a motorhome in Dordogne?

In order to make your road trip in Dordogne by camping-car, you could rent a vehicle on site. Indeed, the former County of the Périgord has many tourist rental companies. All you have to do is inform yourself with a provider to find the perfect van. You can choose the size of the vehicle and the duration of your trip. All you have to do is get back the busavan, and go to discover the region!

However, you may also choose to rent between individuals. With a dedicated site like Yescapa, you will find the van of your dreams. In the same way, you just need to indicate your departure dates, and the type of vehicle you want. The site will then offer a wide range of caravans for your stay. You can pick up the vehicle at the rental, and then start your exploration of the Dordogne by camping-car!

Campsites in Dordogne : where to park ?

The caravan size does not allow them to stop in the same places as cars. So, you can't park where you seem For the night. During your visit to the Dordogne by motorhome, you will need to spot the dedicated areas. These sites are equipped for vans. For one or more nights, you can enjoy these equipment. In addition, you will be able to empty your vehicle and plug it in.

In the same way, you could book a suitable location in a campsite. In an atypical setting, you can fully relax during your discovery of the Dordogne by camping-car. These rental sites offer many interesting services for their residents. After a long day of discovery, you can enjoy the theme evenings or organized concerts.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to refresh yourself in a pool, if the campsite has one. Finally, most providers will be there to help you if you want to learn more about the region. For example, they will be able to advise you on the must-see places to visit during your camping-car route in Dordogne.

What is the best time to travel by motorhome in Dordogne?

The pleasant climate of New Aquitaine makes it an ideal area for the estivants. Also, the beautiful season is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities and events. Its grandiose landscapes will invite you to stroll, or to new outdoor activities. You could, for example, try at canoë-kayak or rafting.

In the same way, you will find many events and leisure activities organized in the cities of the region. In particular, you could participate in one of the many medieval festivals in the territory. Every year, some villages like Monpazier or Eymet actually organize celebrations inspired by the Middle Ages. For a day or a weekend, you will then feel like living in the time of the troubadours.

We advise you to organize your trip to Dordogne by camping-car summer . As a result, you can only better appreciate your road trip and visits. However, you could avoid the lack of tourism by focusing on spring or early autumn . These two seasons will allow you to discover this fabulous territory in peace.