The 12 things to do in the Black Perigord

What to do in the Black Perigord? From troglodyte cities to the heights of castles and gardens, here are the must-sees to visit in the Black Perigord.

The Perigord has four colours: green, white, purple and black. The latter derives its name from the dark color of the oak bark that are there. Of the four, the Black Perigord is probably the one with the most treasures. Along the Dordogne valley, discover its castles and its medieval villages , perched like eagle nests on heights. The Vézère valley, for its part, is a true birthplace of prehistory. In addition to the famous cave of Lascaux, many remains will plunge you into our origins. You will have understood it, it is a land full of history. Here are the must-see in the Black Perigord!

1. Sarlat

Sarlat-la-Canéda is the capital of the Black Perigord. This is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in France. By beating the paved streets of the old city, you will discover an exceptional heritage marked by history and art.

But you will not only find listed historical monuments because Sarlat is also full of restaurants! Their pretty terraces animate the places of day and night. This is the ideal opportunity to discover the delicious Pergourdine cuisine.

2. La Roque Saint-Christophe

Visiting the Black Perigord is visiting sites that are quite unknown and yet unique in the world. La Roque Saint-Christophe is a limestone wall of 1km long, perched at 60m above Vézère. Water and time have dug about a hundred cavities and terraces.

From prehistory to the Renaissance, these natural shelters were inhabited by man. On site, explanations will help you project yourself. It is fascinating to discover the unusual life of its inhabitants, who have invested this exceptional natural site for millennia.

3. Beynac-et-Cazenac

What to do in the Black Perigord to discover its rich medieval past? Even from a distance, Beynac-et-Cazenac is worth the detour. The buildings cling to the limestone cliff, and at the top the fortress dominates the valley. The typical lauze roofs, extracted from the quarries of the region, are based in the decor.

But don't miss getting into the city! It is a true immersion in the Middle Ages that awaits you. At the end of the road, visit the 12th century castle. A feeling of an already-view? It’s normal, many films like Visitors or Jeanne d’Arc have been shot here.

4. Lascaux

If you are looking for what to do in the Black Perigord, it will be difficult to miss the famous cave of Lascaux. The so-called “Sixtine Chapel of Parietal Art” was decorated with paintings and engravings about 19,000 years ago. His discovery in 1940 simply revolutionized our vision of prehistory.

You can visit a complete replica of the cave by going to Lascaux 4. But the center goes further than the simple visit. It opens new ways of reflection and wonder on the subject of the parietal art of yesterday and today.

5. Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is the rival of Beynac-et-Cazenac. And what a rival! Difficult to say which of the two medieval cities is the most beautiful. The Castle of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle dominates the confluence, offering a spectacular view of the Dordogne valley. He was also built in the 12th century.

Walk through the alleys of stone, which lead you to the fortress by winding around its rocky sparrow. Don't miss the castle of Milandes either. He's been the home of Josephine Baker and his rainbow tribe.

6. The gardens of Eyrignac

What to do in the Black Perigord to trotting old stones against greenery? Visit the gardens of Eyrignac. This French garden is orchestrated by only six gardeners, who perform a work of goldsmith.

The result is always charming, sometimes breathtaking. After you have been let intoxicated by the curves and flowers of the gardens, stop at the terrace. It is a real time of escape that awaits you!

7. Commarque

In the heart of a wild forest, you will find the castle of Commarque. It would be a shame to visit the Black Perigord without a tour. Here the stone has many things to say. The site was inhabited by man since prehistory, before becoming a strong place in the Middle Ages.

It is a passionate team that welcomes you. It tells you the history of this place out of time, especially that of the fortress, built in the 12th and 14th centuries.

8. The National Museum of Prehistory

If you are looking for what to do in the Black Perigord to learn more about prehistory, go to its national museum. It is difficult to imagine a better setting than the Vézère valley to house this exceptional collection.

Throughout the rooms, you are invited to follow the traces of our ancestors. A journey that dates back hundreds of thousands of years to try to understand the evolution of human societies or simply to be taken by the vertigo of time.

9. The troglodytic village of La Madeleine

The village of La Madeleine is so remarkable that it gave its name to a whole period of prehistory: the Magdalenian. For men decided to invest this remarkable site 17,000 years ago!

However, in the middle of the cliff, you will also have the opportunity to admire the remains of a medieval city. In particular, there is a Gothic chapel of the 15th century which hangs on to the rocky wall.

10. The suspended gardens of Marqueyssac

What are you looking for in the Black Perigord for a romantic getaway? The suspended gardens of Marqueyssac extend over 6km around a 19th century castle. They transpired romance.

Around the shaded paths, hundreds and hundreds of bushes were hand-cut. They take surprising, round and slippery forms, almost organic. And as the gardens were built on a rocky grove, they offer great views of the Dordogne valley. Languid landscapes where the sparkling water monks mix with castles and forests.

Other gardens to see in the region:

• the panoramic gardens of Limeuil, for the view of the confluence between the Dordogne and the Vézère;
• Water gardens, to cool between aquatic plants, fountains and streams.

11. La Maison Forte de Reignac

What to do in the Black Perigord to reconcile castle visit and discover troglodytic sites? Visit the Forte de Reignac House! This is the only intact representative of castle-falaise in France.

In addition to the striking beauty of the building, which blends perfectly into the landscape, the interior is also worth a visit. It was designed as at the time, with a lot of talent. And as much as tell you, with its many underground passages, the house is much bigger from inside!

12. Domme

Beautiful medieval city perched on a rocky promontory, Domme is a must for visiting the Black Perigord. Everything in this 13th century bastide demonstrates the will of the lords to protect themselves from enemy threats. Of course, the fact that she is so high perched is a first clue.

But by entering the city, you will also discover many military vestiges. It is undeniably marked by the wars, including the Hundred Years War, which was printed on the yellow stone. Finally, visiting Domme is also a great opportunity to admire a spectacular view of the valley.

How to go to the Black Perigord?

By car

As the region is located on the crossroads of different road routes, it is easy to visit the Black Perigord by car. The highways A20 and A89 In particular, you can reach Sarlat.

Don’t hesitate to ride. You are on a holiday road, you should find some road companions!

By train and bus

The Perigord is very well served by train and bus lines. Once again, it is in Sarlat that we advise you to stop. Here are the links that allow you to reach it:

• Bordeaux-Sarlat ;
• Paris-Souillac-Sarlat ;
• Paris-Libourne-Sarlat ;
• Périgueux-Sarlat

By plane

Here are the two international airports located near Sarlat-la-Canéda:

• Brive-Vallée Airport of the Dordogne (France)50km)
• Bergerac airport Dordogne Périgord70km)

Are you looking to visit the Black Perigord without spending too much? Thanks to our partner Ulysses find the flights at the best prices by indicating your dates.

Where to stay in the Black Perigord?

Sarlat is probably the best option to radiate in Black Perigord . The capital is full of accommodation offers, adapted to all budgets. Once on site, you will find tourist buses that will take you to the main sites of the region.

But you will also find many hotels, Airbnb and charming cottages on the Dordogne valley. Whether you’re looking for nature or wanting to stay in a medieval town’s hostel, there’s no shortage of options!

To enjoy advantageous prices, use this Compare hotels . It selects for you the best offers available on your dates.