Across the Dordogne Scenic Drive

Take a drive through the breathtaking landscapes of the Dordogne region of France with the Across the Dordogne Scenic Drive. This 126 km route takes you from Sarlat la Caneda to Bergerac and offers a wonderful mix of historical sites, stunning views of the countryside and quaint villages. The journey takes you through the charming towns of Domme, Beynac et Cazenac, and Le Buisson de Cadouin, all of which offer plenty of attractions to explore. The best time of year to take this drive is in the spring or summer when the weather is at its most pleasant. The road conditions are generally good, although some parts of the route are narrow and winding. This road trip is a great way to experience the beauty of the Dordogne and create lifelong memories. It is suitable for all drivers and can be managed on a moderate budget. So why not take the Across the Dordogne Scenic Drive today and enjoy a day of exploring the sights and sounds of this beautiful region of France.

Sarlat la Caneda is a beautiful medieval town located in the South West of France, in the Dordogne region. It is a great starting point for the "Across the Dordogne Scenic Drive" road trip, offering visitors a wide range of interesting sights and activities. The town is particularly well known for its beautiful architecture, ranging from ancient churches and monasteries to traditional cobbled streets and courtyards. It is a great place to explore and take in the local culture, with many interesting attractions such as the Sarlat Cathedral, the Maison des Consuls, the Sarlat Archaeological Museum and the Abbaye de Cadouin. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Bergerac Airport (EGC), located just over an hour away from Sarlat La Caneda. There are several car rental companies located at the airport, making it easy for travelers to arrange transportation for their road trip. Sarlat la Caneda is a great place to begin the "Across the Dordogne Scenic Drive" adventure. With its beautiful architecture, interesting attractions and easy access to transportation, the town is the perfect starting point for a fun and memorable road trip.

Embark on a 26 km road trip from Sarlat La Caneda, France to Domme and discover the beauty of La Roque Gageac! Start your journey by exploring the charming streets of Sarlat La Caneda, where you can discover its ancient architecture and the beautiful church of St. Mary Major. Then, take the winding roads to La Roque Gageac, where you can enjoy the stunning views of the Dordogne River and its surrounding cliffs. Don't forget to visit the Château de Castelnaud and the nearby medieval village of Beynac! As you continue your journey, you'll pass through some of the most picturesque villages of the region, including La Roque Saint-Christophe. Finally, arrive in Domme, where you can explore the ruins of the old castle and the magnificent view of the valley. Along the way, be sure to take in the stunning views of the countryside, and don't forget to stop at the local restaurants and markets for a bite to eat. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage.

Embark on a 15km journey through the Dordogne region of France, starting in Domme and ending in Beynac et Cazenac. In under an hour, you'll drive through some of the most beautiful and historically rich villages in the area. Your first stop is Castelnaud la Chapelle, a picturesque village with an impressive castle and a museum dedicated to medieval warfare. Don't forget to take in the stunning views of the Dordogne River from the castle. As you continue your journey, take in the rolling hills and lush vineyards of the region. In Beynac et Cazenac, you'll find a charming village with a medieval castle and a beautiful church. Take time to explore the cobbled streets and the many shops, restaurants and cafes. Keep an eye out for the stunning views of the river and the surrounding countryside. Be aware that some sections of the road are narrow, so drive carefully. For more information about attractions, accommodation, restaurants and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy the journey!

Embark on a road trip of exploration through the stunningly beautiful countryside of France, starting in Beynac et Cazenac and heading towards Le Bugue. On the way, take in the sights of the lush green valleys and the spectacular views of the Dordogne River. Explore the ancient cobblestone streets of Beynac et Cazenac, and take a break in Le Bugue, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Vézère River. The drive of 32km will take less than an hour and, although some sections of the road may be narrow, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the countryside. As you drive, keep an eye out for the scenic roads that wind through the countryside, offering a truly unique experience. When you arrive in Le Buisson de Cadouin, take some time to explore the quaint village and its nearby attractions. From here, you can continue your journey to the next stage of your tour. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage.

Embark on an exciting road trip from Le Buisson de Cadouin to Bergerac, a journey of 54 km and a driving time of less than 2 hours. This stage of your journey will take you through the picturesque towns of Lanquais, where you can explore its historical sites, and Bergerac, which is known for its scenic road. Along the way, keep in mind that some sections of the road may be narrow. As you drive, take in the sights and sounds of the French countryside and make sure to take plenty of pictures! Be sure to take the time to explore the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, all of which are detailed in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy the journey and happy travels!

Bergerac in France is the end point of the spectacular road trip named "Across the Dordogne Scenic Drive". This picturesque town is situated in the heart of the Aquitaine region and it is known for its rich cultural heritage as well as its beautiful landscapes. The main attractions in Bergerac are its old city centre, the Château de Monbazillac and the Musée du Tabac. The old city centre is full of charming streets and buildings, and it's surrounded by the old city walls. The Château de Monbazillac is one of the most famous wine châteaux in the region and it's a great place to visit to learn more about the local wines. The Musée du Tabac is a great place to visit if you're interested in the history of tobacco in the area. The closest international airport to Bergerac is Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD), which is located approximately 100 kilometres away. For those travelling by car, the "Across the Dordogne Scenic Drive" is a must. This route takes you through some of the most beautiful countryside in the region and it's an ideal way to explore the area. Bergerac is a great place to end your road trip and it's a great destination to visit for anyone looking to explore the Aquitaine region. With its charming old city centre and its beautiful landscapes, it's an ideal place to relax and take in the sights.

Before you set off

The Across the Dordogne Scenic Drive is an enchanting 126 km journey beginning in the historical town of Sarlat-la-Canéda and culminating in the wine-rich city of Bergerac, nestled within the Dordogne region of France. This route not only presents a collage of historical landmarks and bucolic landscapes but also winds through some of the most idyllic villages France has to offer.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Sarlat-la-Canéda: This well-preserved medieval town is a jewel of the Dordogne, offering a labyrinth of cobbled streets, Gothic and Renaissance buildings, and a famous market that bursts with local delicacies.
• Domme: Set atop a breathtaking cliff, Domme provides expansive views over the Dordogne Valley. As a member of `Les Plus Beaux Villages de France,` it's a testament to the country's rural charm.
• Beynac-et-Cazenac: Dominated by the 12th-century Château de Beynac, this cliffside village is steeped in history and was a strategic stronghold during the Hundred Years' War.
• Le Buisson-de-Cadouin: The village is famed for its Cistercian Abbey of Cadouin, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites linked to the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route.

Best Time to Go:

The prime time for the Across the Dordogne Scenic Drive is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is most accommodating for exploration and the landscape is lush and vibrant.

Potential Risks:

Drivers should be vigilant on the route's narrow and serpentine sections and remain conscious of increased traffic during the high tourist season, which may lead to congestion in smaller villages.

Facts for Roadtrippers:

• This Scenic Drive is suitable for drivers of all skill levels and can be enjoyed with a moderate travel budget.
• The Dordogne is celebrated for its culinary heritage, with specialties like black truffles, walnuts, and the iconic foie gras, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts.
• Not far from the drive is the Lascaux cave complex, famous for its Paleolithic cave paintings, offering a glimpse into 17,000 years of history.

A good choice for:

Taking on the Across the Dordogne Scenic Drive is more than a simple Road Trip; it's a passage through time, blending the allure of historical discovery with the sensory pleasures of one of France's most revered gastronomic and scenic landscapes.