Dordogne Road Trip Itinerary
The Dordogne Road Trip is a great way to explore the beautiful French countryside. Starting in Toulouse and ending in the same city, the route takes you through a number of unique towns, each with its own attractions and cultural highlights.
The journey begins in Montauban, a city renowned for its stunning architecture, with buildings ranging from Medieval to Renaissance. From there, you will travel to Bergerac, a riverside town with a bustling market square, old churches and a 12th century castle. Next, you will reach Limoges, a city known for its porcelain production and its impressive cathedral. Finally, you will arrive in Domme, a picturesque village with a rich history and incredible views of the Dordogne Valley.
The total distance of the road trip is ca. 940km and it should take around 7 days to complete. The best time of the year to drive is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. The overall road conditions are excellent, making it suitable for all drivers. Plus, the trip can be managed on a moderate budget.
Along the way, you will also have the opportunity to marvel at UNESCO Heritage Monuments, including the Canal du Midi and the Belfry of Béziers. So, why not take a week off and explore the beauty of the Dordogne region?
7
number of days
961 km
route length
fair
budget
tourist
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START
Toulouse
Distance 961 km
Driving time 15.7 h
Pace: modest
249.9 kWh
Airports
TLS
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Toulouse, France, is the perfect starting point for the "Dordogne Road Trip". Located in the heart of southern France, Toulouse is home to a wealth of cultural attractions, architectural gems and stunning scenery. From the cobbled streets of the old city to the modern skyline of the new city, Toulouse has something for everyone.
A must-see in Toulouse is the Basilica of St Sernin, an 11th-century Romanesque church and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other attractions in Toulouse include the Musée des Augustins, a fine arts museum with an impressive collection of sculptures and paintings, and the Place du Capitole, the city’s grand square.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (IATA code: TLS). The airport is well served by major airlines and offers car rental services for those wishing to continue their journey by car.
Once you’ve explored the city of Toulouse, you can begin your journey along the Dordogne Road Trip. From here you can visit the stunning countryside of the Dordogne region, with its rolling hills, picturesque villages and breathtaking castles. The Dordogne Road Trip will take you through some of the most beautiful and unspoiled parts of France, and is sure to provide you with a memorable experience.
1
Toulouse
- Montauban
Distance 55 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: fast
16.4 kWh
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Welcome to the Toulouse-Montauban stage of your road trip! This 54 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete, so you can easily fit in some sightseeing. Start your adventure in Toulouse, France and make sure to check out the Basilica of St. Sernin, one of the oldest and largest Romanesque churches in Europe. For a more modern experience, take a stroll through the city’s beautiful Jardin des Plantes, a botanical garden filled with exotic plants and flowers.
On your way to Montauban, don’t miss the chance to explore the ancient city of Moissac. This medieval town is home to some incredible historical sites, including the Abbey Church of Saint-Pierre, a former Benedictine monastery dating back to the 11th century.
Finally, you’ll arrive in Montauban, where you can visit the Cathédrale Saint-Alain and the Musée Ingres, a museum dedicated to the works of the renowned French painter. You’ll also find plenty of great restaurants, shops, and other attractions in the city.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” section of this stage. Bon voyage!
Montauban - France - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Montauban - France - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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2
Montauban
- Cahors
Distance 63 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: fast
18.8 kWh
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Are you looking for an exciting road trip stage? Then look no further than the Montauban to Cahors route! This 63 km route takes less than an hour to drive, and is full of interesting places to explore. Start your journey in Montauban, where you can visit the Musée Ingres, an art museum dedicated to the works of Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. You can also admire the beautiful architecture of the Saint Jacques Church and the City Hall.
As you continue your journey, you will find yourself in Cahors, a city with a rich history. Here, you can explore the many historical sites, such as the Pont Valentré, a fortified bridge over the River Lot, and the Saint Etienne Cathedral.
This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to check out the itinerary for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your road trip!
Cahors - France - Europe - Road Trip - Wikipedia
Cahors - France - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Cahors - France - Europe - Road Trip - flickr.com
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3
Cahors
- Bergerac
Distance 115 km
Driving time 1.9 h
Pace: modest
30.0 kWh
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Welcome to the Cahors - Bergerac road trip! This 115-km drive will take you less than two hours and will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes of France.
Begin your journey in Cahors, home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Pont Valentré, a fortified bridge from the 14th century. Don't miss the Place Jean-Jacques Chapou, a lively square with many restaurants and shops, and the Musée de Cahors Henri Martin, a museum dedicated to the works of the French painter.
Continue your journey to the charming town of Villeneuve-sur-Lot, where you can admire the ruins of the medieval castle and the Abbey of Saint-Avit.
Your next stop will be the picturesque town of Monflanquin. Here you can explore the narrow cobbled streets, the 15th-century gate, and the beautiful Place des Arcades.
Finally, you will arrive in Bergerac, a town with a rich history and many fascinating attractions. Visit the Place de la Myrpe, a lively square surrounded by Renaissance-style houses, and the Church of Notre-Dame, a beautiful 12th-century church.
The Cahors - Bergerac road trip is just one of the stages of a larger tour. To find out more about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Bergerac - France - Europe - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Bergerac - France - Europe - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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4
Bergerac
- Périgueux
Distance 49 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: fast
14.8 kWh
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Welcome to the Bergerac to Périgueux Road Trip! This stage of your journey takes you through the beautiful French countryside, spanning a distance of 49km and taking you fewer than 1 hour to complete.
As you drive, keep an eye out for interesting historical sites, such as the Palais de Justice in Bergerac and the Cathedral of Saint-Front in Périgueux. In Bergerac, be sure to visit the old town, where you can find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops. And in Périgueux, take some time to explore the old city walls and the lively market square.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary for this stage of your road trip. Have a great journey!
Périgueux - France - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
Périgueux - France - Europe - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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5
Périgueux
- Limoges
Distance 134 km
Driving time 2.9 h
Pace: modest
34.8 kWh
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Welcome to the Périgueux - Limoges stage of your road trip! This stage covers 137 km and takes less than 3 hours to complete, so it's the perfect opportunity to explore the region in depth.
Start your journey in Périgueux, a charming city in the Dordogne region of France. Here you'll find the Cathedral of Saint-Front, a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. Don't miss the Gallo-Roman ruins of Vesunna, a former Roman city with its own museum.
As you drive on, you'll pass through the picturesque towns of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère and Montignac-Lascaux, both of which offer plenty of opportunities to explore the area's historical and cultural heritage.
Continue on to the village of Nontron, where you can visit the 12th-century castle and admire the views of the surrounding countryside. Then, make your way to the city of Limoges, where you can visit the impressive Romanesque churches of Saint-Etienne and Saint-Martial.
Along the way, take time to enjoy the scenic views of the rolling hills and lush forests of the region. Make sure to keep an eye out for local wildlife, too!
To ensure you make the most of this stage of your road trip, be sure to check out our "Itinerary" for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!
Limoges - France - Europe - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
Limoges - France - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Limoges
- Brive la Gaillarde
Distance 94 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: fast
28.3 kWh
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Welcome, road-trippers! This stage of your journey takes you from Limoges to Brive la Gaillarde, a distance of 94 km that can be covered in less than 1 hour.
In Limoges, you should visit the Church of St-Michel-des-Lions, the Château de la Borie and the Church of St-Etienne. Don't forget to explore the narrow streets of the old city, where you can find many charming restaurants and cafés.
On your way to Brive la Gaillarde, you can stop at the village of Uzerche, where you can admire the Church of Notre-Dame and the ruins of the Château de la Marthonie.
Finally, in Brive la Gaillarde, you should explore the old city center, with its many shops and restaurants. You can also visit the Church of St-Martin and the Church of Notre-Dame.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a great trip!
Brive la Gaillarde - France - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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7
Brive la Gaillarde
- Domme
Distance 122 km
Driving time 2.4 h
Pace: modest
31.7 kWh
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Welcome to the most exciting road trip stage from Brive la Gaillarde to Domme! This stage is 118 km long and it will take you less than 3 hours to arrive at your destination.
Start your journey in Brive la Gaillarde, a city with a long and rich history. Here you can admire the Cathédrale Saint-Maurice and visit the Musée Labenche.
As you continue your journey, make sure to pay attention to the historical sites along the way. One of the most interesting is the Château de Castelnaud, an impressive fortress located in the Dordogne Valley.
When you arrive in Domme, you will be amazed by the beauty of this medieval village. Here you can explore the cobblestone streets and admire the ancient walls. Don't miss the chance to visit the Church of Notre Dame and the Museum of Prehistory.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Domme - France - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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8
Domme
- Albi
Distance 244 km
Driving time 4.2 h
Pace: modest
63.4 kWh
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Are you ready for your next road trip adventure? Embark on a 224km journey starting in Domme, France and ending in Albi. Along the way, you'll be able to take in some of the most iconic sites in the region, all within a drive of fewer than 5 hours. Take your time to explore the historical sites, such as the 12th-century fortress of Domme, or the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Albi Cathedral. Enjoy scenic views as you drive along the winding roads, and keep an eye out for hidden gems that you might stumble upon. Don't forget to check out the Itinerary for this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!
Albi - France - Europe - Road Trip - pixabay.com
Albi - France - Europe - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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9
Albi
- Toulouse
Distance 85 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: fast
25.6 kWh
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Welcome to your road trip stage from Albi to Toulouse! This 85 km drive will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in France. Along the way, you can visit some of the most interesting places in the region, such as the famous Albi Cathedral, the Toulouse-Lautrec Museum, and the Saint-Salvi Collegiate Church.
As you drive, take in the beauty of the stunning countryside, from rolling hills to quaint villages. Keep your eyes open for the historical sites, such as the Château de Bruniquel, the fortified city of Cordes-sur-Ciel, and the picturesque village of Lisle-sur-Tarn.
Along the way, you may want to stop at some of the picturesque villages, such as Gaillac, Rabastens, and Castres. Don't forget to take some time to explore the city of Toulouse itself, with its beautiful architecture and lively atmosphere.
The drive from Albi to Toulouse will take less than an hour, so you have plenty of time to explore the sights along the way. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Toulouse - France - Europe - Road Trip - pixabay.com
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Toulouse
[detailsContainer]
Toulouse, the capital of the Occitania region in France, is the perfect ending point for the Dordogne Road Trip. This vibrant city is full of culture, history, and entertainment.
Start your visit by exploring the old city center, located in the Place du Capitole. This large square is surrounded by red brick buildings, which are a reminder of its past. The city also boasts a number of beautiful churches, such as the Church of Les Jacobins and the Cathedral of St. Etienne.
For art and culture, visitors can visit the Musée des Augustins, a museum dedicated to fine and decorative art. The Musée des Abattoirs is also worth a visit, as it showcases modern and contemporary art.
Those looking for outdoor activities can enjoy the Canal de Brienne, a picturesque and tranquil canal on the outskirts of the city. Visitors can also take a stroll along the banks of the Garonne River.
For a unique experience, head to the Place du Taur, a plaza that is home to the famous Toulouse bullfighting event.
For international travelers, the closest international airport is Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS).
Toulouse is the perfect place to end the Dordogne Road Trip, offering something for everyone. From culture and art to outdoor activities, this dynamic city has it all.
Dordogne Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Toulouse
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End:
Toulouse
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Distance:
961 km
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Stay:
7 days
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Getting there:
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS)
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When to drive:
April, May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the picturesque Dordogne Road Trip for a captivating exploration of France's rural charm. Starting and ending in the historic city of Toulouse, this route spans roughly 940 kilometers and winds through the region's verdant landscapes. As you traverse this path, you'll encounter a mosaic of medieval towns, cultural landmarks, and gastronomic delights that exemplify the French joie de vivre.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Montauban: This town is a treasure trove of history, showcasing a blend of architectural styles that chronicle its past, from the formidable Montauban Cathedral to the 14th-century Pont Vieux bridge.
- Bergerac: Nestled on the banks of the Dordogne River, Bergerac is famed for its wine and tobacco museums, reflecting its rich agricultural heritage. The town's old quarter, with its timber-framed houses, is a journey back in time.
- Limoges: Known as the birthplace of Limoges porcelain, the city boasts a decorative arts museum dedicated to its famous craft. The Gothic Limoges Cathedral, with its impressive spire, dominates the skyline.
- Domme: Perched on a cliff, this bastide town offers panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley. Its well-preserved medieval streets and caverns add to its allure, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Best Time to Go:
To experience the Dordogne region at its finest, plan your Road Trip for the summer months. The warm, sunny climate is ideal for outdoor activities, such as canoeing on the river or hiking through the countryside.
Potential Risks:
The Dordogne Road Trip is generally safe, with well-maintained Roads throughout the route. It's advisable to stay updated on local driving regulations and weather forecasts to ensure a smooth journey.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Dordogne Road Trip can comfortably fit into a 7-day itinerary, allowing for leisurely exploration and ample time at each destination.
- The Trip caters to a range of budgets, with an abundance of affordable accommodations and dining options.
- Along the route, you'll encounter UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the picturesque Canal du Midi and the historic Belfry of Béziers, adding a touch of prestige to your adventure.
A good choice for:
The Dordogne Road Trip is a remarkable expedition through France's heartland, striking a harmonious balance between serenity and discovery. It's a week-long journey that promises to leave you with lasting memories, enriched by the region's history, culture, and natural beauty.
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