Discover Belvès and the Dordogne Region
History and Culture of the Dordogne
The Dordogne is a region made for exploring, with beautiful countryside, medieval villages and a rich history around almost every corner. From Domaine de La Banne, many of its most memorable places and experiences are within easy reach.
Spend your days discovering historic villages and châteaux, wandering through local markets, or enjoying the landscapes of the Dordogne and Vézère valleys. Follow quiet walking and cycling routes through the countryside, take to the Dordogne River, or simply find a terrace and enjoy the slower pace of life.
Food and wine are an important part of life here, with local markets, vineyards, restaurants and traditional marchés gourmands offering plenty of opportunities to discover the flavours of the region.
Whether you want to explore, be active, discover the history of the Dordogne or simply enjoy the surroundings, there is always somewhere new to visit and something different to experience.
Beautiful villages
The Dordogne is renowned for its wealth of historic villages and towns, many of which are officially recognised among the Most Beautiful Villages in France - and all within easy reach of La Banne.
Just a short drive away, the medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda is a must-see UNESCO World Heritage site, with its maze of cobbled alleyways and lively atmosphere. The bastide village of Monpazier is another highlight, perfectly preserved and full of character. To the north, the riverside village of Limeuil sits at the scenic confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers, while Beynac-et-Cazenac, with its imposing hilltop château, offers breathtaking views and rich history.
Nearby, you’ll also find the bustling market town of Bergerac, the charming riverside hub of Le Bugue, and the peaceful streets of Beaumont-du-Périgord. Saint-Cyprien brings a mix of local life and architectural charm, while La Roque-Gageac, built dramatically into the cliffside, feels like a step back in time. For spectacular views of the Dordogne valley, Domme offers an unparalleled panorama from its lofty perch.
The Dordogne river
The majestic Dordogne River, with its dramatic gorges, towering cliffs and tree-lined banks, offers endless opportunities for both adventure and relaxation.
A favourite for watersports enthusiasts and walkers alike, the river is dotted with centres offering canoe and kayak hire, with routes of varying lengths to suit all levels. One of our personal favourites is the Base Municipale at Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, which offers a particularly scenic stretch of the river.
For a more leisurely experience, enjoy a peaceful cruise on a gabarre - a traditional flat-bottomed boat once used for transporting goods - with regular departures from Beynac and La Roque-Gageac.
There are also plenty of natural river beaches along the way, perfect for a picnic, a swim, or simply soaking up the scenery. Fishing, especially fly fishing, is also popular here, with the Dordogne known for its rich and varied river life.
Châteaux and Gardens
The Dordogne is home to an exceptional collection of châteaux and gardens, from imposing medieval fortresses to beautifully landscaped estates.
Perched above the river, Château de Beynac offers spectacular views across the Dordogne Valley, while nearby Château des Milandes, once home to Josephine Baker, combines fascinating history with popular falconry displays.
Near Monpazier, the impressive Château de Biron reflects centuries of changing architectural styles. The atmospheric Château de Commarque reveals the region’s prehistoric and medieval past, while Château de Castelnaud brings medieval history to life with its renowned collection of weapons and armour.
Garden lovers should visit the famous Jardins de Marqueyssac, known for their sculpted box hedges and panoramic walkways. The elegant Gardens of Eyrignac and peaceful water gardens at Carsac are also perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Nearby Markets
Visiting a local market in the Dordogne is one of the best ways to experience authentic French life, with fresh produce, regional specialities, local wines, flowers and crafts.
The Saturday market in Belvès is a favourite, held in the heart of this beautiful medieval village. Further afield, the lively Sarlat market, also on Saturdays, attracts visitors from across the Dordogne.
On Sundays, Saint-Cyprien market is one of the region’s best loved, while Le Bugue market fills the town every Tuesday. The picturesque bastide of Monpazier holds its weekly market on Thursdays and hosts a colourful annual flower and plant fair in May.
Wherever you visit, the markets of the Dordogne offer a wonderful taste of local culture, traditional food and everyday French life, as well as the perfect opportunity to discover regional products.
Prehistoric sites and caves
The Dordogne is world-famous for its extraordinary prehistoric heritage, with caves, ancient settlements and archaeological sites revealing thousands of years of human history.
The renowned Lascaux IV in Montignac brings prehistoric cave art to life through impressive replicas and interactive displays. Closer to home, explore the fascinating troglodyte dwellings of Belvès, hidden beneath the medieval village.
Nearby, the spectacular Gouffre de Proumeyssac, known as the “Cathedral of Crystal”, features an immense underground cavern. Les Grottes de Maxange are equally impressive, with their rare crystal formations.
Around Les Eyzies, considered the prehistoric capital of France, you’ll find the Grottes du Roc de Cazelle and numerous prehistoric sites. Nearby, Roque Saint-Christophe is a remarkable cliffside settlement overlooking the beautiful Vézère Valley, offering a fascinating journey through prehistoric and medieval life in the Dordogne.
Marché Gourmands
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of a marché gourmand, where the region’s bastide villages and medieval towns come alive with delicious food, local wine, and lively entertainment.
Throughout the summer months, trestle tables fill the streets and squares under the central halles, creating the perfect setting for an evening of dîner en plein air - al fresco dining in true French style. Choose from a tempting array of freshly cooked dishes at the numerous food stalls, sample fine local wines, or bring your own bottle to enjoy.
These popular gatherings offer a wonderful chance to mingle with locals and fellow holidaymakers alike, soaking up the convivial spirit of the Dordogne. The Belvès marché gourmand is held on Wednesday evenings and is a highlight not to be missed.
Hot air ballooning
For an unforgettable experience, take to the skies on a hot air balloon flight and marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the Dordogne valley and river from a unique perspective.
Drift gently with the wind as you soar above the lush landscapes and magnificent Dordogne châteaux, enjoying panoramic views that you simply can’t see from the ground. Whether you prefer a scenic group flight or want to mark a special occasion with a private journey, there are several reputable companies to choose from.
Popular operators include Périgord Dordogne Montgolfières based in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Montgolfier et Châteaux in Beynac-et-Cazenac, and Montgolfières du Périgord located in La Roque-Gageac. Flights vary in length and time of day, allowing you to pick the perfect adventure to suit your schedule.
Wine
The Dordogne and Bergerac are renowned for their vineyards and local wines, with plenty of opportunities for tastings and buying directly from producers.
Nearby, Château de Monbazillac is famous for its sweet dessert wines, while other favourites include Domaine de la Tuque near Biron, Domaine de la Voie Blanche near Saint-Cyprien and Domaine du Haut Pécharmant near Bergerac.
Further afield, discover Vignoble des Verdots, Domaine l’Ancienne Cure and the celebrated Vin de Domme. Organised Dordogne wine tours are also available, with local collection and private tastings at Domaine de La Banne.
Food lovers can discover the region’s cuisine at Cook Dordogne in Saint-Cyprien, which offers demonstrations and half or full-day cookery courses using delicious local produce. It’s a perfect way to experience the flavours and traditions of the Dordogne.
Horse Riding
Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced rider, the Dordogne offers a wonderful range of equestrian centres and riding experiences to suit all levels. Exploring the stunning countryside on horseback gives you a unique perspective on this beautiful region.
Close to Belvès, Bos Cheval Rouge provides lessons, short rides, and full-day outings along varied and picturesque trails. Further afield, Equi’Périgord is conveniently located between Les Eyzies and Saint-Cyprien, offering excellent facilities and guided rides.
Les Cavaliers de la Vézère is based in the town of Sergeac, just a short distance from the charming village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère. Here you can enjoy peaceful rides through some of the Dordogne’s most enchanting landscapes.
