If prehistoric caves and ancient castle attractions interest you, look no further than the Dordogne region of France. If you planning to stay in the Dordogne for a short break or longer, consider renting one of the comfortable Dordogne gites so that you can have ample time to explore the tourist attractions in this stunning area of Southwest France. Below is the top five tourist attractions that you will not want to miss when visiting Dordogne.
1. Lascaux Caves – These celebrated caves contain some of the best-known Paleolithic cave paintings in the world. The original caves are closed to the public, but a detailed replica in addition to a mini-museum is available offering everyone who visits a unique insight and educational look at Paleolithic cave art.
2. Chateau de Castelnaud – For anyone interested in understanding what life was like in a medieval castle, this attraction recreates what would have happened through sword fight demonstrations, interactive displays and exhibitions.
3. La Roque St-Christophe – Offers the chance to explore a famous prehistoric troglodyte site and discover how humans inhabited this environment. There is the opportunity to explore alone and view the remnants of many of the ancient structures such as the church. Consider bringing a picnic for lunch in addition to sturdy walking shoes to enjoy this prehistoric site.
4. Rocamadour – As a famous pilgrimage destination Rocamadour has attracted religious believers from around the world for over 1,000 years. This stunning village is set on a cliff top and is regarded as one of the most amazing tourist hot spots in France attracting over a million visitors each year. Why not take a stroll through the medieval streets and visit the renowned sanctuaries.
5. Canoeing on the Dordogne – Great adventures can be had exploring the beautiful rivers of the Dordogne by canoe. Choose one of the quaint and convenient French gites nearby so that you can enjoy plenty of time canoeing the area. Many tourists find this a relaxing way to discover the Dordogne valley and take in the magnificent scenery. Due to the popularity of canoeing in the Dordogne, consider paddling down the river Vezere for a quieter experience.