Gites in Dordogne

Like pictures from a book of fairytales, holiday cottages and gites in Dordogne cling to the hillsides. In this wooded landscape there's a surprise at every turn of the road – a glimpse of a medieval church, endless strawberry fields and prehistoric remains. Dordogne transforms throughout the year, changing with the seasons. During summer the temperature is mild-hot ranging from 25°- 35°. Spring and autumn both benefit from temperate weather with a slighter bigger chance of rain than summer. There are normally only short periods of cold weather in winter (when temperatures can drop to -10°), making holiday cottages and gites in Dordogne inviting throughout the year.

Holiday Cottages Dordogne

The jewel in the crown is Sarlat, which lies at the heart of the Dordogne valley although not on the river itself. This well-preserved town, with its golden stone buildings, twisting lanes and great food market is the perfect retreat for a holiday cottages in Dordogne. The region is also home to legendary villages – Monpazier, Rocamadour, La Roque-Gageac and Domme, which boast striking and unique architecture. As well as sightseeing, holiday cottages in Dordogne are perfectly located for many outdoor activities. There are trails for walking, horse riding and cycling, but perhaps the best way to explore the Dordogne is by water and there are countless opportunities for hiring canoes at various locations along the majestic river.

Dordogne Holiday Accommodation

From spacious country houses to 17th-century stone holiday cottages, Dordogne offers a wide choice of holiday accommodation for groups, families and couples. Each cottage offers a variety of features ranging from simple, to more luxurious touches such as private swimming pools and saunas. The size of holiday cottages in Dordogne vary from small charming cottages to large luxurious villa’s with 10 bedrooms, meaning that there really is something for everyone year-round. Enjoy the fresh bloom of spring, the heat of summer, the golden rustic shades of autumn or a mild inviting winter in a holiday cottage in Dordogne.

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Dordogne and Lot

The Dordogne and Lot. The names alone conjure up images of castles and chateaux nestled in green forests, crystal clear rivers snaking across the landscape; typically French scenes. The leafy Dordogne feels as if it has somehow sidestepped the modern world, cherishing its ancient history and connections with the land. Lot, too, blessed with glorious semi-mountainous terrain, is the perfect place for a French holiday. We think anyone who wants to experience mouth-watering local delicacies, pretty countryside and great accommodation in deepest France will find that these two unique departments are hard to beat!

Sarlat-la-Caneda

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La Roque-Gageac

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Cahors

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Bergerac

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Domme

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Rocamadour

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Nontron

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Agen

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Souillac

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Places to Go in Dordogne and Lot

We think enjoying this part of France is all about those magical moments. Try catching the sun rise over Sarlat, illuminating this stunning renaissance town’s yellow sandstone. Look out for the engraved crucifixes carved out by the Knights Templar whilst imprisoned in the Portes des Tours in the bastide town of Domme. Check out the riverside pleasures of Limeuil, offering canoeing and river-beach life on the tranquil River Dordogne/Vezere confluence, and try a bit of wine tasting in Roman St Emilion. Explore the boutique shops in the region’s largest town, Bergerac, or step back in time by visiting medieval Monpazier – possibly the most stunning and well-preserved of the bastide towns. If you didn’t know much about French medieval history before your visit to Dordogne and Lot, you’re sure to know a great deal more by the time you drag yourself away!

Our Top Picks in Dordogne and Lot

We want you to enjoy the best that the Dordogne and Lot has to offer and so here's a small selection of our favourite things to see and do;

Vézère Valley

The Vézère Valley offers lots of prehistoric sites which, as well as providing a fascinating insight into life in prehistoric Dordogne (particularly interesting are the cave paintings found in Lascaux Cave), give you the chance to explore a unique landscape. The National Prehistoric Museum is also a must if you’re in the Vézère Valley, and especially for children there are a range of fun-packed organised adventures; hiking and exploring a troglodyte landscape, peppered with caves, shelters and underground caverns!

French Markets

There’s sure to come a moment when you’ve looked at enough prehistoric artwork and feel the urge to go shopping! But shopping in the Dordogne and Lot is not your average shopping-centre affair – in this part of France you’ll be able to explore some of the most unique markets in Europe, offering a plethora of mouth-watering local food, handmade arts and crafts and other gifts that are unique to the region. Not a single yawn to be seen among other members of the family!

Château de Marqueyssac & Château de Castlenaud

If you appreciate a nice straight hedge, then the gardens around Château de Marqueyssac might send you round the bend; the bizarre, swirling rounded shapes found in this ‘Jardin Remarquable’ are a mesmerising twist on the traditional French garden – and a lot of fun to get out of! For a more traditional experience, the Château de Castlenaud, perched on top a rocky outcrop, is sure to delight, having seen a good deal of action in the 100 Years War. If you think your interest in very long battles between the French and the English will peak at this, save some energy for the Chateau de Beynac – a fascinating castle that gives you a real sense of the murky Middle Ages. Exploring all three will leave a lingering taste of this region’s fascinating past. If you have time, these are a must!