Dordogne Valley of France

We selected Sarlat-la-Canéda as our "Dordogne Valley Base Camp" due to it's proximity to a number of destinations that we planned to visit. Plus we rented a beautiful VRBO apartment on the third floor of a building in the heart of the "old town" - and - the apartment came with indoor secure parking (located several blocks from the apartment, but very secure).

Sarlat-la-Canéda, often simply referred to as Sarlat, is a captivating medieval town situated in the Dordogne region of southwestern France. Renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved architecture, Sarlat is like a step back in time (it is considered as one of France's best examples of a 14th century town), offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the area.

The town's golden sandstone buildings, winding cobblestone streets, and charming squares transport visitors to the heart of the Middle Ages. Sarlat's stunning architecture includes numerous well-preserved Renaissance and Gothic buildings, as well as an impressive cathedral.

Sarlat is famous for its bustling markets, where you can sample the region's exquisite gastronomy, including truffles, foie gras, and walnut products. The market square, Place de la Liberté (located adjacent to our VRBO rental unit), is the vibrant center of these culinary delights.

We have been refering to Sarlat as a "village", but most documentation you will find will say "town". With a current population of 8,788 (2020), I would tend to think that "village" is appropriate.

Beyond its architectural and culinary treasures, Sarlat is an ideal base for exploring the picturesque Dordogne region, known for its stunning landscapes, prehistoric caves, and historic castles.

Rocamadour had been one of our destination targets since the very first planning sessions, as it represents one of the more unusual sites we'd ever seen or read about. The drive from Sarlat to Rocamadour is via country roads/back roads that are narrow with lots of curves. The distance was only 51 kilometers however the roads were challenging to the point where it took 1.5 hours to arrive.

Rocamadour, often referred to as a "Vertical Village," is a breathtaking medieval town perched precariously on the side of a sheer limestone cliff in southwestern France. This unique and enchanting destination is a place of profound religious significance and natural beauty.

At the heart of Rocamadour is the Sanctuary of Rocamadour, a complex of religious buildings that have drawn pilgrims for centuries. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and houses the revered Black Madonna statue. Pilgrims climb the Grand Escalier, a steep flight of 216 steps, as an act of penance, seeking solace, and hoping for miracles.

The town's architecture is a remarkable sight, with its ancient buildings seemingly stacked on top of each other along the cliffside. The charming medieval streets are lined with shops selling local handicrafts, goat cheese, and other regional specialties.

Château de Beynac is located approximately 25 kilometers south of Sarlat, and as this Chateau was used as a film set for the movie "The Last Duel", we were eager to visit and explore.

Château de Beynac is a captivating medieval fortress perched dramatically on a limestone cliff (more than 150 meters tall) overlooking the Dordogne River in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. This imposing castle, which dates back to the 12th century, is one of the most iconic and well-preserved examples of medieval military architecture in the country.

Beynac's strategic location and impressive defensive features, including a formidable outer wall and a steep approach, made it a key stronghold during the Hundred Years' War between England and France. Its well-preserved interior offers visitors a fascinating journey through time, with furnished rooms, medieval weaponry, and historical exhibits that provide insight into the castle's rich history.

The panoramic views from the castle's ramparts are absolutely breathtaking, offering a glimpse of the picturesque Dordogne Valley and the neighboring Château de Castelnaud. The castle's captivating ambiance, history, and stunning surroundings make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the medieval heritage of France.

Domme has been selected as one of the "Most beautiful villages in the Dordogne Valley France". Click here to read more about Domme and other Dordogne Villages

Visiting Château des Milandes was easy, because we had just departed Château de Beynac on the north side of the Dordogne River, a 9.7 kilometer drive - and - Milande is on the south side of the river. (use the "map" link above to view these locations).

This Château was made famous because it was purchased by Josephine Baker in 1947, and was originally built by François de Caumont around 1489, it was, until 1535, the main house of the lords of Caumont, who preferred to live in this manor house instead of the large, uncomfortable medieval castle of Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (4.2 kilometers east - you will drive right next to it after you cross the bridge over the Dordogne River).

The castle's architecture is a blend of Renaissance and Gothic styles. The main façade is decorated with intricate carvings, including the Caumont coat of arms. The castle is surrounded by a moat and a beautiful park.

In 1940, Josephine Baker rented the Château des Milandes, and she purchased it in 1947. Baker lived in the castle with her husband, Jo Bouillon, and their adopted children from all over the world. Baker also used the castle to host parties and events, and she even built a small zoo on the property.

This was a place on the Dordogne River (village of Vitrac) that we found as we drove south on the D-46 from Sarlat to Domme - drove around a corner and there it was - it looked so inviting & cool so we stopped to take some pictures and find out what it was all about. We parked in their large parking lot and then hiked about the facilities which were clean and well equipped with an eatery as well.

We discovered that we could have parked there, rented a canoe and paddled either to Domme or Beynac where they provide a landing spot for you to return your canoe and take a ride back to your car on their bus. If we had done better research, we probably would have gone paddling!

Canoës Loisirs is a leading provider of canoe and kayak rentals on the Dordogne River. They offer a variety of canoe trips to suit all levels of experience, from beginner to expert. You can choose from a half-day trip to a multi-day adventure, with the option to stay in campgrounds or hotels along the way. In addition to their canoe & kayak rentals, they offer horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing, caving as well as providing equipment to business groups/group outings.

One of the most popular canoe trips offered by them is the Vitrac-Beynac descent. This 10-mile trip takes you past some of the most iconic castles in the Dordogne Valley, including the Château de Beynac, the Château de Castelnaud, and the Château des Milandes. You will also pass through the charming villages of Beynac-et-Cazenac and La Roque-Gageac.