The Dordogne: enjoying the countryside between medieval villages, rivers and endless nature

A region that truly has it all

The Dordogne, in the picturesque southwest of France, is a destination that truly has it all. From lush forests and winding rivers to prehistoric caves and imposing castles. This region combines natural beauty with a rich cultural history, and once you're there, you barely have to drive to see it all.

Where is the Dordogne?

Centrally located between Bordeaux and Toulouse, you can reach the Dordogne within two hours from either city. The region has mild winters and warm summers, around twenty-seven degrees in July and August. September stays pleasant too, making the autumn season here one of the loveliest times of year.

The land of castles and limestone cliffs

The Dordogne is the land of castles, prehistoric caves and river valleys between limestone cliffs. Dense forests, rolling hills, sweeping valleys and clear rivers follow one another. It's landscape that draws you outside without even trying, even if you'd planned to do nothing for a day.

Lascaux, Beynac and Castelnaud

The world-famous Lascaux caves, with cave paintings seventeen thousand years old, are twenty kilometres away. The castles of Beynac and Castelnaud look out over the river from their rocky outcrops, and Château des Milandes is one and a half kilometres from the campsite. Sarlat, with its medieval centre and lively market, is a quarter of an hour's drive.

Eating and drinking in the Périgord Noir

The Périgord Noir is a culinary treasure trove, known for its walnuts, truffles, foie gras and the wines of Bergerac. At Sarlat's market you can buy all four in a single morning. At the campsite, the restaurant serves a different Périgord dish every day, with themed evenings around wine, walnuts, barbecue and even a medieval dinner.

Where you sleep: camping Les Tailladis

Les Tailladis is a welcoming, rustic family campsite in the countryside, run by the originally Dutch Hirsch family. You're right in the heart of the golden triangle between Les Eyzies, Montignac and Sarlat, and yet it's peaceful here. The relaxed atmosphere is what guests mention most often.

Three ways to swim

There's a heated pool open from mid-April to the end of October, a toddler pool with a waterfall, and a large natural swimming spot next to the little river. That heated pool is the reason you can come here in April and October too, while many campsites are still closed then or the water is too cold.

A guided canoe trip with guide Yuri

Every week the campsite organises a guided canoe trip on the Dordogne. Guide Yuri knows the spots where you can swim and picnic, which makes a day on the water just that bit more enjoyable than hiring a boat yourself from a rental point. You paddle past cliffs and under castles.

Also the lake at Tamniès

If you prefer still water: the lake at Tamniès is five kilometres away, an eight-minute drive, with a small beach. Handy for an afternoon with young children, or for a day when the river is too busy. Sarlat is ten kilometres away, and the supermarket there is the nearest large one.

Who is this for?

This is a destination for families who want to see something during the day and sit quietly in the evening. Two swimming pools, a natural swimming spot, a playground and activities for all ages at the campsite; castles, caves and markets in the surrounding area. If you're only after sun and beach, this isn't the place for you, as the coast is far away.

Sleeping in a Safari Lodge

At Les Tailladis you'll find the Safari Lodge for two to four people, twenty square metres from seventy-nine euros, and the Safari Lodge with Teeny Lodge for up to six. The latter is the solution for a family who'd like the children to have their own tent. Bergerac airport is an hour away.