Lively Towns, Stone Villages and the Art of Living

The Dordogne in Motion

What if the Dordogne were discovered as a journey rather than a destination?
From Brive to Agen, the river becomes a guiding thread, linking gourmet towns, stone-built villages, lively markets and landscapes shaped by water. This itinerary invites you to move forward without rushing, to change atmosphere each day, and to experience the Dordogne in motion — vibrant, inhabited and generous.
A sensitive journey, blending heritage, local culture and the simple pleasure of the road.

Table of contents

You’ll love it

Starting with a vibrant market in Brive

Wandering through Sarlat, the living heart of the valley

Linking prehistory, towns and vineyards

Travelling through it all at an unhurried pace

Day 1

Brive & Sarlat

Start with a vibrant local market in Brive before heading to the golden-stone streets of Sarlat.

At a Glance  

From Gourmet Delights to Golden Stone

Morning
Arrive in Brive-la-Gaillarde, the northern gateway to the Dordogne. If you’re there on market day, it’s unmissable: the Georges Brassens market hall and surrounding streets buzz with colour, accents and local produce. You taste, you chat, and instantly grasp the generous, food-loving soul of southwest France.

Afternoon & Evening
In early afternoon, drive towards Sarlat-la-Canéda. The scenery gradually changes: the valley narrows, stone becomes omnipresent. Upon arrival, wander through the historic centre — medieval lanes, lively squares, façades glowing in the late-afternoon light. Dinner in Sarlat, in a lively yet never overwhelming atmosphere.

Destination Brive
Destination Sarlat

©Les Eyzies, Hôtel La Rivière / La Rivière

Your accomodation in Les Eyzies (2 nights)

Hôtel La Rivière**

Peacefully set along the Vézère River, surrounded by cliffs and prehistoric landscapes. An ideal base close to the valley.

Hôtel La Rivière

Day 2

Dordogne Valley

Explore hilltop villages and step back in time with a visit to a major prehistoric site.

at a glance

Hilltop Villages and Ancient Memory

Morning
This morning, discover the Dordogne through its iconic villages. Stop in Beynac-et-Cazenac or Domme, depending on your mood. The streets climb, viewpoints open up, the river winds below. Every walk ends with a reward for the eyes.

Afternoon & Evening
Shift eras with a major prehistoric site in the Vézère Valley. Lascaux IV offers a spectacular, immersive experience accessible to all.
(Alternative: Rouffignac Cave, quieter and equally fascinating.)
Return to Sarlat or nearby for a calm evening after a day rich in discoveries.

Visit Dordogne Valley
Lascaux Official Website

©Gabares quais de Cyrano à Bergerac / CDT Dordogne / Déclic & Décolle

good to know

The Age of the Gabarres

Once, traditional flat-bottomed boats known as gabarres drifted slowly along the Dordogne, carrying wood, wine and stone with the current. Today, you can step aboard and be carried by the gentle lapping of the water and the stories whispered by the river. Time seems to stand still, between golden cliffs and shimmering reflections.

About gabarres (in french)

Day 3

Périgueux

Experience the lively heart of Périgueux through its markets, heritage and relaxed city rhythm.

At a Glance 

Tasting the City Before Exploring It

Morning
Arrive in Périgueux in the morning, when the city is at its liveliest. Head to the market and covered halls (depending on the day): generous stalls, Périgord specialities and animated conversations. Take time to taste, observe and feel the city’s rhythm — this is where its friendly, gourmet spirit truly comes alive.

Afternoon & Evening
The afternoon is perfect for exploring on foot: medieval streets, half-timbered houses and Renaissance quarters. Visit Saint-Front Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
(Cultural alternative: the Vesunna Museum, for a dive into the city’s Gallo-Roman past.)
End the day on a terrace or along the Isle River, as the pace softens and the evening unfolds gently.

Destination Périgueux

©Perigueux, Hôtel Mercure / Hôtel Mercure

Your accomodation

Hôtel Mercure Périgueux Centre****

Perfectly located to experience the city on foot, between markets, historic streets and lively terraces.

Hôtel Mercure

Day 4

Bergerac

Follow the river south to Bergerac and discover its vineyards, flavours and easy art of living.

at a glance  

Vines, River and the Art of Living

Morning
Travel south to Bergerac, a bright, open town shaped by the river. Wander through the old town, then stop at Quai Cyrano, the gateway to the Bergerac vineyards. Tastings, conversations and views over the river reveal the deep connection between town and terroir.

Afternoon & Evening
Continue into the vineyards around Monbazillac, where rolling hills offer beautiful panoramas.
(Alternative: Pécharmant vineyards, for a different expression of Bergerac wines.)
Return to Bergerac in the evening to enjoy its gentle lifestyle and local gastronomy.

Destination Bergerac
Château de Monbazillac

©La Chartreuse du Bignac, vue aérienne / Chartreuse du Bignac

Your accomodation in Saint-Nexans

La Chartreuse du Bignac

Set on the heights above the Bergerac vineyards, this elegant 17th-century residence embodies the refined art of living in Southwest France. Surrounded by vines and countryside, it is the ideal place to end your journey in a soft, romantic atmosphere.

La Chartreuse du Bignac

Day 5

Agen

End your journey in the plum capital, with canals, open landscapes and a slower pace.

at a glance

When the Dordogne Gives Way to the Garonne

Morning
Final stop in Agen, where the landscape and rhythm subtly change. Here, the Garonne — alongside the lateral canal — shapes the territory. Begin with a walk or bike ride along the water, in a bright, open atmosphere.

Take time to admire the Agen Canal Bridge, a rare and impressive feat of engineering suspended above the Garonne. A symbolic end to the journey, between rivers, canals and more southern horizons.

Afternoon
Depending on your time, wander through Agen’s town centre, enjoy a gourmet break featuring local specialities, or continue strolling along the canal.
The journey naturally concludes here, with the feeling of having followed a coherent thread from Brive to Agen, from one valley to another.

Destination Agen

©Villeréal / Teddy Verneuil Lezbroz

YUM!

A taste of the South-West france

In Lot-et-Garonne, local produce tells the story of a bountiful land, shaped by the sun and the expertise of its farmers. Fruit, vegetables and cured meats can be discovered throughout the seasons, at markets, on farms and at food festivals. An invitation to savour the region, simply and fully, through its most vibrant offerings.

About local produce

Good to know

Our tips for enjoying your stay

  • Visit markets and town centres in the morning for the best atmosphere.
  • Book major sites such as Lascaux IV in advance during high season.
  • Adapt visits to the heat in summer: towns in the morning, caves and rivers in the afternoon.
  • Bring good walking shoes — historic centres and villages are often cobbled or sloped.

Low-Carbon Accessibility

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Here are some practical answers to the most common questions, to help you plan your stay with ease and confidence.

Yes, a car makes the journey and intermediate stops much easier.

Absolutely. It offers a broad, coherent overview of the region.

Yes, each day can be adjusted to suit your preferred pace.

Rates

indicative budget

(Based on 1 people)

From €510 to €770 (1 adult)
the price includes
  • 4 nights and breakfast
  • Lascaux IV
  • Visit of a Castle
  • Wine testing
  • Visit of the Cathedral in Périgueux
The price does not include
  • International transport to/from your destination
  • Local transfers
  • Meals
  • Optional guided tours
  • Personal expenses and travel insurance

💡 The total budget may vary depending on the season, accommodation category and availability of guided activities. Travelling outside peak summer periods generally allows for a more comfortable budget and a quieter experience.

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