Domme is one of the jewels of Black Périgord. Are you going to tell us: another one? It is true that our Dordogne valley is full of remarkable towns and villages such as Roque-Gageac, Beynac and Saint-Cyprien. But Domme, a bastide which was founded by King Philip III in 1281, has, in our opinion, an additional particularity: it overlooks the Dordogne, offering a breathtaking view of our region.
You want to know more ? Follow the guide for a visit, Domme is a few kilometers from the town of Sarlat !
Domme, a magnificent village overlooking the Dordogne
You will love walking on the Barre esplanade, which is located in the extension of the Place de la Halle de Domme! Imagine a breathtaking view of the Dordogne valley: you will be able to admire all the colors of our Périgord, in particular the black of the oak forests below. It is for this reason that this part of the Dordogne is called Black Périgord !
In the distance on your right, you will see the Château de Montfort; on your left: the village of Vitrac , but also the Château de Beynac, and between the two, you can see the famous gardens of Marqueyssac. Due to its location, Domme benefits from a panorama ideal for observing the geography and history of the Dordogne valley. But that's not all, country house in itself also has something to dazzle you.
Domme, one of the most beautiful bastides in the Dordogne
Do you know what a bastide is? It is a fortified village, dating from the Middle ages, typical of this region of southwest France. It is built according to a regular plan, most often around a square which has arcades. Domme has had to adapt to its position on the cliffside: its plan is less geometric than other villages in Périgord.
That doesn't stop you from getting lost in the small streets of the village of Domme after passing under the gate of the Towers. You will then be able to admire the traces left by the Templars during their detention in the 14the century. Tourism in Périgord also means opening a book of French history!
You will be seduced by this village which has managed to preserve all the riches of its heritage such as the mullioned windows or the ribbed vaults of magnificent residences, typical of the architecture of the Dordogne.
The Domme cave, the other surprise of the bastide
This Périgord village is truly surprising since, not only do you have an incredible panorama from the esplanade, but you can also visit a cave which was discovered in 1912. It is located under the Place de la Halle.
During your walk in the village, you will be far from imagining what is hidden under your feet: 450m of galleries decorated with natural concretions. During the one-hour visit, you can admire hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites. It's also an opportunity to cool off in summer or warm up in winter because the temperature is 13/15°C all year round.
The little extra: our four-legged friends are welcome if they are on a leash. (Do not hesitate to stop by the tourist office located next to the entrance to the cave for more information on visit times and prices.)
An idea for a circuit in Dordogne, around Domme
Here is a suggestion for visiting other villages classified among the most beautiful in France. You can leave from Domme, go down towards Cénac-Saint-Julien to head towards the village of Roque-Gageac, and why not plan a visit to the gardens of Marqueyssac ?
Then place castle of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle then to the castle of Beynac-et-Cazenac. If you prefer, you can also discover the magnificent Milandes castle by Joséphine Baker and her magnificent garden. They are all located around ten kilometers from each other.
You can use your car, but this circuit can be done at bicycle with electric assistance to make your climbs easier! Be your own guide and let yourself be tempted by all the incredible sites around Domme and Sarlat in the Dordogne.
