It is in the heart of the Dordogne that you can discover this territory, small but full of historical gems: Lascaux IV in Montignac-Lascaux, but also the incredible gardens of the castle of Losse. The activities in the Périgord Noir are numerous and will please the whole family. Between leisure, nature and encounter with history, we will give you our best advice and serve as your guide. Everything you need to make your trip to the Vézère valley a success!
What should we visit in the Vézère valley?
Where to start ? There are so many and varied attractions in the Dordogne! Here is a quick overview of the places to visit when you stay in the Vézère valley. Since 2020, the valley has been labeled Grand Site of France : this means that a sustainable management plan has been created to protect these high-profile territories.
The Valley of Man
This is what the Vézère valley is called, which has prehistoric sites the most remarkable in France. Realize: 15 Paleolithic sites registered in the Unesco World Heritage. But also 147 deposits and 25 decorated caves, over a few dozen kilometers, along the Vézère river. Among these caves: the Lascaux cave of course, discovered in 1940. Or the Combarelles cave, at the entrance to the Eyzies, which has nearly 800 parietal engravings, around fifty of which depict men. Without forgetting the famous shelter of Cro-Magnon, the best known of prehistoric men.
Organize your visit to prehistoric sites
We can only recommend that you book your visit to the site of the Lascaux IV cave in Montignac-Lascaux to have the chance to relive the experience of the discoverers and admire these cave works in a unique way. It’s a visit that will be remembered for a long time! To go further in the prehistoric journey, go to National Museum of Prehistory in Les Eyzies. This place was designed to make knowledge accessible to all ages, from the youngest to the most experts.
And do you know them troglodyte sites black Périgord?
They are very numerous and very impressive, like that of Roque Saint-Christophe, or the site of La Madeleine and its village designed to evoke life on the side of a cliff! Don't miss the Maison Forte de Reignac which was inhabited until recently.
Activities throughout the Vézère valley
Indeed, the Vézère valley, in Périgord Noir, is not just about Prehistory or the Lascaux cave or Les Eyzies! Many medieval castles and villages overlook the Vézère river. You can admire on the water, aboard a canoe, or better yet: by visiting them. And you can also have an incredible experience by descending into the depths of the Proumeyssac chasm.
Le Losse castle in Thonac, like the Commarque castle on its rocky spur are magical places which combine tourism but also history and nature. Did you know that the Château de Losse in Dordogne is the winner of the garden art prize in 2022? You will be able to visit and enjoy these extraordinary settings in complete tranquility in the heart of the Vézère valley, with your children.
How to visit the Vézère valley?
Let yourself be guided by your desires
You now know all the attractions of this valley which contains so many villages and sites to visit. From Terrasson-Lavilledieu, the gateway to Black Périgord, to Limeuil, at the confluence with the Dordogne, follow the course of the river ! You can stop in the village or site that you like.
Weather can also guide your choice : spend some time in the cool of a prehistoric cave or, on the contrary, enjoy the sun with a canoe trip towards Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère. This type of activity is very popular during a stay in Périgord!
Et to change times, take a visit to the Parc du Bournat in Le Bugue: a change of scenery guaranteed!
By booking accommodation near the Vézère valley
That you are campsite or hotel, you will find all styles of accommodation and at all prices! Each village in this part of Périgord Noir offers you a solution that corresponds to your desires and your budget. After spending the day in prehistoric times or in a castle near Montignac-Lascaux, you will enjoy resting in one of these accommodations, in the heart of nature, in the Vézère valley.
