The weather is nice, it's hot, it's normal you're in Dordogne-Périgord! But there, yes, we agree, it's TOO hot. Fortunately, you are in the Vézère valley, and we have some ideas for visits to do and cool places to recommend.
In Dordogne, there is no shortage of caves! To stay cool, a cave is ideal!
Did you know that in caves the temperature is constant? In summer and winter, it is always 13 degrés.
The prehistoric cave perhaps with paintings or engravings. The constant temperature allows its preservation. You can see this by visiting one of the most famous caves in France: Lascaux.
The Vézère valley conceals other exceptional cavities: the Rouffignac cave is ideal with children, it can be visited by little train.
Natural caves, with stalagmites and stalactites, like the Grand Roc cave ou the Proumeyssac chasm will allow you to learn everything about the geology of Périgord from their guide. Don't hesitate to follow the animation of the Proumeyssac chasm during your family stay: the visit with Professor Géopole is particularly suitable.
Not bad is not it ? But let's be honest, you won't be the only ones to have this idea during your stay in Périgord... so it's better book your visit !
And the Dordogne museums, are they air-conditioned?
The Vézère valley is home to the National Museum of Prehistory in Les Eyzies. Previously installed in the old Château des Eyzies, it is visible upon arrival in the town. It is embedded in the cliff and dominates the town center from its terrace which houses the statue of Primitive Man.
Its air-conditioned galleries will take you back in time, with its magnificent collections of tools, art objects, reconstructions of prehistoric men and animals.
Complete your visit with the Prehistory Interpretation Center. Learn through permanent and temporary exhibitions how prehistoric men lived. The Prehistory Interpretation Center also offers activities during each holiday and documentation on all the prehistoric sites abounding in the Dordogne and throughout France. This center is air-conditioned!
Visiting the cave art center Lascaux IV takes you through the rock paintings discovered not far away, in the original Lascaux cave. The cave or even the caves of Lascaux are only 20 minutes from Sarlat.
Other museums in Dordogne welcome you when it's hot, here are some of them:
- the truffle ecomuseum in Sorges presents to you the flagship of Périgord gastronomy
- the Rouffignac memory space takes you to the time of the Resistance
- the Bovetti museum makes you salivate with the sweet scents of chocolate flowing in the workshop adjoining the museum
At the water's edge
Just want to settle down by the water? Of the Vezere or the Dordogne ? Both, my captain!
Take the direction of village of Limeuil, classified among the " Most Beautiful Villages of France » in the same way as Beynac or Domme, close to Sarlat.
Settle on Port beach, located in the heart of the village of Limeuil. This pebble “beach” on the right bank of the Dordogne allows you to enjoy the view while watching your children in complete peace of mind.
The panoramic viewpoint on the confluence of the Vézère and Dordogne rivers will amaze you!
Why not take the opportunity to have a little impromptu picnic on the tables set up along the beach and sheltered by the trees?
Switch to one of the markets what our villages offer, you will find all local products of Perigord.
Why not rent a canoe?
No need to take the longest route, a few hours will be enough to enjoy the beauty of the Vézère valley. The river is navigable from Montignac-Lascaux à Limeuil.
From the river, the view is breathtaking. Admire this remarkable landscape with its cliffs, its troglodyte sites like Madeleine, Roque Saint-Christophe, and its castles like the Château de Losse or the Château de Belcayre.
Different departures are possible, it's up to you to choose the village ! Canoe bases await you in Montignac-Lascaux, Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, Les Eyzies, Le Bugue or Limeuil.
Starting from Buggy, a short route to take as a family allows you to reach Limeuil and admire the scenery. Its rocky spur is the reward for your efforts.
If your route passes through the village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, take a cool break in front of the water, sheltered from the weeping willows.
As you descend, you will surely find a little spot to take a dip from time to time.
The Dordogne is full of refreshing activities for the whole family!
Children want to have fun?
Let's go for the Bos ponds, à Saint Chamassy, its shaded park where you can picnic, its swimming pools and water slides and its inflatable games on the pond, a refreshing family day guaranteed!
À Journiac, Jacquou park offers you his Aqualud space with water slides, swimming pools and paddling pool to cool off. All around, its park with multiple attractions will delight the whole family.
Enjoy visits and nighttime entertainment
Why not take advantage of the evening to visit our tourist sites? Castles, gardens, caves, etc. offer visits and nightly activities every summer.
The village of Bournat, its artisans and its amusement park welcome you certain evenings of the week for a nocturnal visit punctuated by a fireworks. These evenings immerse you in the Périgord of the 1900s and guide you through the habits and customs of peasant life. During these evenings, offered in the village located in Le Bugue, you can eat, admire numerous shows, concerts and enjoy the funfair.
Gourmet and night markets punctuate the summer weeks in the villages of the Vézère valley.
In addition to being able to eat there, they are often lively. On the banks of the Vézère sometimes, often with extraordinary views: of the Château de Montignac-Lascaux or the gardens of the castle Campaigns. Many products allow you to taste the flavors of Périgord.
Ask for the program in our Tourist Offices or consult our page Brive market.
