Beynac-et-Cazenac, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, La Roque-Gageac, Domme, Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, Saint-Amand-de-Coly: the mere mention of these names evokes the promise of rare emotions. Sarlat-la-Canéda shines in the heart of the Black Périgord, a hub of villages where architectural harmony, ancient relics, and sublime landscapes come together. Between monumental cliffs and untamed rivers, the villages near Sarlat concentrate a wealth of medieval heritage and picturesque atmospheres. These havens of authenticity charm with their golden mineral quality and legendary gentleness, inviting one to savor steep alleys, spectacular castles, and hanging gardens. The soul of Périgord is embodied in every stone, every panorama, every lively market. Enjoying the blend of the romanticism of the places and the historical richness fulfills any traveler in search of unique experiences.
Spotlight on
Beynac-et-Cazenac, the Romanesque Fortress #
Beynac-et-Cazenac stretches along a steep ridge, overlooking the Dordogne valley by 150 meters. The fortress, a blend of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, remains the soul of the village. In the golden hours of the evening, the stone walls are adorned with warm hues, offering an almost unreal vision of the Black Périgord. From the terrace of the Eperon, the view embraces Castelnaud and Marqueyssac, composing a striking tableau that would enchant even the most hardened travelers. This natural theater, serving as a backdrop for the films The Visitors II and The Last Duel by Ridley Scott, extends its charm into its alleys lined with houses featuring traditional stone roofs, emblematic of the region.
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Medieval Bastion and Culinary Capital #
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle snuggles around its 12th century castle. This stone sentinel now houses the Medieval War Museum, a must-see for any enthusiasts of chivalric epics. The steep paths wind between the ancient houses up to the summit of the rocky outcrop, revealing a majestic Dordogne at every turn. Nearby, the Château des Milandes recalls the legend of Josephine Baker, while the nut eco-museum delights curious visitors in an 18th century building. For those eager for secret paths, this article extends the journey to other forgotten villages — for those who love to venture off the beaten path.
À lire Beauty tips for taking care of your skin while flying
La Roque-Gageac, Mineral and Exotic #
La Roque-Gageac fascinates with its breathtaking site, the houses huddled beneath a limestone cliff that plunges directly into the Dordogne. The village, facing south, benefits from a rare microclimate, allowing for the flourishing of an exotic garden adorned with Mediterranean and tropical plants. The gabarres, traditional boats, invite one to glide along the river, a prelude to adventures from yesteryear. The harmony between the roofs of tiles or stone and the curve of the river gives La Roque-Gageac a unique aesthetic. A sort of “charming village” that has nothing to envy from postcard destinations.
Domme, the Suspended Bastide #
This gem stands out for its status as a “bastide”, a remnant of the 13th century. Perched above the meanders of the Dordogne, Domme is organized in a grid pattern, its straight streets following the layout of a new medieval town. The esplanade of La Barre offers a breathtaking panoramic view. The ramparts display their strength while elegant dwellings add poetry to this village that combines strategic character and architectural beauty. The abundance of artisans and lively terraces in the center gives it a unique energy, inspiring many festivals like those presented here in other French villages.
Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, Cradle of Harmony #
Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère stretches along the bank of a bend in the Vézère, between Lascaux and Les Eyzies, two major sites of French prehistory. In summer, the banks come alive with a nonchalant charm. Three castles frame the village: Chabans, Clérans, and the Manoir de la Salle, each a silent guardian of a rich past. The Romanesque church by the river, adorned with striking frescoes, fascinates those passionate about sacred art. The village fabric enchants with its harmony, serenity, and the gentleness of rural life.
Saint-Amand-de-Coly, Abbey Splendor #
Saint-Amand-de-Coly radiates the proud simplicity of remote villages. Established between the Vézère and Chironde, it showcases its blond facades covered with stone slates around a 12th century abbey, regarded by connoisseurs as the most accomplished fortified religious building in Périgord. Massive, almost unsettling, it even charmed the Queen Mother Elizabeth II during a discreet visit in 1978. Its mysterious atmosphere evokes the timelessness of places where time seems to stand still. To extend the charm of such historic villages, this portrait of a cathedral in the Pyrenees offers curious minds an extraordinary escape.
À lire Understanding how the State Department’s travel advisory system works
The Magic of Villages and Imagination #
Every village in Dordogne calls for reverie, contemplation, and immersion in landscapes that could have inspired novels or Christmas TV movies for romantic souls. The ancient stones, the landscapes sculpted by the hand of man and the river, compose the most beautiful settings of the southwest, to be savored with rare perspective and a hint of imagination.
