Troglodyte villages in the Dordogne: a journey to the heart of a unique heritage

Perched in the limestone rock, the troglodyte villages of the Dordogne seem to have emerged from another time. It's easy to get lost here, between narrow streets and dwellings carved into the cliffs, listening to the wind slide over the stones. At every turn, there's a panorama of the valley, a whisper of the past, a story preciously preserved in the rock. In these villages, you take the time to walk, to look, to feel the sun on the facades and the soft shade of the cliffs.

And if you want to extend your stay, head to our Slow Village in the Dordogne to discover a haven of calm in the heart of the Périgord.

Summary of villages to discover from Saint-Cybranet

La Roque Saint-Christophe

• Distance from Slow Village Saint-Cybranet: 33 km
• On-site attractions: medieval residences and workshops, panoramic view of the Vézère valley

Saint-Amand-de-Coly

• Distance from Slow Village Saint-Cybranet: 12 km
• Local attractions: Abbey, troglodyte houses, local crafts, medieval garden

Cadouin

• Distance from Slow Village Saint-Cybranet: 25 km
• On-site attractions: Cistercian abbey, cloister, residences, farmers' market

Commarque

• Distance from Slow Village Saint-Cybranet: 18 km
• Local attractions: medieval castle, troglodyte dwellings, prehistoric remains, hiking trails

Carved into a limestone cliff, the fortified village features narrow streets, suspended terraces and niches that explain the daily life of its inhabitants in days gone by. Walking along the wooden walkways, you can feel the wind blowing through the cliffs and admire the light playing on the rock faces. Each angle reveals a different panorama of the valley, where forests and rivers merge in soothing harmony.

Discover it on site:

• rebuilding residences,
• medieval workshops,
• the panorama of the Vézère slope.

Tip: take the time to climb up to the upper terraces at sunset: the light on the cliffs and valley is magical and ideal for souvenir photos.

Distance from our outdoor hotel Saint-Cybranet : 33 km

Indeed, its rock-cut houses cluster around the XIIᵉ century abbey, and the narrow streets invite discovery on foot. As you stroll along, you'll see weathered facades, colorful shutters and gardens lining the dwellings, witnesses to a simple, ancient way of life. Every nook and cranny of the village tells its own story, allowing you to project yourself back into the daily lives of its inhabitants.

Discover it on site:

• Saint-Amand Abbey,
• cave dwellings,
• local craft stores,
• the medieval garden.

Anecdote: in the past, some of the village's residences were linked by secret passages dug into the rock, used to pass from one dwelling to another out of sight.

Distance from our open-air hotel: 37 km

Cadouin

Cadouin is a troglodyte village in the Dordogne known for its 12thᵉ century Cistercian abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dwellings and cellars carved into the rock punctuate the quiet lanes, offering a glimpse of medieval life in the Périgord. As you stroll along, you'll be able to observe the details of the old residences and feel the link between the village and the surrounding nature, with its orchards and rivers lining the streets. Cadouin combines religious history with the simple charm of an authentic village.

Discover it on site:

• Cadouin Abbey,
• the cloister,
• troglodyte dwellings
• local farmers' market.

Anecdote: Cadouin Abbey is famous for having housed a reliquary of the "teeth of Saint Nicholas" in the Middle Ages, which attracted pilgrims from all over the region.

Distance from our open-air hotel Saint-Cybranet: 31 km

Commarque

Commarque is a medieval troglodyte village in the Vézère valley, where the ruins of a fortified castle mingle with rock-cut dwellings.

Walking along the paths, you'll discover troglodyte houses, ramparts and prehistoric remains, offering a unique panorama of the valley and surrounding forest. The village reveals how the inhabitants lived in harmony with rock and nature, adapting their buildings to the steep slopes.

Discover it on site:

• the medieval castle,
• cave dwellings,
• prehistoric remains,
• hiking trails around the site.

Tip: take the path up to the castle: the view over the Vézère valley is superb, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light illuminates the cliffs.

Distance from our open-air hotel: 27 km

Tips for visiting the Dordogne's troglodyte villages

Visiting the troglodyte villages of the Dordogne requires a little organization to get the most out of the experience. Here are a few recommendations to help you make the most of your stay:

• Bring good shoes: the cobbled streets and paths around the villages can be slippery or steep.
• Choose quiet hours: early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy the light on the cliffs.
• Bring water and a small snack: some of the walks around the villages are long and not very shady.
• Find out about guided tours: they provide a better understanding of the history and customs of the area's inhabitants.
• Combine villages: several sites are close to each other, so plan your itinerary to discover several in a single day.

These tips will help you make the most of your visit and fully appreciate the charm and history of Périgord's troglodyte villages.

Book your stay at Slow Village Saint-Cybranet now and discover the villages of Périgord in total peace of mind.