Weekend in the Dordogne: a slow-paced journey through nature and heritage

Slow Village is an invitation to live differently: to slow down, contemplate and breathe. For a weekend in the Dordogne, the promise is simple, but precious: reconnect with nature and rediscover the sense of freedom offered by wide open spaces. Between wooded valleys, medieval villages and peaceful rivers, time seems to flow more slowly.

When you stay at our open-air hotel in Séveilles, you'll discover an authentic Dordogne, where every walk, every encounter and every taste becomes an experience in its own right.

Morning: market and first villages

Start the day with a stopover in a lively, gourmet village.

• Sarlat-la-Canéda (25 km): ideal if you like a bit of hustle and bustle. Its market, one of the most famous in the region, offers a wealth of local produce. It's also the perfect opportunity to stroll through its character-filled medieval streets.
• Saint-Cyprien (8km): a quieter alternative. The market here is more intimate, perfect if you're looking for an authentic atmosphere and direct contact with producers.

Slow tip: if you prefer liveliness and a rich heritage, Sarlat is the place to be. But for a gentler, more confidential atmosphere, choose Saint-Cyprien.

Afternoon: walks and gentle discovery

After your gourmet break, opt for a stroll through one of the villages classified as "France's Most Beautiful Villages".

• Domme (29 km): perched on a promontory, it offers lovely panoramic views over the Dordogne valley. Perfect if you like wide views and open horizons.
• La Roque-Gageac (22 km): nestling at the foot of a cliff, it's charming for its unusual riverside location. Ideal if you prefer contemplative walks and harmony with the water.

There's no need to visit both in the same day. Choose the one that suits your mood, and take the time to spend at least half a day there during your weekend in the Dordogne!

If you're looking for a little variety, there are two options:

• A gabarre trip on the Dordogne (approx. 45min/1h), to discover the villages from the river, at the slow pace of traditional boats.
• A gentle hike (1 to 2 hours) in the surrounding area, to feel the freshness of the undergrowth and get away from the hustle and bustle.

At the end of the day: contemplate and relax

When the sun goes down on the first day of your weekend in the Dordogne, the valley turns golden. Here are a few ideas to round off the day:

• In Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, 22 km away, sit on the heights near the château: the view over the Dordogne is unforgettable.
• At Beynac, 18 km away, walk down to the riverbank and find a quiet spot to admire the reflection of the houses on the water.
• Or, more simply, choose a secluded bank, sit down and let the silence settle in.

An impromptu picnic with your morning market finds will be the best table setting.

Morning: time travel

Start the day with a visit to Castelnaud castle, set on its rocky outcrop. This XIIIᵉ century fortress recounts both the turbulent history of the Middle Ages and that of the Dordogne valley. The war museum on the site reveals siege machines, armor and defensive strategies, while the ramparts offer a lovely view of the river and villages.

Afternoon: gentle river or wooded paths

Two approaches are available for the afternoon:

• Canoeing down the Dordogne: a different way to discover the valley. The peaceful rhythm of the paddle, the cliffs reflected in the water, the villages gently passing by: everything invites contemplation. Allow 2 to 3 hours for a leisurely descent between Vitrac and Beynac, one of the most beautiful stretches.
• Hiking in the forests of Périgord Noir: if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, opt for a marked trail. The Marqueyssac loop, for example, combines hanging gardens, woods and views over the valley.

Canoeing gives you the feeling of being carried by the river, while hiking puts you in tune with the land. Choose according to your energy and mood.

At the end of the day: a moment of tranquillity

After a day rich in discoveries, slow down to savour your last moments:

• Drive up to the Marqueyssac gardens (21km) in the late afternoon: their hundred-year-old boxwood avenues, bathed in golden light, exude a unique atmosphere.
• Or settle down in a small village like Limeuil (10.5 km), where the Dordogne and Vézère rivers meet. The confluence of the rivers is a soothing place, ideal for ending the day and your weekend in the Dordogne in a gentle, contemplative atmosphere.

A dinner at a local inn, featuring Périgord dishes such as duck breast, truffles or a simple walnut salad, will prolong the evening in style.

A weekend in the Dordogne is above all an invitation to slow down, to walk through villages where every stone tells a story, to listen to the silence of the forests and the murmur of the rivers. These simple but profound moments stay with you for a long time.

To extend this soothing interlude, let us welcome you to our open-air hotel in Séveilles. A place designed to offer a different way of experiencing the Dordogne, between discreet comfort and close proximity to nature. Because when it comes down to it, true luxury is taking your time.

FAQ - Weekend in the Dordogne

What are the must-sees on a weekend in the Dordogne?

A short stay in the Dordogne will allow you to discover some major sites: Sarlat-la-Canéda, the medieval treasure of the Périgord Noir, Castelnaud castle, or La Roque-Gageac, nestling on the banks of the river. These places reflect the soul of the heart of Périgord and offer an immersion in the history and art of living of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.

Is a weekend in the Dordogne right for a romantic break?

Absolutely. The region lends itself wonderfully to a romantic weekend away. A night in a cabin in our open-air hotel offers an intimate setting. The Périgord Dordogne, with its medieval streets, gourmet restaurants and panoramic views, creates the ideal atmosphere for a romantic getaway.

Why choose an open-air hotel for a weekend in the Dordogne?

A stay in a top-of-the-range campsite combines comfort and immersion in the Périgord. Halfway between the cabin experience and that of the natural domain, it offers the freedom of a stay right in the heart of the Périgord Noir, with everything you need to slow down and enjoy.

Can a weekend in the Dordogne combine relaxation and discovery?

Exactly. During the day, discover the heart of Périgord Dordogne: castles, prehistoric sites, medieval villages. In the evening, enjoy the comfort of your accommodation in our open-air hotel. It's this alternation that makes your stay so well-balanced.

What other places to discover in Aquitaine after the Dordogne?

The Nouvelle-Aquitaine region is vast and rich in contrasts. After a weekend in the Dordogne, you can extend your adventure to the Pays Basque and the Pays de la Loire. Perfect ideas for varying your next stay in France!