If you are looking for a less familiar area to explore France In addition to well-known destinations Paris, provence and French Rivierathis Dordogne The area is a surprise for children of all ages.
One of the reasons I love family travel so much is the variety of things to do in a small geographical area in the Dordogne. Cultural and historical tours can easily be combined with activities such as cycling, hiking, swimming and canoeing.
all this has to do and Isn’t the Dordogne teeming with tourists? This is definitely a win for travel! Best of all, peak holiday times like July are busy, but there’s no “never again” situation.
Our favorite things to do in the Dordogne region of France
Dordogne market
Wandering through French markets is one of life’s joys and a perfect way to learn about local life. The area has wonderful markets to explore every Sunday (including Sunday). this is a link Dordogne market day schedule.
For little ones, this is a no-brainer as all the snacks and trinkets can easily keep them entertained. To be honest, the 10-year-old boy in our group wrote in his diary that our market visit was so boring. So be it – the market isn’t for everyone, regardless of age. The second day was spent at the Zip Line Adventure Park. sky parkany belief in him that the Dordogne was not fun for children was instantly gone.
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prehistoric cave
The area around the Dordogne is dotted with prehistoric caves, some containing paintings and others with interesting rock formations. While they are relatively close to each other and easy to find, it is important to note that purchasing tickets in advance can be challenging, and not all caves accept reservations. As part of our CB travel consultants, we can provide ticketing, guided tours and other logistical assistance. vacation planning services.
Lascaux IV
Lascaux is the most famous prehistoric cave. To preserve it, an exact replica, Lascaux IV, was built next to it. this trip This is a great starting point for beginners and kids. There are many English-speaking guides, which are very educational, and because they are replicas, the animal paintings, mainly horses and bulls, are easy to see.
funddegome
Font-de-Gaume is widely considered to have the best cave art in the region and is also the hardest to get tickets for, as only 180 visitors are allowed per day (12 per tour). There are only a few English-speaking guides. It feels like a cave – it’s cool inside and the area is cramped – but it’s an intimate and personal experience.
The tour guide was very knowledgeable and the main painting here is the bison. Tours last 45 to 50 minutes and children need to maintain good concentration here as group sizes are small and conversations can be disruptive.
Rufinac
After visiting two of the most famous caves in the area, we went to one of the most popular, Rouffignac. This was our kids’ favorite because visitors can ride an electric train to see the famous mammoths. Tours are in French only and same-day tickets can be purchased on site, subject to availability.
castle visit
There are more than 1,000 castles in the Dordogne. Not all attractions are open to tourists, but there is still plenty to explore. We visited Beynac Castle – one of my favorite castles in Europe. The Château de Castelnaud is also wonderful, with a large collection of medieval ammunition on display. This will be a hit if you’re traveling with boys.
You don’t need to go into all the castles to appreciate them. Appearance is always a big part of the magic. Personally, I think a boat trip down the Dordogne is the best way to see many castles in one go.
Canoe or kayak on the Dordogne River
There is probably no more magical river for canoeing or kayaking than the Dordogne. At every turn there is a castle or a stunning medieval city built on a cliff. There are many canoe and kayak companies to choose from, we chose Rock Jeffrey, This is recommended by our hotel. The staff is great – efficient, organized, and finally there’s an ice cream shop!
Since we were traveling with a 5-year-old and an 8-year-old, we opted for the shorter “highlight” course, which included at least two and a half hours of non-stop kayaking. Our total time in the kayak was just over four hours, including a stop in La Roque Gajac for lunch. For younger children, I recommend packing a lunch and stopping at a small beach along the way rather than going to a restaurant – four hours is too long for young children. If you want to see the sights without kayaking, another option is to take a one-hour kayak ride Gabar Boat.
marchesac garden
Garden tours are fun for every age, especially the gardens with mazes and paths for children to play on. We spent an afternoon at Les Jardins de Marqueyssac and loved it. Visiting the gardens is easy and relaxing; it’s a perfect destination for all ages.
Cycling
When people tell me they are going Cycling Italian country roads with kids I always raise my eyebrows because the roads are narrow and have blind spots – a combination that just seems to make Italians go faster.
However, in the Dordogne, many of the trails are very quiet with gentle hills, perfect for cycling. We had the bikes delivered to our farmhouse for a week to ride around in between sightseeing. The hotel or villa agency can also arrange bicycle rental for you
summer festival
Summer festivals are colorful. We were lucky enough to see the Beaumont du Périgor dressed up for the celebration. Some villages host various evening picnics where community members can gather together for dinner outside. We attended one evening and soon our kids were playing tag with kids from all over the world while we drank our wine.
Where to stay in the Dordogne
My favorite thing about the Dordogne for families is that it’s easy to get to the local area without feeling like you’re constantly surrounded by tourists. Kids won’t be as excited about quaint villages as we are, but if you hang out in one place long enough, they’ll settle in and discover the joys and freedoms of country life in the French countryside.
We rented a villa outside the idyllic village of Tremorat and loved the area as a base from which to explore the area. It is a bit far from the central tourist corridor, but the main attractions of the Dordogne are still accessible from here. Villa rentals in the Dordogne are popular, however, I recommend traveling with multiple families rather than renting out villas for single families. Our travel advisors can help you find the right villa from our list of vetted rental agencies.
For a single family, I prefer to stay in a hotel where other children may be present. We enjoyed our stay at this hotel Lechefouyefarmhouse style accommodation, perfect for kids. I’ve also explored Meers CastleIt is a stylish boutique hotel with family-friendly apartments. If you want a full service upscale hotel this is worth a look.
Dining in the Dordogne
The Dordogne region is full of gastronomic gems to satisfy sophisticated taste buds and those looking for traditional cuisine from the region. From Michelin-starred restaurants to restaurants that have been passed down for generations, you’re sure to find something you and your kids will love during your visit.
Whatever your cravings, be sure to visit Truffier Located in Tremolat, this is a working farm with a restaurant. This was one of the most memorable meals we had in all of France. We came back for five nights and loved it! Your kids will love the animals and gardens; you’ll enjoy the food, hosts and prices.
Photo by Katja Gaskell, globetotting.com.
Editor’s note: This article was accurate at the time of publication. We recommend checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the information provided, or for any actions taken as a result of the information provided.
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Editor’s note: This article is accurate at the time of publication. We recommend checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the information provided, or for any actions taken as a result of the information provided.
