Dordogne, France is a beautiful region in the south west of France that is often overlooked by American tourists. With spring break just around the corner, this itinerary will help you make the most of one day spent here, with a specific emphasis on the town of Beynac-et-Cazenac and the surrounding area. Spanning 3,498 miles, this region covers many forests, rivers and rolling hills, as well as being rich with historic villages and prehistoric caves.
Breakfast at La Bohème (1 Place Max Albospeyre Beynac-et-Cazenac 24220)
Start your day on a positive note by having breakfast at La Bohème in the village of Beynac-et-Cazenac. This cafe is enjoyed by locals, and is more authentic than other touristy spots. Here, you choose from a variety of fresh pastries and have coffee your morning meal.
Morning activity: Visiting the Château de Beynac (Place du château, 24220 Beynac-et-Cazenac, France)
After enjoying your breakfast, it’s time to dive into the history of the region by visiting a 12th century fortress. This castle was originally constructed on top of a cliff so that it would be well-protected. Now, this location now allows visitors to admire breathtaking views of the region, such as the Dordogne River and the countryside. The castle itself is well preserved, and much of the structure is original. Once you are inside, you can explore many different rooms that are filled with historical exhibits, such as the Great Hall, the knight’s room, and the dungeon. There are also plaques throughout the castle that inform tourists of the history of the castle, which will educate you on the history of this region and the castle’s significance. During peak tourist season, reenactments of this time period will further immerse you into the medieval atmosphere, including actors wearing costumes and yielding weapons, simulated battles, and education.
Image source: Trip Advisor
Lunch at La Petite Tonnelle (la, Rue de la Balme, 24220 Beynac-et-Cazenac, France)
After exploring this medieval castle, it will definitely be time to recharge with some delicious French food. Head to this charming, vegetarian friendly restaurant with many choices of what to eat, such as smoked salmon with crème fraîche and pickles and a chocolate fondant with raspberry coulis for dessert. It is located in a scenic building that has stone walls both on the inside and outside, further adding the unique experience.
Image source: Trip Advisor
Afternoon activity: Lascaux Caves (Avenue de Lascaux, 24290 Montignac)
After enjoying lunch, drive thirty minutes to the town of Montignac to the Lascaux Cave. This cave contains over 600 wall paintings that are between 17,000 and 22,000 years old and feature horses, deer, aurochs, and bison. In Montignac, you can experience the magic of this cave firsthand by visiting the Lascaux IV International Centre for Cave Art, which has a full-scale replica of the original Lascaux cave. While visiting, you can take a guided tour, experience multimedia presentations, and participate in interactive exhibits that will further enhance your understanding of the history and significance of this artwork. This is a truly magical experience that is essential to visit during your trip to the Dordogne.
Image source: Sacred Sites
Dinner at Le Triskel (la, Rue de la Balme, 24220 Beynac-et-Cazenac)
As evening settles over Beynac-et-Cazenac, you’ll likely be ready to find somewhere to have dinner. In order to truly have a full French experience, you must have crêpes at least once on your trip. There is a creperie in Montignac, named Le Triskel, that is known to serve delicious crepes. While dining here, you will be able to choose from a variety of both savory and sweet crêpes, with vegetarian and vegan options available. There are also outdoor and indoor seating options available while maintaining a cozy ambiance.
Image source: Yelp
Evening activity: Stargazing
Before wrapping up your day, take a moment to look up at the beautiful night sky. Montiganc is an excellent place to stargaze because it has low light pollution, typically has clear skies, and it has many spots where you can find unobstructed views of the sky.
With its historic castles and caves, delicious French cuisine, and beautiful countryside, Dordogne, France is worth exploring. This itinerary will help you optimize a day spent here, so that you can enjoy each moment while feeling confident that you are making the most of your stay.