The 15 most beautiful villages of the Périgord Noir that you absolutely must discover
- Hélène et Arnaud
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Discover the 15 most beautiful medieval villages of the Périgord Noir. From hilltop castles and cobbled streets to panoramic views over the Dordogne Valley, each stop offers its own unique discoveries. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer holiday in the Dordogne, here is our selection of the 15 most beautiful villages in the Périgord Noir.
1. Sarlat-la-Canéda
It's impossible to talk about the Périgord Noir without mentioning Sarlat-la-Canéda as one of its most beautiful villages. Its remarkably well-preserved historic center is one of the finest medieval ensembles in Europe. Stroll through its narrow streets, discover its elegant townhouses, and enjoy its famous market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Don't miss it:
Liberty Square
Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral
The Sarlat market
The alleyways lit up in the evening
2. Beynac-et-Cazenac
Classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Beynac majestically overlooks the Dordogne valley. Its medieval castle offers a spectacular view of the river.
To do:
Visit the castle
Go down to the barges
Admire the view from the ramparts
3. La Roque-Gageac
Nestled against an impressive cliff, La Roque-Gageac is one of the most photographed villages in the Dordogne. Its microclimate even allows for the presence of palm trees and exotic plants.
Don't miss:
Traditional barges
The exotic garden
The banks of the Dordogne
4. Domme
Perched at an altitude of over 250 meters, Domme offers exceptional panoramic views of the valley. This royal bastide town captivates visitors with its ramparts, fortified gates, and authentic charm.
5. Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
Opposite Beynac, Castelnaud has an impressive medieval castle housing a museum dedicated to the art of war in the Middle Ages.
6. Belvès
This ancient medieval city is famous for its cave dwellings and its seven bell towers that dominate the landscape.
7. Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère
A small, peaceful village bordering the Vézère river, Saint-Léon charms visitors with its Romanesque church, its blond stone houses, its bucolic atmosphere, and its narrow streets that lead down to the Vézère.
8. Limeuil
At the meeting of the Dordogne and the Vézère, Limeuil is a magnificent flowery village where it is pleasant to stroll before reaching the panoramic gardens offering views of the confluence.
9. Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
The world capital of Prehistory, this village is the ideal starting point for discovering the prehistoric sites of the Périgord Noir.
10. Saint-Amand-de-Coly
This village is dominated by an imposing 12th-century fortified abbey. Its authenticity makes it a real gem.
11. Saint-Geniès
With its slate roofs, Renaissance castle and ochre stone houses, Saint-Geniès is one of the unsung gems of the Périgord Noir.
12. Carlux
Dominated by the remains of its castle, Carlux offers a superb panorama over the Dordogne valley and a particularly peaceful setting.
13. Marquay
Located between Sarlat and Les Eyzies, Marquay is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet, rolling landscapes and hiking.
14. Audrix
The small hilltop village of Audrix offers magnificent views over the Vézère valley and is a perfect stop off the beaten track.
15. Campaign
Known for its castle, its wooded park and its proximity to major tourist sites, Campagne is an excellent stopover to discover the Périgord Noir in a different way.
When is the best time to visit these villages?
Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons. The temperatures are pleasant, the landscapes magnificent, and the villages much less crowded than in the middle of summer.
Summer remains perfect for enjoying gourmet markets, barge trips, canoe trips and numerous local activities.
To learn more:
Nine villages bearing the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" label await you in the Black Périgord !
Focus on the villages of La Roque-Gageac , Beynac-et-Cazenac , and Castelnaud and its castle, continuing with Saint-Amand de Coly and Belvès not forgetting the beautiful fortified towns of Domme and Limeuil and Monpazier .
Our advice
All these villages are within 30 minutes of the hamlet of Vert par nature. To fully enjoy your stay, dedicate several days to exploring them. Many are located less than 20 minutes from each other, making it easy to create an itinerary that combines heritage, gastronomy, nature, and prehistory.
The Périgord Noir isn't just a place to visit; it's a place to experience. Take the time to wander through its narrow streets, chat with local producers, and savor the Périgord cuisine. This is often how the most beautiful memories are made.
Don't hesitate to ask us for advice, we have our favorites to share!
Hélène and Arnaud