What to do in Dordogne Périgord Noir with my dog?
- Hélène et Arnaud
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read

If you're looking for activities to share with your dog in the Périgord Noir , you have plenty of options. The region is one of the most dog-friendly in the Dordogne, with many tourist sites that accept them (usually on a leash).

Here is a suggestion " With my dog in Dordogne Périgord Noir" but you will find further down in the article a wider selection by theme:
Canoeing on the Dordogne or the Vézère
Several rental companies accept dogs on board (with a flotation vest recommended for dogs that are not good swimmers).
You will pass by the cliffs, castles and villages of the valley.
We recommend Canoë Family on the Vézère or Canoë 24 .

Canoë en famille
Strolling through the Gardens of Marqueyssac
Over 6 km of shaded paths with magnificent views over the Dordogne valley.

Les Jardins de Marqueyssac
Visit Castelnaud Castle
The castle of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
A superb medieval castle with exceptional views.
Walks in the most beautiful villages (see our post " villages to discover" )
Ideal for strolling on terraces and along the Dordogne or Vézère rivers
Domme, one of the emblematic villages of the Périgord with its panoramic view over the Dordogne valley
La Roque-Gageac, perched on its limestone cliff overlooking the Dordogne
Beynac-et-Cazenac, known for its impressive castle perched on a cliff
Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, renowned for its remarkable preserved heritage, its natural setting and its peaceful atmosphere

Balade dans les villages
Forest hikes
The trails around Hameau Vert par Nature, the Dordogne valley, the Pays de Fénelon or Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère are perfect for a few hours' outing with a dog.
In your accommodation at Hameau Vert par Nature, hiking maps are available to you.

The Gardens of Eyrignac
The Gardens of Eyrignac : magnificent French-style gardens.

Les Jardins d'Eyrignac
Swimming break
The banks of the Dordogne around Vitrac, Cénac, Carsac or Groléjac offer several places where dogs can cool off (while respecting swimming areas and other users).

En bord de Dordogne
To take advantage of our recommendations "With my dog in Dordogne Périgord Noir"
Some prehistoric caves (such as Font-de-Gaume or Les Combarelles) generally do not accept dogs for conservation reasons.
More recommendations by topic:
Nature and walks
Take the hiking trails from the hamlet
Walking around the Tamniès pond is a pleasant stroll with shaded areas.
Explore the Bessède forest , ideal for long hikes.
Follow the Vézère valley between Montignac and Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère.
Admire the Dordogne valley from the cliffs of Domme.

Balade et Hameau Vert par Nature Castles
Caves
Presque Cave (in the Lot region)
Troglodyte Sites
Villages to discover (see our post " villages to discover" )
Strolling through the narrow streets of Beynac-et-Cazenac.
Strolling through Castelnaud-la-Chapelle.
Discover Belvès, one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France.
Take a stroll in Saint-Amand-de-Coly and admire its abbey.
Visit Limeuil, at the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers.
Explore Monpazier, a superb medieval bastide town.
Gardens
The Carsac Water Gardens are very pleasant in summer with their ponds and water lilies.
The French-style gardens of Eyrignac
The Gardens of Marqueyssac and their famous sculpted boxwood hedges
The Cadiot Gardens , a succession of 10 themed gardens in a family artistic creation
The Gardens of the Imagination , more contemporary
The Domaine de Campagne Park , a landscaped garden with century-old trees surrounding the castle (free entry)

Visite des Jardins d'Eau de Carsac en famille
For dogs who love water
Paddleboarding on a calm body of water or canoeing on the river if your dog is comfortable.
Banks of the Dordogne at Vitrac or other places that we can recommend.
Natural beaches around Carsac-Aillac.
Certain areas of the Vézère near Le Bugue, Les Eyzies, Tursac.
Small streams in the Bessède forest .
The Céou, natural and preserved on the Daglan side.

Canoë en famille
Some of the most beautiful photo spots
Panorama of Domme.
Beynac Castle seen from the Dordogne.
La Roque-Gageac on the banks of the river.
Cliffs of Les Eyzies.
The village of St-Léon-sur-Vézère
Sunset from the cliffs of Domme.
Sunflower fields (in season)

Gourmand
Have lunch or an ice cream on a terrace in the medieval villages (many establishments accept dogs on the terrace).
Visit a local market (Sarlat, Le Bugue, Saint-Cyprien).
Buy regional products for a picnic in the great outdoors.
Unusual
The Cabanes du Breuil are 300m from the Hamlet
Look for the dry stone huts (the bories ) during a hike .
Take a nighttime stroll in Sarlat when the streets are lit up.
Explore the viewpoints along the castle route.
Enjoy a barge trip on the Dordogne.

Visite des Cabanes du Breuil
⚠️ Please check before your visits
Dogs are often allowed in gardens, villages, parks, canoes, restaurants but they are generally prohibited in prehistoric caves and inside some castles.
Remember to check the accommodation conditions before you leave.
We will be happy to offer you advice during your stay.
Hélène and Arnaud


