Camping holidays in the Dordogne among the most beautiful villages in France
Few regions of France can boast a heritage worthy of that of the Dordogne, and particularly the region of Sarlat, capital of the Périgord Noir. To the south of Sarlat, in particular, the river Dordogne stretches like a necklace of honey-coloured jewels. Nestling in its meanders are villages of blonde stone built into the hillsides. In the 40 kilometres between Domme and Limeuil, there are no fewer than five villages listed as among the most beautiful in France: Domme, La Roque-Gageac, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Beynac-et-Cazenac and Limeuil. Nestling among these treasures of the Périgord Noir, 2, 3, 4 and 5-star campsites await you on the banks of the Dordogne. Their camping pitches, with views over the river, invite you to take your time while watching the traditional gabares sail peacefully down the Dordogne. However, if you prefer a little more comfort, these campsites also offer accommodation. From fully-equipped, state-of-the-art mobile homes to lodge tents on stilts reflected in the river, there's something for everyone. Canoeing is an excellent way to make the most of the Dordogne valley. As you paddle along, you'll have plenty of time to admire the houses built into the hillside and the perched castles that watch over the valley. Hot-air balloon rides are also very popular in this region of France. They offer unique views over the Dordogne. If you can't get on board, watching them fly over the waters of the Dordogne from your campsite pitch is a sight not to be missed. Some days, the skies over the Dordogne are a veritable ballet of colours. Forgetting the Dordogne for a moment, we venture to the banks of the Céou, its tributary. This river rises in the Lot and flows into the Dordogne at Castelnaud-la-Chapelle. Shallower, it's the ideal playground for the little ones to splash around in, while their elders dream of building stone dams. There are several campsites on the banks of the Céou, with pitches offering direct access to the river.
Camping in the vineyards around Bergerac
Further west, the Dordogne valley widens and the river broadens as it winds its way through the vineyards of the Périgord Pourpre region. In Bergerac, restaurant terraces stretch along its banks, backing onto the medieval houses of the old town. Fancy visiting the Bergerac region? The accommodation on the campsites on the banks of the Dordogne - chalets, mobile homes and tent lodges - is just as suitable for families on holiday as it is for couples on a romantic getaway. Some of these campsites will delight children with their heated pools, waterslides and activities for young and old alike. Other, quieter campsites will charm couples looking for a campsite where they can pitch their tent by the river and enjoy the daily spectacle of the sun setting over the waters of the Dordogne.
Camping in the Vézère valley: a journey back into prehistory
Welcome to Cro-Magnon country! While the Dordogne is full of medieval villages, the Vézère invites you to take a trip back in time. There's no need for a sophisticated, futuristic machine. With its troglodyte sites, the International Prehistory Centre at Les Eyzies-de-Tayac and its decorated caves, the Vézère valley offers a real plunge into prehistory. To visit the famous Lascaux cave, a masterpiece of parietal art, or the incredible site of La Roque Saint-Christophe, whose history stretches from prehistory to the Renaissance, the Dordogne campsites invite you to go camping on the banks of the Vézère. There's a campsite to suit everyone, from the 5-star campsite with heated swimming pool and activities for children, to the small nature campsite where you can fish in the river. Some of these campsites even have beaches where you can dive into the river for a swim or play in the water with the kids, while others offer canoe trips departing from the campsite. Alternatively, to book your canoe trip down the Dordogne, contact the reception of the campsite where you are staying. The campsite team will be delighted to take care of it for you.
Camping on the banks of the Dronne, between heritage and unspoilt nature
North of Périgueux, in the Périgord Vert region, the Dronne rises in the Périgord Limousin Regional Nature Park before flowing into the Gironde. For 200 kilometres, it winds its way through five departments in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, including the Dordogne. The Dronne route alternates between a rich heritage, such as the superb abbey of Brantôme hidden in one of its meanders, the medieval castle of Bourdeilles and the fortified town of Saint-Aulaye, and wild areas where the forest sometimes seems to close in on the river. Its banks are teeming with wildlife, which is never better revealed than during a canoe trip. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might spot an otter here or a diving cingle there. This wildlife is testimony to the purity of the water, which is perfect for swimming. Many of the campsites on the banks of the Dronne have a beach where you can swim in the crystal-clear water. A refreshing alternative to the campsite swimming pool. Fishing enthusiasts have not been forgotten. They can indulge in their favourite activity from the campsite where they spend their holidays. Rich in trout, the Dronne is classified as a first category river for a large part of its course. But don't forget to ask about the regulations governing fishing in the Dronne. The team at the campsite where you're spending your holiday will be able to give you all the information you need. In this natural, unspoilt setting, your stay in a lodge tent on stilts will sometimes taste like an adventure at the end of the world.
