Camping in Domme, a plunge into the medieval history of the Dordogne
A medieval bastide, Domme has preserved its thick ramparts bristling with towers from its long and tumultuous history. Since the 13ᵉ century, when Philip III the Bold decided to build a fortified town on this strategic position a few kilometres from Sarlat, little has changed when you arrive in Domme. The village is still accessed via the Porte des Tours, the gateway to the ramparts. The two towers flanking the gate were used as a prison for 70 Templars in the early 14th century. During their imprisonment, they engraved the stone walls with testimonies to their faith. This exceptional collection of engravings, now known as the Mysterious Graffiti of the Templars, is one of Domme's many hidden treasures. Don't miss out on a visit to the towers of Domme during your camping holiday in the Dordogne valley. These medieval remains have earned Domme a place among the most beautiful villages in France, just like its neighbours on the banks of the Dordogne, Beynac-et-Cazenac, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle and La Roque-Gageac.
Domme, a town steeped in history
Beyond the imposing Porte des Tours, Domme's steep streets are lined with elegant blond stone facades, the oldest of which date back to the 13th century. Here you will discover a medieval doorway, there mullioned windows. However, it is on the Place de la Halle that Domme's historic heritage is most visible. The 17ᵉ century covered market that stands there is the heart of the town. This is where a weekly market takes place, with stalls stocked with delicious Périgord specialities. Domme wines, in particular, feature prominently. This vineyard, once as important as the Bergerac vineyard, was destroyed by phylloxera. Its production was revived in the 1990s and it was awarded the IGP designation in 2011. There's no doubt that this Thursday market will become an essential part of your camping holiday in Domme. And if you want to go and taste Domme wines in the cellar, don't hesitate to ask at the reception of the campsite where you're spending your holiday. They will be able to tell you which winegrowers are open to tourists. Although steeped in history, Domme is not a museum town. The village is still very much alive. Many craftsmen have set up shop here. Stroll through the streets of Domme and you'll find shops selling handmade soaps, jewellery and paintings. And don't forget the bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a drink or savour Perigord cuisine. Some even have a terrace overlooking the Dordogne river. Those with a sweet tooth, especially children, won't be able to resist an ice cream at the artisanal ice cream parlour before heading back to the campsite. Unless you prefer to wait until you get back to the campsite to enjoy your ice cream on your pitch.
Domme, a balcony overlooking the Dordogne
At the end of the Grand-Rue in Domme awaits one of the most famous and beautiful viewpoints in the Dordogne (and even, let's be chauvinistic, in Nouvelle-Aquitaine): the Belvédère de la Barre. So named because it stands on the heights of the "Barre", a cliff overlooking the River Dordogne by 150 metres. It's easy to understand why Philip III the Bold chose this site to build the fortified bastide of Domme, given the panoramic view over the Dordogne valley. This impregnable vantage point meant that enemies could be seen coming from very far away. Nowadays, we no longer try to spot an approaching army, but we do have fun recognising the sites that dot the banks of the River Dordogne: Château de Montfort, Beynac-et-Cazenac and La Roque-Gageac. Don't forget your mobile phone, as you'll be taking THE photo of your Dordogne camping holiday from this vantage point! The scenery is even more beautiful in the morning at sunrise or in the evening when the river Dordogne reflects the warm colours of the setting sun.
Hidden treasure under the Halle de Domme
There's nothing to suggest this when you first arrive in Domme. Yet Domme is built on the largest cave in the Dordogne. In fact, 450 metres of galleries decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and draperies await you in the Domme covered market. After a stroll through the limestone concretions, a panoramic lift built into the village cliffs takes you to the surface, where you can enjoy a sumptuous view over the Dordogne valley. The Domme cave is not the only one in Périgord. The subsoil of the region is particularly rich in caves and chasms, such as the Villars caves in Périgord Vert or the Proumeyssac chasm and the Font-Gaume cave in Périgord Noir. There are plenty of places to visit during your stay in the Dordogne. There's always a campsite close to these caves where you can find accommodation. All you have to do is choose which campsite meets your expectations: a 2, 3 or 4-star campsite, a campsite with mobile homes available to rent, a campsite with activities for children, a campsite with a swimming pool or a peaceful riverside campsite.
Campsites with a view of Domme
While Domme is well worth a visit, the village can also be admired from afar. Its silhouette stands out against the backdrop of the Périgord Noir. Depending on the campsite you stay at, you can enjoy views of the village of Domme from your campsite pitch, from your accommodation or even from the campsite's swimming pool. Among the campsites near Domme, it shouldn't be difficult to find one that suits you. Whether you're looking to rent a mobile home on a campsite with a heated swimming pool and entertainment for children or simply a campsite pitch on the banks of the Dordogne, the Dordogne campsites will be able to meet your requirements.
