From Trémolat to Castles & Villages of the Dordogne Valley tour private

Grab your camera and make a beeline for some of the Dordogne’s most photogenic landscapes on this 4-hour small-group private tour from Sarlat. Learn about the Dordogne region’s rich history as you visit medieval villages and stunning castles.

Pick up at your accommodation in Trémolat or the surrounding area.  

In the morning we will come and pick you up at your hotel or accommodation in Trémolat. Meet your English-speaking driver guide who will go over the program and itinerary of this private full day tour.

Then, board your premium air-conditioned vehicle and begin to make your way towards the Dordogne Valley. Listen to your tour guide explain the local culture & history as your small group begins to admire some of the most stunning landscapes of the area.

Begin with the Bastide village of Domme

Today discover the breathtaking landscape and traditional medieval villages of the Dordogne valley. First, drive to the beautiful village of Domme. With its trapezoid city plan, Domme is a bastide (a fortified medieval town) adapted to the surrounding terrain, and thus falling short of the rectangular city plan characteristic to Bastides.

The village is classified as one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (“The Most Beautiful Villages of France”). In 1307, Knight Templars were imprisoned in Domme while during the Hundred Years’ War, the town was coveted by the English who first took it in 1347 and repeatedly changed rulers throughout the war until 1437 when it finally fell under French rule again.

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride

Then drive to La Roque Gageac and enjoy a peaceful cruise on the Dordogne River on board an authentic Gabarre to admire mighty castles that line the river (optional). The boat ride lasts about one hour and comes highly recommended. The Gabarres are traditional flat-bottomed boats that have been used for transporting goods along the Dordogne since the Middle Ages. 

A trip on one of the Gabarres offers a relaxing way to enjoy the sight of some of the many Dordogne chateaux and villages from the perspective of the river. Various sights and wildlife are pointed out to you as you meander slowly down the river as well as the history of the Gabarres. 

If you are not interested in a boat ride, we will have you discover the village & Gardens of La Roque Gageac that benefit from micro-climate conditions and where local vegetation stands alongside more exotic plants such as Banana trees, agave and Bougainvillea flowers.

Visit the Castle of Beynac

Reach Beynac to admire the village and visit the Castle. This Middle Ages construction, with its austere appearance, is perched on top of a limestone cliff, dominating the town and the north bank of the Dordogne River. The castle was built in the 12th century by the barons of Beynac (one of the four baronies of Périgord) to close the valley.

The sheer cliff face being sufficient to discourage any assault from that side, the defenses were built up on the plateau: double crenelated walls, double moats, one of which was a deepened natural ravine, double barbican.

End the tour at Château des Milandes

Your final visit will be at Château des Milandes. Construction of the Castle took place in 1489 and was to be the residence of Claude de Cardaillac, wife of François de Caumont. During the French Revolution, the castle is sold and in 1890 a fire partially damages the building. In 1947, the property is bought by Joséphine Baker, an American artist, who will live here with her adopted children. As you visit the castle, you will learn about the life of Josephine Baker, her time as a leading dancer at Paris Cabaret 'Folies Bergère' or as a resistance fighter during WWII. Josephine was also the only woman to speak at the Washington March alongside Martin Luther King.

The Castle is also famous for its Gardens, listed as a Historical Monumnet, that have been totally renovated. Redesigned in the early 1900's by Jules Vacherot who was the head Gardener for the City of Paris at that time, a number of projects have resized the Gardens since 2003.

After the visit of Milandes Castle, it will be time to return to Trémolat.