Holiday in Périgord
Region in France — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇫🇷
Country
France
Type
Region
Best time to travel
May to October, truffle season November to March, weekly markets year-round, hot in midsummer (35°C+)
Budget/day
80-140 € (Chambre d'Hôte, restaurant, excursions)
Getting there from Germany
Car about 10-12 hours from southern Germany, or flight to Bordeaux/Toulouse (2 hours), then 2 hours by rental car
Deals for Périgord:
What makes Périgord special as a destination?
The Périgord is the culinary heart of France and one of the most historically significant regions in Europe – a gently hilly land in the Dordogne department, famous for its medieval castles, prehistoric cave paintings, truffle forests, and a cuisine that delights even the most spoiled French gourmets. For German travelers who want to experience authentic rural France away from the tourist crowds, the Périgord is a dream destination. The region is traditionally divided into four colors: Périgord Noir (black) around Sarlat with its truffles and dark oak forests, Périgord Blanc (white) around Périgueux with its limestone cliffs, Périgord Vert (green) in the wooded north, and Périgord Pourpre (purple) in the wine-growing area around Bergerac. Each color represents its own character and culinary specialties. Sarlat-la-Canéda is the jewel of the Périgord – a perfectly preserved medieval town with golden sandstone houses, Gothic churches, and one of the most beautiful weekly markets in France. Every Saturday, the old town transforms into a gourmet paradise with Foie Gras, truffles, walnuts, Confit de Canard, and local wines. The Lascaux cave, whose prehistoric paintings are among the most significant artworks in human history, is just a few kilometers away – the authentic replica Lascaux IV is a technological masterpiece. The Dordogne Valley, with its canoeing, castles on cliffs, and picturesque villages like La Roque-Gageac, Domme, and Beynac, is one of the most beautiful river landscapes in Europe. The region is easily accessible by car from Germany and is perfect for a two-week holiday home vacation with family – holiday homes with pools are affordable and plentiful.
What are the top highlights in Périgord?
The top highlights in Périgord include Sarlat-la-Canéda, Lascaux IV, Dordogne Valley, Truffle Markets, Château de Beynac.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Sarlat-la-Canéda
Perfectly preserved medieval town with golden sandstone and one of the best weekly markets in France
Lascaux IV
Authentic replica of the prehistoric cave paintings, one of humanity's most important artworks
Dordogne Valley
Picturesque river valley with canoeing, cliff villages, and medieval castles on the rocks
Truffle Markets
In winter (November to March), the markets transform into truffle paradises with black Périgord truffles
Château de Beynac
Imposing medieval castle on a cliff overlooking the Dordogne with spectacular views
Gardens of Marqueyssac
Imaginative boxwood gardens on a cliff above the Dordogne Valley with a panoramic viewpoint
Hotels in Périgord
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Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Périgord?
The best time to visit Périgord is May to October, truffle season November to March, weekly markets year-round, hot in midsummer (35°C+). Warm to hot, 25-35°C, sunny, occasional thunderstorms, ideal for canoeing In winter: Cool, 3-10°C, fog in the valleys, truffle season, calm and atmospheric
Recommended travel time
May to October, truffle season November to March, weekly markets year-round, hot in midsummer (35°C+)
Summer
Warm to hot, 25-35°C, sunny, occasional thunderstorms, ideal for canoeing
Winter
Cool, 3-10°C, fog in the valleys, truffle season, calm and atmospheric
How much does a holiday in Périgord cost?
Budget travellers: 45-70 € (holiday home, market shopping, self-catering)/day, mid-range: 80-140 € (Chambre d'Hôte, restaurant, excursions)/day, luxury: 160-300 € (Château hotel, gourmet, truffle experience)/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
45-70 € (holiday home, market shopping, self-catering)
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
80-140 € (Chambre d'Hôte, restaurant, excursions)
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
160-300 € (Château hotel, gourmet, truffle experience)
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Périgord?
Car about 10-12 hours from southern Germany, or flight to Bordeaux/Toulouse (2 hours), then 2 hours by rental car
Book a package holiday to Périgord
Compare thousands of package holidays to Périgord and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Périgord?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Book a holiday home with a pool – the Périgord is ideal for family vacations and the houses are cheaper than on the coast
The Sarlat weekly market on Saturday is a must – arrive early and try Foie Gras, truffles, and walnuts
Plan a canoe trip on the Dordogne between Carsac and Beynac – 3 hours of pure landscape and castle views
Pre-book Lascaux IV tickets online – the museum is very popular and sells out quickly
Take the autoroute through the Dordogne villages (Beynac, La Roque-Gageac, Domme) – each one is a postcard motif
What should you eat in Périgord?
Typical specialities in Périgord: Foie Gras – the liver pâté from the Périgord is world-famous, served on toast with fig jam, Confit de Canard – duck leg slowly cooked in its own fat, crispy and tender at the same time, the national dish of the region, Truffe du Périgord – black truffle in omelettes, on pasta, or as crostini, an unforgettable aroma, Pommes de Terre Sarladaises – potato slices fried in goose or duck fat with garlic and parsley, Noix du Périgord – walnuts from the region, as a snack, in salads, as oil, or in the famous walnut cake.
These specialties you must try!
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