Make it small and friendly by choosing a smaller campsite where you’ll get a personal welcome.
Camping in the Dordogne
86 campsites in France, Aquitaine, Dordogne for Small Site
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Set on a hilltop on the edge of Sarlat, this site has panoramic views across the Périgord. There are 90 pitches, of which 70 are for touring units, with the remaining 20 for chalets and mobile homes to rent. The site is terraced and the pitches are generally level. All are shady, marked and separated by trees, and have 10/16A electricity. For those with larger units, it is essential to phone in advance for pitch availability, as not all are suitable. A warm and friendly welcome is given by the French owners, whose keen gardening skills are in evidence throughout. This is a well appointed site offering good value for money.
Camping d'Auberoche is a family-friendly campsite in Bassillac et Auberoche, Dordogne, France. It is situated in the heart of the countryside near Périgueux, in the Périgord Noir region, and at the edge of the Auvézère River. On-site, 53 flat grassy touring pitches with electrical hook-up points are available, delimited by mature hedges and tall trees that provide ample shade.
Offering just 18 touring pitches, but with a good range of facilities and activities, Les Bo-Bains is a well kept site in an attractive location alongside the Dordogne river. The flat, grassy and good sized pitches are all set along the river bank, with beautiful views across the Dordogne. Pitches are divided by hedges, shrubs and bushes of different varieties and they have plenty of shade. All pitches have electricity, with water taps and drainage points between each pair. Canoeing can be arranged from reception and there are places to launch one’s own small craft.
Camping à la ferme les Pierres Chaudes is a family-friendly campsite located in Veyrignac, France. The campsite is set on a hillside and offers a variety of pitches, including 39 for touring and Electric hook-up points are available. Pitches are separated by mature hedging and trees o you have an option of shaded and unshaded pitches. Mobile homes and apartments are also available to rent.
Lou Castel is attractively located close to Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, at the heart of the Périgord Noir, and close to many of the region’s major attractions. There are 99 stony pitches here with just a little grass, 33 are available for touring under oak trees which provide good shade. All have electricity (10A). A range of mobile homes, chalets and bungalow-style tents are available for hire. The pool complex is impressive with three water slides, two swimming pools and a separate children’s paddling pool. There is a bar/restaurant with a large terrace which is used for entertainment in peak season.
This site is enviably situated almost under the shadow of Château Beynac in the heart of the Dordogne. There are 92 flat marked touring pitches, most of a good size, some large, and with electricity (6/10A). There is plenty of shade. A small fishing lake is on site and it is only a short distance to the Dordogne river for swimming or canoeing. The site is managed by a Dutch/French couple who provide a warm and friendly welcome. This year the owners have built a new reception area in traditional style. English is spoken. A small train passes close to the site but it is unobtrusive. Nearby Beynac is a short walk through the woods and Roque-Gageac, with its troglodyte fort and ancient church, is just 3 km. away.
Le Pigeonnier is attractively located at the heart of the Périgord Noir, 12 km. from the celebrated market town of Sarlat. This site extends over 15 hectares with a variety of shaded and semi-shaded pitches on offer. There are 100 pitches in total, 65 for touring, all with electricity, and the remainder are for chalets and mobile homes available to rent. An L-shaped swimming pool can be found in the middle of the site, and other on-site amenities include a shop and restaurant. Unusually, there is also a professionally run nightclub, Club 24, on site.
A small, neat, family run site situated in beautiful countryside overlooking a wooded valley. A warm welcome awaits you at this site ideal for couples and families with small children. There are only 48 pitches with 19 spacious, grassy, slightly sloping pitches for touring (10A electricity). They are in two different areas with some more shaded pitches near the mobile homes and the others in a more open meadow. They are partly separated by a wide range of flowering shrubs, and maturing trees give some shade. There is a small swimming pool, bar, snack bar and takeaway open in July and August. Twin-axle caravans are not accepted.
This is an attractive and well presented site set on a hillside in the heart of the Périgord Blanc near Périgueux. The owners give a warm and friendly welcome and customer service is a high priority. There are 95 level, grassy pitches shaded by tall trees, 70 for touring units, all with electricity (10A). There is an attractive restaurant and bar with a retractable canopy over the terrace. Near the entrance are four hardstanding pitches for motorhomes; large caravans and American style motorhomes are only accepted on site by prior arrangement.
This site is very nicely presented with good attention to detail throughout. It is situated ten minutes north of Sarlat in the hills of the Périgord Noir in a very rural position with plenty of greenery all around. The beautiful lake at Tamniès is 300 m. away and provides fishing, boating, a beach and good walks. There are 83 pitches, 53 for touring units and the remaining 30 for mobile homes to rent. The level pitches are of a good size with no access problems for larger units and roads around the site are tarmac. Electricity supplied is 6/10A. Trees provide good levels of shade.
This gem of a small, family-run site is situated in the rural heart of the Périgord, and the delightful owners will give you a warm and friendly welcome. There are only 50 slightly sloping, grass pitches, 40 for touring and all have 10A electricity. They are separated by hedging, and flowering shrubs and trees give varying amounts of shade. A shaded terrace is next to the beautiful, original Perigordine building and the barn has been lovingly converted into a bar/restaurant, a superb children’s playroom and the toilet facilities. The play area makes this a paradise for toddlers.
This pretty Dordogne site is located in the Périgord Noir with magnificent views of rolling hills and the Vézère valley. Here, there is a feeling of tranquility, space and calm. The new owners offer an outstanding welcome and customer service. Of the 90 pitches, 56 are for tourist units and the other 34 for chalets and mobile homes, all of which are for rent. Rental of Ecolodge tent with separate sanitary facilities (new 2019) possible.The pitches are flat, easily accessible and most of the time shaded. There is a pond at the end of the site. The main building is of a fine traditional Périgord quality and houses a very attractive restaurant and bar. This is a small site where you can relax in a friendly and family atmosphere.
Camping Le Plein Air Neuvicois is a family camping located on the banks of the Isle River in Neuvic, Dordogne, France. It is an excellent base for exploring the Dordogne region, with many historical sites and villages nearby. On-site, there are 54 touring pitches, of which 10Amp electric hook-up points are available. Pitches are mostly delimited by hedges and trees. As a result, you have ample privacy and shade.
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the centre of the Périgord Noir, in the countryside and lies about 250 m. above sea level. The area of the campsite covers about 6.5 hectares in total, with 1.5 acres in use at present. It is a small, friendly, family run site with 50 pitches, 28 of which are for touring and 22 for mobile homes available to rent. The pitches are wide and terraces separate some of them. All have 10A Europlug, and you will find a variety of trees and bushes often as a natural separation. This is a delightful and peaceful rural site.
La Nouvelle Croze is in the heart of the Vézère Valley, just a short 40-minute drive from Sarlat-la-Canéda and Périgueux, guests can easily explore historic sites while returning to the campsite.
Jules Verne was the first person to call this area, in the northern part of the Dordogne, ‘Périgord Vert’. It is a much valued part of the Périgord-Limousin National Park, and its lush, green countryside is crossed by numerous rivers, forested hills, valleys and grassland. Le Petit Lion des Toubières is a small, intimate site with 30 pitches (100-150 sq.m) spread over three hectares; all have 6A electricity (long leads may be required on some) and are enclosed by trees and hedges. They offer a mixture of sun and shade. Rental accommodation comprises five chalets and three gîtes.
Domaine Du Lac is a spacious site covering eight hectares, bordering a spring fed lake containing large carp. The site has 110 large pitches, 75 for touring (10A electricity). There are two areas, one has large, well shaded pitches divided by hedges dispersed amongst chalets and mobile homes. The second area, further from the lake, is more open and has a little shade from young trees and small hedges. The site is ideally located for visits to Les Eyzies and Lascaux. It has been family-run for over 30 years, who are very welcoming. English is spoken.
Camping Le Clupeau is a family campsite situated near the village of Cherveix-Cubas in the Dordogne region of France. The river Auvézère with its reservoir and old mill runs alongside the campsite. There are 33 touring pitches with electric hook-up points available (10Amp). The pitches are delimited by mature hedging, and mature trees offer shade during the summer. Almost half of the pitches can be found along the river, giving great views of the water.
Built on flat ground around a 17th-century mill, this friendly, family run site is proving to be very popular especially for visiting the prehistoric cave paintings in Lascaux and the picturesque town of Montignac. It is separated from the banks of the Vézère river by a quiet road. Located in the Pérgord Noir, it is a five minute walk into the town. There are 83 level pitches (66 for touring) which are marked and divided by mature hedges, all with electricity and most with some shade from mature trees. Pitches tend to be on the smaller size (80 sq.m) and not suitable for large outfits. There is a sizeable river bank for fishing. This is an ideal base from which to visit a fascinating and beautiful area.
This small family run campsite has just 66 pitches of which 43 are for touring units. There are two distinct areas: by the play area and swimming pool or on more shaded pitches close to the large fishing lake. Electricity is available to most pitches(6/10A, Europlug adaptors on loan) The fishing lake (free for campers) is well stocked with carp and other fish. The small heated swimming pool and paddling pool are popular. The campsite has its own Troglodyte cave just visible from the pitches and accessed via a woodland walkway.
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One of the earliest cradles of civilisation, the Dordogne is a collage of prehistoric caves adorned with ancient paintings and medieval fortresses watching over a landscape of languid rivers, soft grassy plains and oak forests. Sheltering mankind since the Palaeolithic era, it cannot help but invoke a sense of timelessness and wonder in the curious visitor.
The Font de Gaume cave is the ultimate place to experience this awareness of our enduring history. The carefully executed cave paintings are mostly of animals, portrayed in rich colour and expressing lifelike energy. To protect them, the number of visitors is limited daily, so booking is essential. Close by is Sarlat, an attractive town that sprang up around a 9th-century Benedictine abbey. The streets of its old town are lined with sandstone buildings that lend the place a pleasant warmth when the sun shines on them.
Walking and cycling holidays in the Dordogne are best in the spring when the flowers bloom and the town markets are well stocked or in autumn when the heat subsides, and the grape harvest begins.
The Dordogne Blogs
The Dordogne - Royal Variety Show
Russell Wheldon | 10 Feb 2023 | Read time: 4m 59s
I well remember visiting the Dordogne (as we British usually refer to it) for the first time and feeling...
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Each of France's regions has its unique allure: endless beaches, majestic châteaux, historic cities, undulating vineyards, wild rugged garrigue. The choice is vast.
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Technically the Dordogne is one of the three regions that make up Aquitaine, the huge swathe of south west France that stretches from Bordeaux to the Biarritz. The other two regions are the Gironde and Gascony.
The history of the Dordogne goes back many thousands of years to when man lived in the caves of the Périgord in the beautiful valleys of the Dordogne and Vézère, leaving cave paintings at sites such as Les Eyzies and Lascaux.
The Dordogne river rises in the volcanic mountains of the Auvergne from where it forges west through the craggy forests of Limousin and on to Périgord. Mellow stone villages, celebrated castles, vineyards, meandering rivers and lush hillsides crowned with medieval bastide villages all combine to make this a region of unparalleled diversity and appeal.
Campsites in the Dordogne
There are some truly exceptional campsites here in the real heart of the Dordogne. Typically in sublime locations, they are surrounded by rolling wooded hills with sleepy honey coloured villages all around, adorned with vibrant geraniums overflowing from crumbling pots.
Campsites in the Dordogne are often just a stone’s throw from extraordinary castles and many too are set in the grounds of old farmhouses or mills with large, grassy pitches set between tall oak and walnut trees. These shady trees, welcome during the hot summers, are often a legacy from the days when farmers planted walnut trees for the benefit of future generations. The trees were uniquely able to provide food, fuel, timber and flour and consequently a mature specimen was highly prized. Don’t be surprised if you are offered a bag of walnuts occasionally!
Many campsites offer a host of great activities, either on the site itself (such as river swimming, swimming pools or tennis) or a short drive away (canoe trips). Walking and cycling routes are invariably numerous, and with options suitable for all levels of fitness and age.
Excursions and activities
Excursions might include boat trips from Domme and historic La Roque Gageac or canoe excursions with a guide – there are routes for beginners and the more ‘hesitant’. Children love the crystal caves at Proumeyssac and also the underground train at Rouffignac, or you can pass through the vast underground chasm of Padirac.
Head to the spectacular medieval sanctuary of Rocamadour for incredible views and the astonishing houses clinging to the cliffs (not to mention the Forêt des Singes where the mischievous macaques roam free). Discover medieval gems at Beaulieu, Collonges-la-Rouge and Biron and view the incredible son et lumière at Tours de Merle.
Castles and bastides
The ancient dukedom of Aquitaine was ruled by the English for 300 years following the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry Plantagenet, the future king, in 1154. The fortified villages and castles of the area bear evidence of the resulting conflict between the French and the English for control, and today add character to the countryside.
The resulting castles still dominate the skyline. Brooding and austere, they occupy strategic positions and make a fascinating day out where the kids’ imaginations can run free. Popular castles to visit include Castelnaud and Beynac which famously faced each other across the river during the Hundred Years War, one French, one English. Also elegant Milandes, long associated with the colourful Josephine Baker, and others like Feyrac.
The fortified hilltop villages, or bastides, are quite magical. One of the most iconic is Domme, whose far reaching views from the ramparts over the majestic river Dordogne below are quite indescribable and certainly among the finest in France.
The 13th century bastide of Monpazier is delightful. Enter via fortified gateways and stroll beneath covered arches surrounding the elegant main square, pausing for refreshment in one of the pleasant cafés.
Sarlat
The medieval town of Sarlat is not only itself one of the jewels in the crown of the Dordogne but it is also wonderfully well-placed for exploring the area’s pre-history, ancient villages and pastoral countryside. The mellow stone buildings are beautifully preserved – so much so that if the cobbled streets and alleys seem familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen them before in one of many historical films made here, including a version of Les Misérables.
The Saturday market is widely held up as one of France’s best and choosing a restaurant can be a serious challenge – all look very tempting and generally prices are reasonable for excellent fare. Tough local competition ensures prices are kept keen and value high.
Prehistory
The valley of the Vézère is the cradle of man’s past and teems with prehistoric treasures from 17,000 years ago. Les Eyzies is the world centre and the famed cave paintings at Lascaux were discovered by boys in 1940, quickly becoming a sensation before it was realised that visitors were damaging the very thing they came to marvel at. An incredibly intricate replica was created at Lascaux II and a Lascaux 4 offers an even more immersive experience.
Wines
Some of the world’s most famous vineyards are located around Bordeaux and St Emilion. The most famous are from the renowned estates of the Médoc with wine communes like Pomerol, Margaux, Graves, St Julien and St Estèphe and Sauternes enjoying stellar status. Many, but certainly not all, allow visits to their cellars and wine tastings. Bergerac, among others, offers excellent wines at affordable prices.
Cuisine of the Dordogne
The Dordogne is gastronomy central and fantastic delicacies can be found in restaurants as well as markets and on the roadside. This is very much the land of the duck - foie gras is a regional tradition, with confit de canard a ubiquitous and hearty dish and duck fat being used as the cooking medium of choice. Duck breast is on pretty much every menu, and rightly so.
Truffles are a prized delicacy, as well as cep mushrooms. Look out for cheese from Rocamadour, walnuts, strawberries, honey, chestnuts, an incredible array of salads and vegetables. You will not go hungry!
St Emilion
This is a great place for a tour of big name vineyards, perhaps starting with the illustrious Château Ausone whose rock-hewn cellars stretch under the vineyard. The ancient town is gorgeous, perched on a hill with great views of the encircling countryside. Explore the cobbled alleys to discover fine houses, the Château du Roy and the curious Eglise Monolithie, carved out of the hill by 8th century monks.