Make it small and friendly by choosing a smaller campsite where you’ll get a personal welcome.
Camping in the Dordogne
85 campsites in France, Aquitaine, Dordogne for Small Site
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Located in the scenic Périgord region, 10 km. from Périgueux, le Bois du Coderc is a picturesque, part wooded, riverside site. It is ideally situated for visiting many interesting places in the area. The 45 touring pitches cover field and woodland, have 10A electricity and water points, and are separated by young hedging. This family run campsite has a calm, relaxing atmosphere. The River Isle runs through the site and is suitable for paddling but not swimming. The site is well placed near the historic town of Périgueux, which is rich in culture and full of charm and character, with cobbled streets and delightful squares with restaurants, bars and shops.
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.
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.
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 Glamping Le Pré des Chênes is a small family-run site set on three hectares of an old meadow at the top of a small hill bordered by ancient oaks just outside the village of Saint-Cassien. Camping Glamping Le Pré des Chênes is in the heart of the Dordogne, a beautiful region of France known for its rolling hills, picturesque villages, and medieval castles. The campsite is just a short drive from the town of Bergerac, where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. On-site, there are 11 touring pitches with electric hook-up points available. Pitches are not delimited but are jotted around the edge of the campsite, giving you shade from the oak trees.
A friendly, family run campsite in attractive wooded countryside on the edge of Périgord Noir and the Vézère Valley, le Verdoyant is conveniently located for visiting the historic and tourist sites of the Dordogne. Its 68 good-sized pitches are on level ground with trees providing shade in places, a few are on the edge of a small fishing lake, with 10A electricity available. A variety of mobile homes, chalets and equipped tents are for hire. Small animals on site include goats and two friendly donkeys. Footpaths take you through the trees and past ponds to a ‘Borie’ (a mediaeval farm building) and the village of Bars.
The delightful French owners, Michel and Noelle Paille, make this a happy place to stay and everyone we spoke to praised it highly. The site nestles beautifully in a very natural environment at the base of tree-lined hills which provide a wonderful scenic background. Flowers, bushes and trees give a superb sense of well being and much care and attention is given to the environment. A superb lake is 100 m. from the site where visitors staying at the farm may fish without charge. The river is also the same distance away in a different direction. There are only 44 touring pitches (all with electricity 10A) and 15 mobile homes to rent.
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.
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.
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.
Camping la Sagne is a family run site and was significantly rebuilt for the 2012 season. The rebuilding programme included a new reception, bar and snack bar complex and a covered swimming pool and paddling pool with jacuzzi. There are 100 large, level pitches with 65 for touring, all with 16A electricity but long leads are required. Trees and hedges separating the pitches have been planted in the new area, which has little shade as yet, while pitches in the older section are separated by hedges and mature trees providing good shade. The site is close to the Dordogne river and access is available via a track down through the trees.
Camping Le Douzou is located in the Périgord Noir Nestled amidst lush greenery and the serene Céou River, this family-friendly campsite offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. On-site, there are 36 spacious and shady touring pitches providing a quiet escape, with options by the river or on terraced areas. The natural vegetation between pitches ensures privacy, making it ideal for families with children who can play freely in a car-free environment. The campsite provides ten dedicated spots with flexible arrival and departure times for those arriving by camper van.
This site with a charming name is set on the top of a hill in the heart of the Périgord Noir, yet just 2 km. from Les Eyzies. The site is on two levels and the lower, quieter level has a spacious feeling with touring caravans and tents being positioned around its perimeter, leaving the centre clear. There are 80 level pitches, of which 10 are used for mobile homes and 2 new chalets. The pitches have dappled shade and 10A electricity. Donkey renting is popular with donkeys being used to help out with walks lasting from half a day to 3 days and more.
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.
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.
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.
Located between Sarlat and Bergerac, this great little campsite is set in lovely countryside close to the River Dordogne. It is beautifully landscaped with flowers, shrubs and trees, maintained to a good standard and kept very clean. There are 57 level grass pitches of average size, 36 of which are for touring units. All have 10A electricity and are separated by shrubs and mature trees providing shade. The remainder are used for mobile homes to rent. The river is only 300 metres away and a canoeing centre can be found near the site entrance.
Camping Au P’tit Bonheur is in the heart of the Dordogne region, between Sarlat and Rocamadour, set in open countryside 250 m. above the River Dordogne and not far from the small village of Peyrillac-et-Millac. It is a quiet, spacious, family run site and in July and August there is a varied entertainment programme for all the family. There are 100 average sized pitches with 59 for touring. Many are on terraces, all have 10A electricity and some have a water supply. A variety of shrubs and trees give shade to many of the pitches and some have good views over the countryside below the campsite.
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.
Sometimes we come across small but beautifully kept campsites which seem to have been a well kept secret, and les Valades certainly fits the bill. Set on a hillside overlooking lovely countryside between the Dordogne and Vézère rivers, each pitch is surrounded by a variety of shrubs and trees. The 60 pitches are flat and grassy, mostly on terraces, all with 10A electricity and most with individual water and drainage as well. Ten very large pitches (over 300 sq.m) are available for weekly hire, each having a private sanitary unit, dishwashing, fridge and barbecue. At the bottom of the hill, away from the main area, is a swimming pool and a good sized lake for carp fishing, swimming and canoeing (free canoes).
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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
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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.