Your Private Dordogne Day Tour Itinerary
Sarlat-la-Canéda – Medieval Heart of Périgord Noir
Your journey begins in Sarlat, a jewel of the Dordogne and one of France’s best-preserved medieval towns.
Its golden sandstone lanes twist past Gothic spires, Renaissance façades, and bustling market squares.
Wander through tiny alleys barely wide enough for two, admire ancient half-timbered houses, and step into quiet courtyards that feel unchanged for centuries.
Sarlat is deeply atmospheric, and your private tour ensures you experience it in all its richness, your guide will unlock the stories that shaped this town, from dukes and merchants to the culinary traditions still alive today.
Optional Stop: Sarlat Market (Selected Days Only)
If your visit coincides with market day, your guide will lead you through stalls overflowing with truffle-infused cheeses, foie gras, walnut cakes, and local honey. Tastings can be arranged on request.
Bergerac – Wine, Timbered Houses & Riverside Ambience
Next, your driver takes you through the rolling countryside toward Bergerac, a charming riverside town known for its literary connections and warm Périgord character.
Stroll through the old centre, where crooked medieval houses lean over cobbled squares. Your guide will bring the town’s past to life, from its ties to Cyrano de Bergerac to its important role in regional wine production.
A visit to the Cloître des Récollets awaits, a 17th-century monastery that now houses the Maison des Vins. Here, you may choose a private tasting session led by one of the region’s expert sommeliers.
The Dordogne River
Your afternoon unfolds along the scenic Dordogne River, where villages stand guard above limestone cliffs and castles appear unexpectedly between trees.
Your guide will select the most atmospheric viewpoint based on the season and time of day, quiet river bends, ivy-covered bridges, or panoramic hilltop vistas. This part of the day is beautifully flexible and ideal for photography.
Artisans, Boutiques & Local Culture
Before returning to Bordeaux, you’ll have time to explore the local craftsmanship the Dordogne is known for:
- Chocolatiers specializing in walnut praline
- Makers of traditional wooden toys and homewares
- Galleries showcasing regional artists
- Small boutiques selling linen, pottery, and culinary goods
Your guide knows where to find the finest items and will tailor recommendations to your interests.
Optional Extras for Your Dordogne Day
- Private wine tasting with a master sommelier in Bergerac
- Truffle farm visit (seasonal)
- Dordogne River boat ride (gabarre cruise)
- Château visit (Beynac, Castelnaud, or Milandes)
- Photographer-guided tour of Sarlat’s medieval district
Return to Bordeaux
Your driver returns you to your Bordeaux accommodation in comfort.
FAQs for the Dordogne in a Day Tour
1. Is the Private Sommelier-Led Wine Tasting in Bergerac Included or Optional?
It’s an optional add-on. If selected, your tasting will be held at the Cloître des Récollets or another expert-led venue that showcases Bergerac’s celebrated appellations.
2. What Type of Wines Can I Expect to Taste in Bergerac Compared to Bordeaux?
Bergerac wines are often softer, aromatic, and crafted in smaller artisanal batches. You may taste reds, rosés, and whites from Pécharmant, Monbazillac, and Bergerac AOC, distinctively different from Bordeaux blends.
3. Will We Visit the Dordogne River Itself or Only Viewpoints?
You will enjoy curated viewpoints and riverside paths. The exact stop varies by season—whether a quiet river bend, ivy-covered stone bridge, or dramatic hilltop panorama.
4. Can a Dordogne River Boat Ride (Gabarre Cruise) Be Added to the Day?
Yes. We can include a traditional flat-bottom boat ride, ideal from spring through autumn. Cruise times are coordinated to fit your personalised schedule.
5. How Much Driving Is Required Between Bordeaux, Sarlat, and Bergerac?
The Dordogne is spread out, but your private vehicle ensures comfort. Expect approximately 2 hours each way from Bordeaux, with scenic countryside drives between towns.
