15 Less Touristy Things to Do
| Name | Appeal | Type | Visit | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | ➡️ Bergerac | ★★★☆☆ | Town | - | - |
| 02 | ➡️ Roque-Gageac | ★★★☆☆ | Village | - | - |
| 03 | E-scooter Countryside | ★★★☆☆ | E-scooter | Tour | Paid |
| 04 | Quad bike Countryside | ★★★☆☆ | Quad bike | Tour | Paid |
| 05 | ➡️ Belvès | ★★☆☆☆ | Village | - | - |
| 06 | ➡️ Limeuil | ★★☆☆☆ | Village | - | - |
| 07 | Proumeyssac Chasm | ★★☆☆☆ | Chasm | Guided | Paid |
| 08 | Rouffignac Cave | ★★☆☆☆ | Parietal Art | Guided | Paid |
| 09 | ➡️ Les Eyzies | ★★☆☆☆ | Prehistoric Sites | - | - |
| 10 | Roque-Saint-Christophe | ★★☆☆☆ | Rock Shelter Dwelling | Self | Paid |
| 11 | Neuvic Caviar | ★★☆☆☆ | Caviar Farming & Tastings | Guided | Paid |
| 12 | Château de Biron | ★★☆☆☆ | Castle | Self | Paid |
| 13 | Château de Hautefort | ★★☆☆☆ | Castle & Garden | Self | Paid |
| 14 | Bournat Park | ★★☆☆☆ | Theme Park | Self | Paid |
| 15 | La Madeleine | ★★☆☆☆ | Rock Shelter Dwelling | Self | Paid |
01. Bergerac Town
Overall Appeal ★★★☆☆
Nestled along the Dordogne River, Bergerac is a charming town famous for its picturesque old town. Known for its homonymous link to the legendary Cyrano de Bergerac (though the character is not actually related to the town), it offers a vibrant mix of history, culture, and wine.
02. Roque-Gageac Village
Overall Appeal ★★★☆☆
Perched dramatically on a cliff along the Dordogne River, Roque-Gageac is a village known for its medieval charm and panoramic views. The village has narrow, winding streets and ancient stone houses.
Also a popular spot for river cruises and kayaking.
03. E-scooter Countryside
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type E-scooter
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
Experience the scenic beauty of the Dordogne countryside by discovering its vineyards, forests, and trails with an e-scooter adventure.
04. Quad bike Countryside
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Quad bike
Visit Tour
Cost Paid
Same tour as the previous one, but with a quad bike instead of an e-scooter.
05. Belvès Village
Overall Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Belvès has historical roots that date back to the medieval period, with well-preserved architecture reflecting its past. The village was once a fortified settlement, evidenced by its ancient walls and gates.
06. Limeuil Village
Overall Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Positioned at the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers, Limeuil is a picturesque village with beautifully restored stone houses and lovely gardens.
07. Proumeyssac Chasm
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Chasm
Visit Guided
Cost Paid
Known as the “Crystal Cathedral,” the Proumeyssac Chasm is a spectacular underground cavern filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Also, the lighting in the cavern enhances the visual impact of the natural formations.
08. Rouffignac Cave
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Parietal Art
Visit Guided
Cost Paid
Rouffignac Cave, also known as the “Cave of the Hundred Mammoths,” is famous for its prehistoric parietal art, including intricate engravings of mammoths and other animals.
Almost the entire guided visit is conducted aboard a small train that travels through the cave. The visit is in French, but there is documentation available in English.
09. Les Eyzies
Overall Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Often considered the prehistoric capital of Europe, Les Eyzies is home to numerous sites showcasing ancient human history. The area features impressive cave dwellings and archaeological findings, providing insight into early human life. Museums and guided visits enhance the educational experience.
10. Roque-Saint-Christophe
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Rock Shelter Dwelling
Visit Self
Cost Paid
This massive rock shelter dwelling is the largest troglodytic complex in Europe. Here, people lived from the time of Neanderthals up until the 16th century. It offers a look at prehistoric human habitation and beyond. The site features a series of terraced levels and rock formations used for living, cooking, and storage.
ALso, its strategic location provides views of the surrounding landscape.
11. Neuvic Caviar
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Caviar Farming & Tastings
Visit Guided
Cost Paid
At Neuvic Caviar, visitors can explore the art of local caviar production through guided visit and tastings.
The products are also sold in their stores in Paris, Bordeaux, and Lyon.
12. Biron Castle
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Castle
Visit Self
Cost Paid
Château de Biron is a historic castle with an imposing structure and scenic location, making it a significant regional landmark.
Dating back to the 12th century, the castle has undergone various renovations and expansions over the centuries. It features impressive medieval fortifications, including towers and ramparts.
13. Hautefort Castle & Garden
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Castle & Garden
Visit Self
Cost Paid
Situated on elevated ground, the château site was originally a medieval fortress built in the 11th century. It was rebuilt in the 17th century in the Classical style of the period. Its interior showcases historical furnishings and it is surrounded by French-style gardens.
14. Bournat Theme Park
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Theme Park
Visit Self
Cost Paid
Bournat Park is a theme park that immerses visitors in the charm of French village life around the year 1900. With its traditional fairground rides, crafts, and live entertainment, it offers a nostalgic and fun experience for families.
15. La Madeleine
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Rock Shelter Dwelling
Visit Self
Cost Paid
La Madeleine is a historically rich rock shelter dwelling, known for its prehistoric and medieval significance.
The upper part of the cliff was inhabited from the Middle Ages until the end of the 19th century, when the site was abandoned as a dwelling. This is the part that is visited today. The troglodyte village, preserved in its original state, provides a good overview of daily life in a rural setting and its adaptations from that era.
