Perhaps one of your enduring memories as a child was the excitement of car journeys going on holidays and finding a picnic spot for lunch. With such a wealth of stunning countryside in the Dordogne Valley you are spoilt for choice. Secluded places along the river and convenient stopping places for eating out on popular driving routes mean there is no shortage of places to stop. So take some time out for a driving break, relax and try some of the local delicacies.
Lee Myungseong Y1xxwct5rbo Unsplash.jpgPicnic Areas in the Dordogne Valley
Where to find the ideal picnic spot with picnic tablesPerfect Picnic spots with tables
Picnic Hampers
The French are a nation of picnickers. And when in the Dordogne Valley, do as the locals do. Fill up your picnic hamper with local melon du Quercy, Rocamadour goats cheese, Croustilot bread, strawberries, cured ham and a nice bottle of wine!
01038 Otvd Cc By Nccochise Ory Vallee De La Dordogne.jpg 1920pxCentral Dordogne Valley
- Alvignac : At the Samayou recreation area in Alvignac and also at the entrance of the village if coming from the direction of Rocamadour.
- Bretenoux : The Isle de la Bourgnatelle is a lovely picnic spot and also along the banks of the La Cère river.
- Calès : At a place called the Lac Vieux (old lake)
- Gramat : In the Garenne park (Avenue de la Garenne)
- Carennac : Facing the direction of the river with the side of the church behind you, by the water.
- Gluges : At the Zone de Loisirs, opposite the town of Gluges, on the other side of the bridge in the direction of Montvalent.
- Laval-de-Cère : At the water’s edge.
- Nadaillac-de-Rouge : At the fountain in the centre of the village.
- Martel : At the Place Fontanelle in the direction of Creysse.
- Mayrinhac-Lentour : At the Marais de Bonnefont (also with children’s playground).
- Miers : At the « Hameau des Barrières ».
- Meyronne : Behind the church of Meyronne (with children’s swings and see-saw).
- Lake du Tolerme : At the lake, with barbecues available.
- Reilhaguet : Two areas. At the entrance and exit to and from the village.
- Rocamadour : At the Belveyre Stadium, next to the Forêt des Singes (Monkey park). You can also buy picnic hampers from La Borie d’Imbert farm 3 km from Rocamadour and eat it on the spot as they have picnic tables there in the shad
Vézère Valley
- Limeuil: Unmissable spot at the confluence of the Vézère and Dordogne, with tables by the pebble beach and views of the rivers and historic houses.
- Audrix: Picnic tables set up next to the church and under the covered hall.
- Campagne: Magical castle grounds with shady arboretum (redwoods, cedars, magnolias, cypresses, plane trees) for a romantic rural picnic.
- Le Bugue: Tables along the Vézère near willows and the old mill, perfect for riverside meals and naps; more spots by the kiosk near Le Bournat.
- Journiac: Two picnic tables in the shade near the municipal hall.
- Mauzens-et-Miremont: A few tables under the viaduct, plus another near the stadium, ideal for a quick stop.
- Savignac-de-Miremont: Quiet spot near the town hall, shaded by a tree and close to the car park.
- Les Eyzies: Multiple riverside tables in the town hall park, ideal for families. Also tables in Tayac under a chestnut tree, in Sireuil near the church and under the cliff by the Grand Roc cave.
Pique Nique En Famille Correze Tourisme Malika Tuin Up in the Corrèze
- Lake de Causse near Brive: On the waterfront
- Le Pont du Saillant near Brive: Shady spot by the river near the historic bridge. Tables on the little beach on the Allassac side.
- Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne: Front the city centre, head towards the river and take the pedestrian bridge. Shady picnic area with lovely views of Beaulieu from the other side of the river.
- Le Mont Bessou: Situated at almost 1000m of altitude, 6 km from Meymac, exceptional views and a real breath of fresh air.
- Le Roc du Busatier: Wonderful panorama above the gorges of the Dordogne river, a few km from Marcillac-la-Croisille.
- Le Rocher du Peintre: Wide open spaces and amazing views. A stunning spot above the gorges of the Cère river, not far from The Tours de Merle.
Rocher Du Peintre Marion Carcel Foehn Photographie 1.jpg 1920px 1 1
Table Gourmande Marche De Pays Malika Turin.jpg 1920px
Gastronomie Pique Nique Lac Du Causse Malikaturin 2062.jpg 1920pxAround the bastides of the Dordogne
- Lalinde: Near the waterfront and also up on the terrasses of the gardens
- Le Buisson de Cadouin: On the waterfront near the bridge
- Beaumont-du-Périgord: Several tables in a shady spot near the town hall and behind the church
- Badefols-sur-Dordogne: On the waterfront
- Labouquerie: On the grass under a tree, near the church
