A romantic break

in the Périgord Noir

In the Dordogne Valley, romance isn’t just for Valentine’s day, it’s a year-round affair.

Between medieval towns, charming gardens and riverside dinners, every weekend feels like the idyllic getaway for two. If you’re looking for the right mix of charm, flavours and relaxation, the Périgord Noir delivers: lively markets, breathtaking views, indulgent local specialities and evenings designed for lingering together.

Here are some suggestions to organise your own romantic break in the Dordogne Valley.

Friday evening

Welcome to Sarlat

Drop your bags off in Sarlat, the beating heart of the Périgord Noir, and settle into one of two excellent bases.
Hôtel Plazza offers spa facilities, a pool and the kind of comfort that invites you to unwind immediately.
Prefer something more intimate? Try Le Temps Retrouvé B&B, a green and peaceful hideaway just a short walk from the old town.

Whichever you choose, you’ll be welcomed with warm Périgord hospitality and a good night’s rest before the adventures ahead.

Saturday morning

Market stroll and rooftop views

Saturday is market day in Sarlat and the medieval streets brim with colour and flavours: strawberries, walnuts, asparagus, duck and truffles in season.

Grab a coffee on Place de la Liberté, soak up the lively atmosphere and maybe pick up a few treats to nibble along the way.
For an unforgettable view over the rooftops, take the panoramic lift inside Sainte-Marie Church. Add a little sparkle to the moment with a glass of champagne and some of the region’s delicacies.

When lunchtime comes, choose from the many cosy restaurants tucked away in the historic quarter. You’ll be spoiled for choice!

Saturday afternoon

A walk in the gardens

After lunch, it’s time to stretch your legs in the countryside.
The hanging gardens of Marqueyssac are made for a romantic stroll with winding paths, maze-like hedges and a lookout point offering sweeping views of the valley and its castles.
Sunlight filters through ancient trees while every bend in the path seems to open onto a new scene perfect for two.

Saturday evening

Dinner by the river

As evening approaches, head to La Roque-Gageac, officially one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages.”
Nestled between cliffs and the Dordogne River, the village has a unique microclimate where bougainvillea and exotic plants thrive.
Start with a cocktail at the serene Bar de la Bambousaie, then enjoy a candlelit dinner at La Belle Étoile, whose riverside terrace is a dream setting to put stars in your eyes.

©La Roque Gageac © Elise Viguie 82|Elise_viguie

Saturday night

Sarlat after dark

Back in Sarlat, the romance doesn’t end with dinner.
In spring and autumn, lanterns cast a soft glow over the medieval lanes, creating the feeling of having the town almost to yourselves. Come in December for one of France’s most enchanting Christmas markets, or in summer, when street artists fill the squares with theatre, music and laughter.

Whatever the season, a moonlit stroll through Sarlat is the perfect way to end the night.

Sunday

Spa and a medieval finale

On Sunday morning, take your time to sleep in and enjoy a beautiful breakfast. If you book in advance, you can then treat yourselves to a spa session or a couple’s massage. Both Hôtel Plazza and Le Temps Retrouvé offer the ideal setting for a perfect pampering session.

Before you head home, make one last stop in the village of Beynac. Its clifftop fortress, standing guard for nearly a thousand years, looks out over the Dordogne Valley in spectacular fashion. A stroll through its cobbled streets is a fitting finale to a weekend tailor-made for two.

Plan your perfect romantic escape

Want to organise your perfect getaway? Use the addresses mentioned above to shape your own itinerary.
The Dordogne Valley has everything you need for a romantic escape, whether you want to surprise your partner or plan ahead together.

Accommodation in Sarlat

Hôtel Plazza
Le Temps Retrouvé B&B

Restaurant suggestions in La Roque-Gageac

La Belle Etoile
La Bambousaie Bar

Activities

Panoramic lift in Sarlat
Gardens of Marqueyssac
Visit of the village of Beynac