Autumn is here with its rich tapestry of golden colours, descending on the Dordogne Valley with an irresistible charm. Visit Dordogne Valley

Legends of the Fall

Fully open

Almost all attractions remain open through early November, making September and October a privileged time to explore Rocamadour, Monpazier and all the medieval gems without the crowds of summer.

Historic places like Sarlat are lively but wonderfully relaxed, and restaurants and shops remain in full swing. Legendary castles such as Beynac and Montal or the Gardens of Eyrignac are accessible all year round, welcoming visitors eager to savour the region’s beauty before winter sets in.

Make sure to experience the incredible hot-air balloon festival Les Mongolfiades in Rocamadour on the last weekend in September.

Golden

browns

As the leaves turn and the light softens, the rolling oak-covered hills are bathed in reddish sunsets. Autumn is the perfect time to explore historic sites, castles and villages—often feeling as if they are yours alone to discover.

The weather is ideal for outdoor pursuits like cycling quiet country lanes or hiking through spectacular scenery. The Dordogne Valley boasts hundreds of km of hiking trails, inviting you to reconnect with the essentials and experience the timeless charm of the villages, with many of them proudly listed as Most Beautiful Villages in France.

It’s also walnut season, and you’ll likely find a few lying along the paths. Cep mushrooms are popping up in the forests. Grape harvesting season gets also underway with local wineries such as Monbazillac near Bergerac opening their doors to visitors for tastings of their renowned vintages.

Sarlat: a medieval jewel

Listed as a Town of Art and History, Sarlat remains the finest example of a 14th-century town in France.

Guided tours are proposed in English for anyone eager to discover the history behind the cobbled streets, golden-stone façades and picturesque squares.

Every Saturday morning all year round, the famous market brings the town to life, offering an irresistible array of local delicacies, cheeses and seasonal produce. Sarlat’s cafés, shops, and restaurants stay open late into the season, welcoming food lovers and his in search of the Dordogne’s sweet way of life.

Journées du Patrimoine

In September, the Journées du Patrimoine (European Heritage Days) open the doors of monuments and hidden treasures across France, including sites in the Dordogne Valley usually closed to the public.

From historic castles and abbeys to secret gardens and art collections, these two days are a rare chance to discover the valley’s heritage from an insider’s perspective, often with special guided tours, exhibitions and family activities.

The Warmth of the Hearth

By mid-October, mist drapes castles and villages in mystery, while cosy fires flicker in rustic cottages. This is when the Dordogne Valley becomes a haven of warmth and tranquillity, perfect for leisurely meals and long walks in golden landscapes.

Aubazine

Just a short distance from the vibrant city of Brive, Aubazine is a must-visit destination.

Explore the 12th-century Cistercian abbey, the remarkable cliffside canal carved by monks and the former orphanage where Coco Chanel spent part of her childhood and learned to sew—an experience that deeply influenced her iconic style.

A scenic 1.5 km walk along the canal reveals sweeping panoramic views.

Autumnal

activities

Autumn is a dream season for hikers and cyclists. The crisp air and warm days carry a sense of adventure.

The Vézère Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is perfect for exploring by bike, especially along the Vézère à Vélo bike trail. This 60 km route weaves through Limeuil, Les Eyzies, Montignac-Lascaux and Coly-Saint-Amand, connecting safely to other greenways.
The section between Saint-Chamassy and Les Eyzies is ideal for families, while the route northward becomes more challenging. Along the way, make sure you stop off to visit some of the renowned prehistoric wonders of the world-famous “Valley of Mankind”, including the Lascaux caves.

Hikers can set out on the GR46 through the Millevaches Regional Nature Park, or the GR du Pays de Fénelon, with its castles, chapels, forests, and sweeping views of the Dordogne.

Prefer the river? Hop in a canoe with a nature guide and explore the ecosystem up close…Bonus points if you can name a fish in French!

If you love beautiful craftsmanship, from 17 to 20 October 2025, the charming town of Terrasson hosts the NAMMA Arts & Crafts Fair, where over 50 artisans present ceramics, jewellery, textiles, and more. Terrasson itself is a lovely spot all year round for browsing artisanal boutiques, perfect for finding a unique gift.

Markets

and seasonal products

October is the peak of walnut and mushroom season. You’ll find markets brimming with walnut oils, pastries and delicious ceps. Walnuts from the Périgord are renowned for their flavour and full of goodness, whether enjoyed fresh or pressed into oil.

Bocerno Oil Mill in Plazac offers an organic walnut experience: an immersive tour tells the story of the walnut’s heritage before a tasting session of their delicious produce.

In Brive, the Denoix Distillery, operating since 1839, produces liqueurs and aperitifs in a heritage-listed workshop—a fragrant, timeless experience with guided tours and tasting.

Also highly recommended is a meal at a local farmhouse inn, where you can sample Rocamadour cheese and authentic dishes, discovering the simple pleasures of real traditional cuisine.

Brive: Food for thoughts

Every November, Brive hosts France’s largest literary event outside Paris, with renowned authors meeting their readers for signings and discussions at the Foire du Livre.

Meanwhile, from November to March, Brive’s famous Foires Grasses (fat fairs) are an unmissable gourmet stop for duck and magret lovers, continuing a tradition dating back to the 13th century.

Not to be missed

Back for its 2nd Edition – 25 and 26 October 2025!
Join in the fun for three unforgettable days at the Fête des Bastides et du Vin en Périgord, where medieval charm meets autumn indulgence. Wander through eight stunning bastides, brought to life with heritage tours, tastings and lively traditions. Savour the best of the local terroir—from fine wines to seasonal delicacies—and soak up the golden atmosphere of fall in the Dordogne Valley.

Vignobles en scène – Bergerac

Make sure to check out the Vignobles en Scène event (17–19 October 2025), where wine heritage takes center stage in a fresh, immersive way. No sommelier skills required for this perfect, authentic finale to your autumn escape.

Looking ahead

Christmas in the Dordogne Valley

When December arrives, the Dordogne Valley transforms into a magical winter wonderland.

Christmas markets pop up everywhere, from the intimate stalls of the villages of Carennac and Meyssac to the grand celebrations in Brive and Périgueux, where month-long markets light up the cities with local crafts and seasonal treats.

Sarlat hosts its atmospheric month-long Christmas market in the historic centre, with themed chalets, mulled wine, and artisan gifts—a truly enchanting way to celebrate.

Truffle Season

December also marks the start of black truffle season, with special markets and festivals in Cuzance, Martel and Sarlat. The Fête de la Truffe in Sarlat is a highlight, featuring tastings, cookery demonstrations, and everything truffle.

How to get here

By train

Take the Eurostar to Paris, then a direct train from Paris Austerlitz to Brive-la-Gaillarde for a quick 4-hour journey.

By plane

Fly direct into Brive–Vallée de la Dordogne Airport or Bergerac Airport until the end of October.

By car

From the UK, hop on the Eurotunnel to Calais followed by an approximately 8–9 hours drive to the Dordogne Valley, depending on your final destination.