Things to Do in the Dordogne with Your Family
Which family outing in the Dordogne is the best fit for you?
| Family Profile | Flagship Activity | Where to go? | Why is it ideal? |
| For children who imagine themselves as knights and princesses | Castle Tours | Castelnaud, Puymartin, Beynac, Commarque | To play the role of a medieval hero |
| Underground Explorers | Caves and Chasms | Padirac, Proumeyssac, Villars | For a unique and refreshing adventure |
| Enthusiasts of human history | Prehistory and the Origins of Humanity | Lascaux IV, Roque Saint-Christophe, Les Eyzies | To follow in the footsteps of Cro-Magnon |
| Outdoor Adventurers | Sports and Nature | Canoeing, rail biking, hiking, swimming | To get some exercise together in the great outdoors |
| Lovers of villages | Cultural and Culinary Exploration | Sarlat, La Roque-Gageac, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Rocamadour | To take a stroll and experience local traditions |
| Creative and Curious | Games, workshops, educational farms | Périgueux, Vézère (Tèrra Aventura), Manzac-sur-Vern | Learning While Having Fun |
| Animal Lovers | Animal Encounters | Calviac Nature Reserve, Forêt des Singes, La Tour Blanche | To delight young and old alike |
| Organized Families | Practical advice | Caves, museums, hikes, villages | To tailor your outings to the weather and your budget |
| Families Looking for a Break | Relaxation and Comfort | Le Val de la Marquise Campground | To alternate between new experiences and relaxing moments |
The Dordogne is a versatile destination where every family can create their own vacation. Here, there’s no set itinerary: you choose the activity that suits your mood at the moment. Are you more into knights and princesses in castles, cave exploration, prehistory, charming villages, or outdoor adventures? There’s something for everyone—young and old alike. Wondering what to do in the Dordogne with your family? Follow the expert advice from our 4-star campground in the Dordogne, ideally located to offer a variety of activities and help you enjoy a vacation that’s truly tailored to you!
For children who imagine themselves as knights and princesses
Visiting the Dordogne with your family is like experiencing history firsthand. Kids love to pretend they’re knights or princesses, and the valley’s castles offer plenty to fuel their imagination.
Castelnaud Castle
Visiting Castelnaud Castle is like stepping back into the Middle Ages. Its war museum, siege engines, and ramparts offer a view of an exceptional landscape.
Puymartin Castle
The legend of the White Lady lingers here. The most daring visitors can also try their hand at an escape game inside the fortress.
Beynac Castle
Perched on a cliff, it impresses visitors with its keep—especially since this castle has served as a filming location for numerous movies. Please note that admission is free for children under 10.
Commarque Castle
This castle is a mysterious site nestled in the woods. A visit here is the perfect way to enjoy a family adventure among the beautiful ruins.
For those who prefer to play at being explorers underground
The Dordogne hides just as many wonders underground as it does above ground. Perfect for hot or rainy weather, caves and chasms are among the best family outings in the Dordogne.
The Padirac chasm
This outing is a must-see during your visit to the Dordogne. Visitors particularly enjoy its steep descent and the boat ride more than 100 meters underground. Your children are sure to be amazed by this timeless adventure.
The Proumeyssac Chasm
Nicknamed the “crystal cathedral, ”it impresses visitors with its sparkling dome. Outside, play areas and educational workshops allow young children to learn while having fun.
The Villars Cave
A perfect place to combine exploration and hands-on activities: prehistoric painting with natural pigments, spear-throwing, and activities about Cro-Magnon life.
For families who want to learn more about the origins of humanity
The Dordogne is one of the cradles of prehistory. During your vacation in the Dordogne with the kids, you’ll literally walk in the footsteps of Cro-Magnon people as you explore the region’s caves.
The Lascaux IV Cave
A world-famous masterpiece. Thanks to the immersive technologies available on site, the modern replica of the Lascaux Caves allows visitors to admire the frescoes without damaging the originals. Children can explore the painted animals as if they had just been drawn.
La Roque Saint-Christophe
Here is a massive limestone cliff that has been shaped by human hands since prehistoric times. You’ll enjoy gazing at its high-up terraces. They tell the story of our ancestors’ lives, as well as life in the Middle Ages.
Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Les Eyzies, the world capital of prehistory, is a village featuring caves, rock shelters, and a national museum. It’s a must-see for anyone wanting to understand the daily life of prehistoric humans and spark the curiosity of young visitors.
For families who love adventure and the great outdoors
Your vacation in the Dordogne with children can also turn into a life-size playground—ideal for families who want to stay active and enjoy sports activities that everyone can participate in. With rivers, forests, and marked trails, there’s no shortage of family outings in the Dordogne where you can get some exercise.
Canoeing on the Dordogne or the Vézère
Paddling along the river allows you to admire castles and villages from the water. There are short routes available for younger children who want to go canoeing on the Dordogne or the Vézère.
The Périgord Vert Railbike
Here’s a fun activity where you’ll get to ride a bike along anold railroad track. Laughter is guaranteed for young and old alike!
Hiking and cycling
The Sarlat-Cazoulès Greenway or the Bastide trails—many hiking routes in the Dordogne are family-friendly.
Swimming and tree-climbing
Supervised bodies of water, natural rivers, and adventure parks near the Val de la Marquise campground let you combine relaxation with excitement.
For families who enjoy exploring charming villages
In the Dordogne, some villages seem straight out of a history book. Strolling through the streets, sampling local products, and admiring the surrounding scenery is a wonderful way to explore the Dordogne with your family.
Sarlat-la-Canéda
A lively medieval town, its streets and market are brimming with culinary treasures and opportunities to take children on a journey back in time.
La Roque-Gageac
Perched on a cliff, the charming village of La Roque-Gageac offers an unforgettable stroll along the Dordogne River, with the option to take a gabarre boat ride.
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
A medieval village dominated by its castle: the perfect combination for a family outing in the Dordogne that combines a stroll with exploration.
Rocamadour (Lot)
This magnificent city is famous for its shrines and its birds-of-prey show. This tour is perfect for a day trip.
For families who love to learn and create together
In the Dordogne, there’s more to do than just explore the surrounding area. For families who enjoy trying new things, solving puzzles , or getting their hands dirty, there are several unique experiences that let you spend quality time together.
Escape Game in Périgueux
“The Secret of Puy Saint-Front”takes young and old alike on a mystery hunt through the heart of the town. It’s an outing that’s both fun and educational.
Tèrra Aventura
This digital scavenger hunt reveals the treasures of the Vézère Valley. Kids love following the clues provided by the app.
Sculpture Workshop in Manzac-sur-Vern
Led by a ceramic artist, this workshop lets children create their own vacation souvenir. They especially enjoy taking it home with them.
Farm Tours
Équi’libre Farm or Spring on the Farm: a chance to get up close with the animals and experience farm life firsthand.
For families who love animals and nature
Are you a nature and animal lover still wondering what to do in the Dordogne with your family? You should know that the Dordogne is also an ideal destination for observing and interacting with animals in respectful and educational settings. These wonderful experiences delight children and raise the whole family’s awareness of nature conservation.
The Calviac Wildlife Reserve
This park is dedicated to endangered species. Here, visitors can see lemurs, maned wolves, and red pandas in a protected environment.
The Monkey Forest (Lot)
More than 150 macaques live there in semi-freedom. Watching them eat is a fascinating experience full of surprises for the youngest visitors.
La Tour Blanche Zoo
Here, you’ll find a more intimate setting. It’s the perfect place to get up close to various wildlife species and enjoy a beautiful natural setting.
For families who want to plan their days without stress
Visiting the Dordogne with your family means having access to a wide variety of activities. But it’s a good idea to adjust your plans based on the day’s conditions so you can make the most of your trip. Here are a few practical tips that can make your family vacation easier.
When it’s hot
Consider visiting caves (Padirac, Proumeyssac, Villars) or swimming in rivers and supervised bodies of water.
When it rains
Check out the child-friendly museums in the Dordogne, creative workshops, or interactive tours like Lascaux IV or an escape game.
For a small budget
With numerous historic villages, nature walks, and free activities, you can fully enjoy your vacation in the Dordogne without spending too much.
With teenagers
Opt for active pursuits —caving, biking, canoeing, or tree-top adventures—to keep boredom at bay.
For families who also want to relax
A vacation in the Dordogne with children isn’t just about exploration and adventure. After a day full of new experiences, it’s essential to be able to come together and recharge in a peaceful, child-friendly setting.
The amenities at Le Val de la Marquise Campground
Ideally located in the Vézère Valley, the campground offers comfortable mobile homes and spacious campsites surrounded by nature.
Equipment for young and old
A heated infinity pool, a playground, kids’ clubs, and family activities will keep your days filled with relaxation—all without ever leaving the resort.
A soothing natural setting
Ideally located in the heart of the Périgord Noir, the campground’s accommodations offer peace and quiet and lush greenery, making them perfect for alternating between active pursuits and relaxing breaks.
Here, you’ll find a perfect blend of comfort, nature, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that every member of the family can fully enjoy their stay.
In the Dordogne, every family can enjoy a vacation that suits them. Whether it’s immersing yourself in the world of knights, descending into the depths of caves, following in the footsteps of Cro-Magnon man, getting active outdoors, or strolling through villages steeped in history. Here, every day becomes a new adventure to enjoy together!
All you have to do is choose your family outings in the Dordogne based on your style, your preferences, or how energetic you’re feeling at the moment. From our campground in the Dordogne with a pool, you’re ideally situated to plan a unique and unforgettable vacation to share with your whole family!
