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If You Love the Cotswolds, You'll Love the Dordogne

Why the Dordogne captures the Cotswolds' charm: Both regions offer honey-colored stone villages, rolling green countryside, and that quintessential European countryside romance. The Dordogne delivers medieval castles perched on limestone cliffs, prehistoric cave art, and some of France's most celebrated cuisine—all wrapped in landscapes that feel straight from a storybook.

What makes the Dordogne special: While the Cotswolds can feel overwhelmed by day-trippers, the Dordogne's villages like Beynac-et-Cazenac and La Roque-Gageac remain authentically French. You'll find family-run restaurants serving foie gras and truffles, local markets brimming with regional specialties, and châteaux where you can actually explore without queuing.

When working for Backroads, the Dordogne was where I led the most. My hidden gem is the viewpoint from the very top of the town of Domme. The poet Henry Miller once said ‘just to glimpse the black, mysterious river at Domme from the beautiful bluff…is something to be grateful for all of ones life’.

Best time to visit: Late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October) for perfect weather and fewer crowds.

How to get there: The Dordogne lies to the East of Bordeaux. We recommend taking the train from Paris to Bordeaux and then renting a car to explore this magical river valley.