Bordeaux to Dordogne - Private Tour: Fortified Castles and Medieval Villages
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant_then_manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Depart from Bordeaux
Visit Dordogne & the Perigord – the most beautiful region in France!
Discover 12th century fortified castles and charming medieval fortified villages scattered along the lazy weaving river.
From Bordeaux to Dordogne & the Perigord; we’ll take the autoroute - its a 2 hour+ ride.
On our way we’ll drive through Les Eyzies-de-Tayac. This is where they found the first Cro Magnon remains!
Les Eyzies is also home to the National Prehistory museum.
Sarlat- la-Caneda is the capital of Dordogne – a lovely medieval city with cobble stone streets and lots of 11th century buildings. This would be a good place to stop for lunch, and a little shopping if you like.
We’ll visit Domme, a fortified hilltop village with magnificent panoramic views, and La Roque-Gageac charming medieval village built down close to the river. Then we'll drive up to the Castelnaud-La Chapelle Castle, followed by the Marqueyssac Gardens, and the Beynac Castle, before returning to Bordeaux.
Available options
10:30
Pickup included
What's included
Private transportation
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
This lovely city is the capital of the Dordogne region.
Its cobblestone streets are filled with local products... Foie Gras, truffles and walnut products provide a feast for the eyes! The old church-converted into a covered market is where you find the best local specialties.
This is a great place to stop for lunch.
2
This fortified village perched up high on a hilltop offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
3
This lovely little village sits down low along the Dordogne river.
4
This 11th Century fortified Castle once belonged to Richard the Lionheart!
5
If time permits, we will go visit this marvelous sculpted garden in Dordogne
What's not included
Food and drinks
Lunch
Gratuities
Admission to Beynac Castle (optional)
Admission to Chateau de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (optional)
Admission to Marqueyssac Gardens (optional)
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
3 reviews
5★
3
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
3.0
1 reviews
5★
0
4★
0
3★
1
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible
Specialized infant seats are available
Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
A maximum of 6 people per booking
About Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne River in southwestern France, renowned for its wine production and 18th-century architecture. The city's elegant boulevards, grand squares, and historic buildings, along with its vibrant cultural scene and proximity to famous vineyards, make it a unique and appealing destination for travelers.
Top Attractions
Place de la Bourse
A stunning 18th-century square surrounded by elegant buildings, including the famous Miroir d'Eau (Water Mirror).
Historical/Architectural
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
La Cité du Vin
An interactive wine museum that explores the history, culture, and production of wine in Bordeaux and beyond.
Museum
2 to 3 hours
€21 to €29
Saint-André Cathedral
A beautiful Gothic cathedral that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to Bordeaux's rich history.
Religious/Historical
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free (donations welcome)
Pessac Vineyards
A collection of prestigious vineyards and wineries in the Pessac-Léognan appellation, known for producing some of the world's finest wines.
Nature/Wine
Half-day to full-day tour
Varies by winery, typically €10 to €50 for tastings and tours
Must-Try Local Dishes
Entrecôte à la Bordelaise
A classic Bordelaise dish featuring ribeye steak cooked in a red wine sauce with shallots, bone marrow, and butter. It is typically served with pommes de terre à la sarladaise (potatoes cooked with duck fat, garlic, and parsley).
Main Course
Contains beef, butter, and dairy
Canard à la Rouennaise
A traditional duck dish from the Rouen region, featuring duck breasts cooked in a red wine sauce with apples, onions, and prunes. The dish is often served with potatoes or other root vegetables.
Main Course
Contains duck and may contain alcohol
Bourride à la Bordelaise
A traditional fish stew from Bordeaux, made with white fish, potatoes, and a creamy sauce flavored with aioli (garlic mayonnaise). The dish is typically served with crusty bread for dipping.
Main Course
Contains fish, dairy, and garlic
Popular Activities
Hiking and exploring the nearby vineyards and countryside
Surfing, sailing, and other water sports in Arcachon
Sandboarding and other adventure sports at the Dune du Pilat
Wine tasting and enjoying the local cuisine
Relaxing at the beach in Arcachon
Strolling through the beautiful streets and parks of Bordeaux
Exploring the city's museums, galleries, and historic sites
Attending local festivals and events
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season in Bordeaux, with warm weather and numerous festivals and events. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities, wine tours, and the city's vibrant nightlife.
15°C to 28°C
59°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: French
- Widely spoken: English, Spanish, Italian
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and situations
Bordeaux is generally a safe city, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Pickpocketing and petty theft can occur, especially in crowded tourist areas, so it is important to keep an eye on your belongings and be cautious of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded tourist areas
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially at night
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and avoid unlicensed taxis
Getting there
By air
- Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport • 12 km from city center
By train
Bordeaux Saint-Jean
By bus
Bordeaux City Center Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The tram system in Bordeaux is efficient, modern, and easy to use. It consists of four lines (A, B, C, and D) that connect major attractions, neighborhoods, and transportation hubs.
Taxis
Available • Apps: G7, Uber
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Saint-Pierre
Bastide
Chartrons
Day trips
Saint-Émilion
35 km from Bordeaux • Half-day to full-day trip
A charming medieval village and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and world-famous vineyards.
Arcachon
55 km from Bordeaux • Full-day trip
A beautiful coastal town known for its stunning beaches, fresh seafood, and outdoor activities, such as surfing, sailing, and hiking.
Dune du Pilat
65 km from Bordeaux • Half-day to full-day trip
The tallest sand dune in Europe, offering stunning views, outdoor activities, and a unique natural experience.
Festivals
Bordeaux Wine Festival • Late June
Bordeaux Fête le Vin • Late August
Bordeaux Jazz Festival • Early July
Pro tips
- Visit the Miroir d'Eau (Water Mirror) at the Place de la Bourse for a unique and refreshing experience, especially on hot days
- Explore the city's many markets, such as the Marché des Capucins and the Marché des Chartrons, for a taste of local culture and cuisine
- Take a wine tour or visit a local vineyard to learn about the region's famous wines and enjoy a tasting
- Stroll through the beautiful streets and parks of Bordeaux, such as the Jardin Public and the Parc Bordelais, for a relaxing and scenic experience
- Attend a local festival or event, such as the Bordeaux Wine Festival or the Bordeaux Jazz Festival, for a unique and memorable experience
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
