Woodland glamping in Dordogne

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When it comes to iconic France destinations, the Dordogne is right up there with the Côte d’Azur and the Loire Valley. Stretching along the banks of the Dordogne River in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the rolling hills of the Dordogne are dotted with picturesque hilltop villages, mediaeval castles, and prehistoric caves. April through October is the ideal time for a camping holiday, and the Dordogne—or Périgord as it’s known to the French—is brimming with family campsites and glampsites. Many close down out of season, but for a winter treat, rent a cozy chalet and join the hunt for the Dordogne’s prized truffles (Dec-Mar).

Top-rated campgrounds

When it comes to iconic France destinations, the Dordogne is right up there with the Côte d’Azur and the Loire Valley. Stretching along the banks of the Dordogne River in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine, the rolling hills of the Dordogne are dotted with picturesque hilltop villages, mediaeval castles, and prehistoric caves. April through October is the ideal time for a camping holiday, and the Dordogne—or Périgord as it’s known to the French—is brimming with family campsites and glampsites. Many close down out of season, but for a winter treat, rent a cozy chalet and join the hunt for the Dordogne’s prized truffles (Dec-Mar).

Top-rated campgrounds

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Woodland glamping in Dordogne guide

Where to go

Perigord Vert

The Dordogne’s four regions are named for the color of their natural surroundings, starting with the lush green woods of the “Perigord Vert” in the north. The hilly north is the place to escape the crowds, whether hiking and camping in the Parc Naturel Régional Périgord-Limousin, or hopping between the towns of Brantôme, Jumilhac le grand, and Ribérac.

Perigord Blanc

The pale rocky landscapes of the Perigord Blanc are the central heart of the Dordogne. Departmental capital Périgueux is the obvious starting point, with its impressive Roman ruins and lively weekly markets, where you can feast on regional specialties like foie gras, fresh strawberries, and truffles. Campers have plenty of options, whether you prefer a 5-star campsite with a swimming pool and water park, a fully equipped mobile home, or a tranquil rural Hipcamp.

Perigord Noir

The oak-shaded hills of the Dordogne Valley are home to the region’s biggest crowd-pleasers, from the UNESCO-listed Lascaux Caves to the gravity-defying mediaeval citadel of Rocamadour. Discover the mediaeval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, go kayaking along the Vézère and Dordogne rivers, and explore hilltop castles like the Château de Castelnaud and Beynac-et-Cazenac.

Perigord Pourpre

The southwest “purple” region is named for its wine, most notably the sweet white wines of the Monbazillac domaine—make sure you work some wine tasting into your camping trip. Check into a family campsite in Bergerac or escape to the vine-clad countryside around Monpazier, Le Bugue, and Limeuil, all of which are listed among “the most beautiful villages in France.”

Top cities in and near Dordogne