Chateaux, vineyards & laid-back market towns—this is the French countryside at its best.


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.
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.
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.
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.”