The largest tourist cities * Sarlat-la-Canéda: Capital of the Périgord Noir, Sarlat is known for its perfectly preserved medieval center, cobbled streets, traditional markets, and historic buildings like the Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral. * Bergerac: A city in the heart of the Dordogne vineyards, famous for its wines and half-timbered houses. * Périgueux: Capital of the Dordogne, renowned for its Saint-Front Cathedral and Gallo-Roman remains. * Brive-la-Gaillarde: A dynamic city with beautiful markets and a historic center rich in heritage. The most beautiful villages * Domme: Ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Domme is a perched medieval bastide with a panoramic view of the Dordogne Valley. * La Roque-Gageac: A picturesque village nestled against a cliff with yellow stone houses. It is also a starting point for traditional gabare boat trips. * Beynac-et-Cazenac: Known for its impressive castle perched on a cliff, this village offers a magnificent panorama of the Dordogne Valley. * Castelnaud-la-Chapelle: This village is home to a fortified medieval castle, one of the most visited in Dordogne. Cultural and sports activities to enjoy with family Cultural visits: * The Château des Milandes, former home of Joséphine Baker, offers a bird of prey show and insights into her history. * The National Museum of Prehistory in Les Eyzies is a must-visit to discover the origins of humanity. Sports activities: * Canoeing: Navigate the Dordogne River with your family to admire the castles and cliffs along the valley. * Biking: Cycle paths along the Dordogne and the Sarlat-Cazoulès Greenway are perfect for family outings. * Tree climbing and adventure parks: The L’Appel de la Forêt park or Monkey’s Forest in Sarlat are suitable for families with tree climbing courses. * Hiking: Discover routes suitable for all levels thanks to the numerous marked trails (see below for GR trails). * The Périgord Noir Aquarium: Located in Bugue, this aquarium is an exciting place for children with a large collection of freshwater fish and educational activities. Must-see tourist sites * Lascaux Caves: The most famous decorated cave in the world, with prehistoric paintings over 17,000 years old. Lascaux IV is a fascinating reconstruction. * Château de Castelnaud: A medieval fortress with a museum dedicated to warfare in the Middle Ages. * Jardins de Marqueyssac: Stroll through suspended gardens overlooking the Dordogne with spectacular views. * Gouffre de Padirac: An impressive natural chasm with underground galleries to explore by boat. Nearby hiking (GR) * GR 64: This long-distance hiking trail passes through the Dordogne Valley and allows you to discover remarkable natural and historical sites like Domme and La Roque-Gageac. * GR 36: Traverses the Dordogne and passes through Sarlat, perfect for discovering the landscapes of the Périgord Noir on foot. * Petite Randonnée (PR) trails: Numerous circuits around Carsac-Aillac are perfect for family walks, especially around the Énéa Valley and along the Dordogne. Fishing spots * Dordogne River: The Dordogne is an ideal river for fishing, with species like pike, zanders, and trout. Many access points are available along the valley, including in Carsac-Aillac. * Groléjac Pond: A quiet place for pond fishing, particularly appreciated by families. Accessibility and transport Train stations: * Sarlat Station: Connected to Bordeaux, Périgueux, and Brive-la-Gaillarde, with connections to Paris. * Souillac Station: Quick access to Toulouse and Paris (via Brive-la-Gaillarde). Highways: * A20 (Central highway): Near Souillac and Brive-la-Gaillarde, it provides easy access to Carsac-Aillac from major cities like Toulouse and Paris. Airports: * Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne Airport: Regular flights to Paris, London, and other major European cities. * Bergerac Dordogne-Périgord Airport: Mainly used for seasonal and international flights. Other notable tourist sites * Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil: The world capital of prehistory with numerous archaeological sites. * Rouffignac Cave: An immense cave with mammoth frescoes. * Les Jardins d’Eyrignac: Beautifully maintained French gardens. * Les Cabanes du Breuil: Traditional rural dwellings made of dry stone, showcasing local architectural heritage.