The Périgord Journal

Golden light, vanishing crowds, wild mushrooms in the markets and vines in harvest: September is Périgord's best-kept secret. Five reasons why the shoulder season is the finest time for a stay in the Dordogne.

There are places in France where Bastille Day takes on a particular intensity. Périgord is one of them. Its medieval bastide towns, its hilltop châteaux, its silver-threaded rivers and its villages of warm limestone create backdrops that even the most inventive pyrotechnists could not have dreamed up. This year, Dordogne is celebrating twice over: the Tour de France passed through Périgueux on 11 July, and three days later the whole department looks up at the sky. Here are our five favourite spots to experience 14 July 2026 in Périgord.

Every Monday from 6 July to 24 August 2026, the gardens of Eyrignac are transformed into an open-air white party. Picnic on the lawns, live music, light show and fireworks: the most anticipated evening in Périgord.

On Saturday 11 July 2026, stage 8 of the Tour de France links Périgueux to Bergerac across 182 km of Périgord roads. Route, best viewing spots and practical tips.

From Domaine de Pouzelande, four cycle loops open up across Périgord Blanc: the lanes of Sanilhac, Périgueux and its riverside greenway, Chancelade Abbey, the Manoire valley. Bike hire available on site.

On 6 and 7 June 2026, the Dordogne celebrates the 23rd edition of the "Rendez-vous aux jardins" (garden open days) on the theme "The five senses of the garden: sight". 28 gardens open their gates to the public. Here is our pick of the 5 most beautiful to visit from Domaine de Pouzelande, in the Périgord Blanc.

The Périgord boasts nearly a dozen golf courses set in an exceptional natural landscape, between Renaissance châteaux, the vineyards of Bergerac and emerald-green rivers. Just 15 minutes from Domaine de Pouzelande in the Périgord Blanc, golfers enjoy a setting as challenging as it is refreshing — rounded off by one of the finest cuisines in France.

Brantôme the "Venice of Périgord", Saint-Jean-de-Côle, Bourdeilles…