La Madeleine is a rock shelter located in the Vzre valley, in the Dordogne, France. The old town, dating from both medieval and renaissance times is a pleasure to visit, especially during the spring and autumn, or early in the morning.

The train line that runs the length of the Dordogne valley does not stop at each town and you will find the trains infrequent. Source: Original on display at Le Muse National de Prhistoire, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac. Destined to be besieged by tourists at almost all times of the year Sarlat is a beautiful, well restored town a few kilometres north of the River Dordogne. Once you reach the Dordogne, however, onward travel throughout the region by train can be fairly difficult. Tickets can be purchased online or at any train station in France.Īccessing the Dordogne area from Paris by train will find you travelling through central France to Brive, Bergerac or Perigueux, all located in the Dordogne Valley. TGV train tickets must be bought in advance and there are a whole host of special offers available for families, seniors, and groups throughout the year. The SNCF website has information for TGV and national rail service timetables. Trains connect cities and towns all around France and even cross the border into Spain, Italy, Switzerland and Belgium. Many routes will begin in Paris, stopping at convenient stations throughout the country before arriving in Dordogne. There are over 32,000 kilometres of railway laid all across the country, a good chunk of them sustaining high-speed services, the world-renowned TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) which reaches average speeds of around 320km/h. Read some of Martin Walker's mysteries set in the area to set the mood for your trip.SNCF (Societé Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français) is France's national railway company, owned by the French state, operating throughout continental France and Monaco. The dining is delicious and reasonably priced, as are the wines. Les principales villes sont : Périgueux (la préfécture du département), Bergerac et Boulazac Isle Manoire. We have connections in the area and intend to get to Rocamadour, Saint-Cirq-Lapopoe, and Belves in the future. La Dordogne est un département de la région Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Castlenaud has the medieval war demonstrations with catapults if you have a taste for that. Chateau Milande, home to Josephine Baker is another half day with great gardens and architecture. It is easy to spend a half day, it is far more than the sculpted boxwood on most photos. The Jardins Marqueyssac are exquisite with a fine view of the river. It was worth pulling off the road and taking a ridiculous number of photos. We also encountered a veritable army of ducks marching back to their evening quarters near Tursac. There is a minor charge and it is on an insanely narrow road but is fascinating. Either to or from Lascaux, stop at the Bories du Breuil to see old circular houses entirely made of stone including the roof. You can also do the National Museum at Les Eyzies de Tayac devoted to the era if you have interest. Lascaux for the reproduction of the prehistoric paintings is outstanding. We finished in Beynac and were inspired to return to the Chateau later for a tour. Pulling out in La Roque-Gageac for a village stroll and lunch is a great stop. He recommends the kayak trip down the Dordogne River which is a wonderful adventure. Hi Carol, the RS guidebook is no slouch for the Dordogne area.

Map la dordogne