The most beautiful villages in France around Camping Le Paradis

Is your suitcase packed? Is your camera charged? Set off to discover the most beautiful villages in Dordogne!

On a national scale, nearly 180 villages are classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. The Dordogne has ten of them all by itself, spread between the Périgord Noir, the Périgord Vert, the Périgord blanc and the Périgord pourpre.

Since Le Paradis campsite, ideally located in Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, several of these villages can be easily explored during during a half-day trip or a full day.

In this article, we take you on a journey to discover our selection of the most beautiful villages in France less than an hour from Le Paradis campsite. Between rivers, cliffs and narrow streets steeped in history.

Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, a stone’s throw from paradise.

Ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère is a charming village of around 400 inhabitants, located in the heart of the Vézère Valley, halfway between the caves of Lascaux and Les Eyzies.

From Le Paradis campsite, it takes ten minutes by bike to reach this peaceful village, situated on the banks of the river.

What to do in Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère?

Leave your bicycle or park your car in the car park at the entrance to the village, then take the time to stroll through the cobbled streets paved. The village is home to several craft workshops: potters, sculptors and designers who are passionate about their craft open their doors and share their expertise.

For a gourmet break, the shaded terraces on the banks of the Vézère are an invitation to relax. Homemade walnut tart or artisan ice cream, the setting is ideal for savouring the moment.

In summer, Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère becomes a veritable haven of coolness. A tip: remember to pack a swimsuit in your in your bag. A dip in the Vézère is often the perfect reward after a walk.

To see and visit

• The Romanesque church from the 12th century, listed as a historic monument, located in the heart of the village,
• The Keep, manor house of La Salle, witness to the medieval history of the village,
• The Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère loop (3 km), ideal for a walk accessible to all.

Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère perfectly embodies the spirit of the Périgord: authentic and lively. An essential stopover during your stay at Camping Le Paradis.

Limeuil, where the Vézère meets the Dordogne

It is at Limeuil that the Vézère river ends its course to join the Dordogne. This village charms visitors with its medieval streets, its peaceful atmosphere and its exceptional panoramic view over the confluence.

In the past bustling with trade and commerce, the port of Limeuil has now regained its calm. In summer, it becomes a popular place to live, with a beach ideal for families. Limeuil is also a point of departure point for canoeing. Depending on your preferences, you can travel down the Dordogne or the Vézère, at your own pace, and discover the landscapes from the river, in a gentle and soothing atmosphere.

What to do in Limeuil?

Ascending towards the centre of the village, the narrow streets with their golden stones reveal all the charm of the village. The artists – potters, glassblowers and designers – perpetuate the Périgord tradition here. The charm works its magic at every turn, between traditional houses and flower-filled flowerbeds.

Overlooking the confluence, the Panoramic Gardens of Limeuil occupy the site of a former fortified castle. Created at the end of the 19th century, they offer a visit that is both botanical and educational, perfectly suited to families. The discovery trail and the Escape Game Garden are a real favourite with young and old alike.

Domme, royal fortified village in the heart of the Dordogne region

About a dozen kilometres south of Sarlat, Domme overlooks the Dordogne valley from the top of its cliff. This royal bastide royale, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, offers one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Périgord Noir.

Explore the bastide on foot

Leave your vehicle at the entrance to the village and walk through the ramparts to immerse yourself in a medieval atmosphere. Stroll through the cobbled streets and admire the blonde facades and join the “promenade de la Barre.”

From here, the view is spectacular: La Roque-Gageac, the gardens of Marqueyssac and Beynac-et-Cazenac are revealed.

For the curious and the players

For a fun visit, download the Terra Aventura app, the famous game of geocaching in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. An original way to discover Domme while having fun.

After your stroll, treat yourself to a gourmet break in the main square, before strolling along the Grande Rue pedestrianised street, lively with local shops selling jewellery, soaps, regional products and delicacies.

Domme is a stopover between sky and earth, where heritage meets the poetry of the landscapes.

A few tips from Paradise to help you prepare for your visits

• Prefer visits early in the morning or at the end of the day: the light is softer, the temperatures are more pleasant and there are far fewer people, especially in summer,
• Take the time to observe and to stroll. These villages have a thousand details to reveal: an ancient gate, a alleyway discreet, a point of view unexpected,
• Interact with local artisans and creators craftspeople. Potters, glassblowers of glass, artists or producers will be delighted to share their expertise and the history of their craft,
• Indulge in the gastronomy of the Périgord. Each village has its own specialities: small restaurants, gourmet markets, local producers … So many opportunities to discover the Périgord through its flavours.

Exploring these villages means, above all, taking the time to let yourself be surprised and experience the Dordogne. Let yourself be surprised and experience the Dordogne in all its most authentic form.