Camping im Perigord

Camping in Perigord is perfect for all holidaymakers who want to enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes to the east of Bordeaux, in the heart of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Romantically secluded inland, the region entices visitors to go on extensive hikes through vineyards, mountains and forests. In addition to the enchanting nature, the prehistoric cave paintings of Lascaux are one of the attractions of the Perigord.

Special features of camping in the Perigord

In Perigord, campsites offer their visitors a dreamlike setting. The wooded regions in the north, also known as Perigord Vert, guarantee an idyllic holiday. Around the capital Périgueux, visitors can go hiking on a limestone plateau, go climbing and walk through the floodplains of the River Isle. In the so-called Black Perigord in the south-east, the dense oak and pine forests tempt visitors to go on extensive excursions.

Near Bergerac, travellers can discover the classic wine-growing regions of south-west France. The local "chateaux" and "domaines" offer their guests interesting guided tours and reasonably priced wine tastings. The fish-rich Dordogne River runs right through the Perigord, where anglers await their big catch on its banks in the midst of beautiful nature. Kayaking or rowing tours are recommended on the water.

How to get there

Travellers from Germany cross the border into France in Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland or Baden-Württemberg. Shortly after Saarbrücken, travellers can take a break in Lorraine and visit cities such as Metz and Nancy. The A5 takes holidaymakers to the Black Forest region, where they can cross the Rhine in Baden-Baden or Kehl. On the other side of the river lies Alsace with its Gothic buildings and picturesque half-timbered architecture.

The French A35 and A36 motorways take you towards the Alps. These motorways and all other major motorways in France are subject to tolls, which must be paid at the pay stations at the exit. As soon as you enter the motorway, you have to take a ticket.

The journey continues via Besançon and Moulins to the Aquitaine region. From Clermond-Ferrand, it is then only 250 kilometres to Périgueux. Alternatively, holidaymakers from south-eastern Germany - for example from Munich - can travel via Zurich, Bern and Geneva towards Lyon. From France's third-largest city, it is then around 430 kilometres to Périgueux.

Destinations in the Perigord

The Perigord fascinates with a variety of landscapes, ranging from dense woodlands and limestone formations to tranquil river meadows. We also highly recommend taking a detour to charming and culturally outstanding towns and villages such as Périgueux or Bergerac

Périgueux

The small town of Périgueux is located on the River Isle and fascinates with its historic architecture. The Saint-Front cathedral, which is located directly on the banks of the Isle, is particularly worth seeing. Remains from antiquity, such as the Vesunna Tower, have been preserved. The Maison des Consuls dates back to the Renaissance. Around the municipality, leisure-oriented holidaymakers can go on excursions to nearby limestone formations or cycle along the Isle.

Bergerac

Bergerac is the heart of winegrowing in the Perigord. Some of the best vines in the region grow here. Many wineries offer tastings to their visitors. This part of south-west France is sometimes known as the Purple Perigord. Bergerac itself lies on the Dordogne, one of the most fish-rich rivers in the entire region.

Périgord Vert

The "green" Perigord in the north is a popular destination for leisure holidaymakers in particular. The dense forests here are ideal for excursions. Hikers and cyclists get their money's worth in this region. In small villages, you can stop off at one of the country inns and order trout prepared with herbs from the south of France. The most beautiful towns in the Perigord Vert include Nontron, Thiviers and Saint-Aulaye.

Top 5 sights

• Saint-Front Cathedral: The monumental building on the banks of the Isle of Périgueux fascinates with its numerous domes.
• Bergerac: The small town on the Dordogne is known as the centre of Perigord wines.
• Grotte de Lascaux: The ancient cave with its prehistoric cave paintings is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Beynac Castle: The hilltop castle was built in the 12th century and towers high above the municipality of Beynac-et-Cazenac. The keep, the Gothic frescoes and the great hall are well worth a visit.
• Tremolat: In the small village, the quarry stone church of Saint-Hilaire with its Romanesque style is well worth a visit.

Top 2 insider tips

• Sarlat-la-Caneda: In the historic old town of the municipality in the Perigord Noir region, visitors can admire the Saint-Sacerdos Cathedral with its Romanesque façade. The historic market square in the old town centre is well worth seeing, surrounded by elegant palaces and a baroque town hall. The second oldest film festival in France is held on the square every year at the end of July/beginning of August.
• Puyguilhem Castle: The complex is located in the north of the municipality of Villars and fascinates with its delicate Renaissance architecture. The building is very similar to the Loire castles of the period and was built in the 16th century. Inside, you should definitely take a look at the magnificent coffered ceiling and the valuable tapestries.

Activities and excursions

The rich forest and river landscapes of the Perigord entice holidaymakers to go on extensive cycling tours and hikes. Visitors can sample regional products in the wine regions.

Hiking excursions and spectacular climbing

All regions of the Perigord are ideal for a hiking trip. In the north, the dense forests are a recommended excursion area where you can explore nature on tranquil paths. The oak forests of the Perigord Noir are also popular for a family hike. Holidaymakers can also go climbing on the limestone formations around Périgueux.

Cycling holidays with the whole family

Holidaymakers in France can follow the rivers of the Perigord by bike. The Isle and the Dordogne in particular are ideal for long tours along their banks. The route profiles are comparatively flat and are therefore particularly suitable for families with children.

Wine lovers get their money's worth

The many vineyards around Bergerac are popular excursion destinations. The estates show visitors how wine is made in the region. You can visit the wine cellars and take a walk through the vineyards. In the towns, the fine wines can be tasted in one of the wine bars.

events

February - March

• Festival La Chevêche: In Nontron, the Festival of Nature is a great event for families. Workshops for children, cinema films and expeditions as well as lectures and scientific colloquia make up the varied programme.
• Bergerac Jazz Festival: In March, the wine cellars of Bergerac become an unusual backdrop for high-quality jazz concerts.

April - June

• Old town festivals in the Bergerac region: From April to June, exciting old town festivals are held in Bergerac and the surrounding municipalities. You can attend concerts, shows and markets in front of medieval façades.

July

• National Day: On 14 July, the storming of the Bastille is also commemorated in Perigord. The bank holidays is commemorated with speeches, music and a firework display.
• La Bataille de Castillon: In July, the Battle of Castillon, the final battle of the Hundred Years' War between France and England, is re-enacted by amateur actors.

Gastronomy

The Perigord is particularly famous for its winegrowing. Some of the best vines in the country grow in the region around Bergerac. Here you can try the dry red wine Pecharmant and the sweet white wine Monbazillac, among others. The varieties are somewhat less well-known than the wines of neighbouring Bordeaux, but are of a similar quality. Aromatic porcini mushrooms and chanterelles grow in the forests of the Perigord, which are usually combined with game meat to create high-quality dishes. The truffles from south-east France are also famous. Many dishes are prepared with chestnuts and walnuts.

Weather

The best time for a camping holiday in the Perigord is from the beginning of May to October. In spring, temperatures reach 20 degrees Celsius and tempt you to go on extensive excursions through the region. In June, July, August and September, the temperatures are significantly higher.

The highest average temperatures are between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius. During these months, most holidaymakers relax by one of the rivers and take leisurely cycle tours to one of the wine estates. October is also a good time for a relaxing holiday, with average temperatures of 19 degrees during the day and 8 degrees at night. Even in winter, temperatures climb to 10 degrees.