The best things to see and do in La Roque Gageac (Perigord France)

One of the attractions of my recent trip through the region of Dordogne en France, and specifically in the region of Perigord, was to be able to see some of the beautiful towns in this area.

And that is precisely the characteristic of La Roque-Gageac, a town that has come to be classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France after Mont Saint Michel in Normandy, and Rocamadour in Occitania.

La Roque Gageac is located very close to Sarlat, which is the small medieval city axis of this area of Perigord, just 10 kilometers to the south.

As you arrive you will confirm that its special location is the great attraction of La Roque-Gageac, since it is aligned between the base of a high gorge and the Dordogne river that runs making sinuous curves through this valley.

This special location makes La Roque-Gageac Enjoy a micro-climate given its orientation towards the south.

And, on the other hand, throughout history it has been an enclave protected from enemy attacks.

Curiosities about the history of La Roque Gageac

Indeed, the history of La Roque Gageac dates back many centuries, as there are vestiges of the Roman times.

In the Middle Ages It was an almost impregnable place due to its open and fortified houses in the rock of the cliff.

At the time of Renacimiento had a great boom, and in La Roque-Gageac were built manor houses by nobles who came to this place.

Then during the 16th century its history was marked by the vicissitudes of Jean Tarde, an astronomer who supported the theories of Copernicus, until they were rejected by church and had to recant before the Inquisition.

The best things to see and do in La Roque Gageac

Nowadays La Roque-Gageac It is a small town with barely 400 inhabitants, but very visited during the most touristy seasons.

It has become one of the essential places to visit in a route through Perigord.

Beyond walking along the road that runs along the river and the cliff seeing some of its corners, such as its church or the tropical garden that is located next to it, the best way to see La Roque Gageac It's sailing down the river.

How to sail a traditional barge on the Dordogne River

Specifically on board one of the traditional barges that now have a tourist use.

It is the emulation of the barges that before the arrival of the train were used to transport goods, taking advantage of the river current.

The barges They sailed up to 21 kilometers along this river, most of the time downstream, although they also made stretches upstream helped by the tide, sails and people who pulled them with a rope from the banks.

In the upper part of the river they were only used for a month, and in the lower part where there was more water, for several months.

Now from one of these motor-powered barges (although they also sport the traditional sail) you will navigate watching the scene that makes up the high gorge and the succession of houses with ocher facades of La Roque-Gageac.

On this barge excursion that lasts about 50 minutes, you will continue sailing through the Dordogne river just beyond the enclave of this pretty town, and you will pass by a small castle.

You also have the option of a tour that lasts an hour and a half.

Here you have all the information for sail a traditional barge on the Dordogne River.

Marqueyssac Gardens

Also under the hill where the Marqueyssac Gardens, a curious corner that is worth visiting, because from there you have wide panoramic views of the Dordogne valley.

You also have up to six kilometers of walks in the upper area of ​​the hill, along which up to 150.000 hand-carved century-old box trees are distributed.

Castle Castelnaud la Chapelle

On board the barge you will reach almost the bridge where the road that takes you to the Castelnaud la Chapelle castleAs they told us, the most visited in the south of France.

From the barge you will see the castle on top of a hill, which has been completely rebuilt.

Inside it now shows a medieval weapons exhibition with more than 250 pieces.

On your return sailing along the river until La Roque-Gageac, you will have the opportunity to once again enjoy these beautiful landscapes where you can reach see up to three castles in different enclaves of the valley.

Map: where it is and how to get to La Roque Gageac

La Roque Gageac It is located just 10 kilometers south of Sarlat-la-Caneda, and 200 kilometers from Bordeaux to the east, in the south of France.

Photos of La Roque Gageac

Here you have more photos of La Roque Gageac and its surroundingsand Castelnaud Castle and Marqueyssac Gardens.