The 10 best things to do in the Dordogne with kids

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If you’re heading to the Dordogne with your little explorers in tow, you’re in for a treat as there are loads of lovely things to see and do with the kids. This beautiful French region is bursting with history, nature, adventure and affordable fun for the whole family. It’s a great destination for active families with kayaking, cycling and hiking in abundance – or take some time to explore the history of the area with caves, castles and medieval towns. So, if you’re heading to France this summer, here’s a roundup of the 10 best things to do in the Dordogne with kids:

1. Step back in time at Chateau de Castelnaud

This medieval castle is a must-visit for young history buffs and fans of knights and dragons. Perched high above the Dordogne River, Chateau de Castelnaud offers sweeping views and hands-on fun. Inside, you’ll find a fascinating museum of medieval warfare packed with weapons, armour and full-scale trebuchets. Kids will love trying out the wooden games in the courtyard and watching live demonstrations in peak season. Bring a picnic to enjoy by the river after your visit for a full afternoon of history and stunning views.

2. Visit the Prehistoric Caves

The Dordogne region is famous for its underground world. Lascaux IV in Montignac is an ultra-modern replica of the original cave, complete with interactive exhibits and stunning prehistoric art, whilst Rouffignac offers a cave train ride to see ancient mammoth carvings. The Gouffre de Padirac is another cool option – it’s a deep chasm leading to an underground river where you float by boat through caverns and illuminated rock formations. Or head to Roque Saint-Christophe with its cliffside shelters which offer a unique look at how prehistoric people adapted to their surroundings. You’re utterly spoilt for choice when it comes to cave adventures in the Dordogne!

3. Kayak along the river

One of the best ways to take in the Dordogne’s natural beauty is by kayak or canoe. The gentle flow and scenic surroundings make it perfect for beginners, and children as young as five can usually join in with safety gear. Choose a short stretch from places like Vitrac, Limeuil or La Roque-Gageac. Paddle past castles, under stone bridges and alongside sunflower fields – and stop off at pebble beaches for paddling and picnics.

4. Cycle the Voies Vertes (Greenway Trails)

If you’re travelling with bikes, or able to hire some, the Voies Vertes offer safe traffic-free trails perfect for cycling. These converted railway lines wind through woodlands, riversides and villages. They’re mostly flat and well-maintained – great for kids who are still wobbly on wheels. Stop off at a café or riverbank along the way and enjoy a leisurely day in the great outdoors.

5. Take a boat ride by Beynac et Cazenac

Hop aboard a traditional Gabarre boat at Beynac and float along the Dordogne River for a truly relaxing family experience. The views of the cliffs and castle are stunning from the water, and the calm pace means even toddlers can enjoy the ride. It’s a peaceful way to end a busy day of exploring – and a great chance to rest little legs while soaking up some local history.

6. Mix fun and history at Parc Le Bournat

Step into 1900s France at this living museum park in Le Bugue. There are farm animals, vintage fairground rides and workshops for things like traditional bread-making and glass-spinning. It’s packed with interactive exhibits and hands-on fun – ideal for curious kids. Tickets are good value considering how much there is to do, and you’re welcome to bring your own picnic to eat in the shaded grounds. Certain dates offer events and fireworks too – so plan your visit around these if you can.

7. Paddle and picnic at Plage de Limeuil

This gorgeous riverside beach is where the Dordogne and Vézère rivers meet, making it ideal for gentle paddling, skipping stones and lazy picnics. It’s safe, shallow and free to access, with ample space for the kids to run about. There’s a restaurant just opposite but packing your own lunch keeps things budget-friendly. You can hire a kayak from there if you fancy it, or combine it with a wander around the charming village of Limeuil, or a visit to the panoramic gardens above. Limeuil is quite honestly one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited – you’ll feel like you’re on the set of a romance movie!

8. Spend the day in Sarlat

Sarlat-la-Canéda is a delight to explore with children – a living medieval town filled with cobbled streets, hidden squares and street performers. Visit on market days (Wednesday and Saturday) to sample fresh cheeses, olives and fruit. Or, climb the panoramic lift in the old church for spectacular views over the beautiful town.

9. Go wild at La Forêt des Singes (Monkey Forest)

A bit further east in Rocamadour, this magical forest lets you walk among 150 free-roaming Barbary macaques. There’s no cage or barrier – just you, the monkeys and a leafy forest. Staff give out popcorn to feed them, and kids will love the up-close encounters and learning about the conservation work. As well as this, there’s a great play trail for when the kids want to let off some steam, and they run feeding talks at regular intervals throughout the day.

10. Wander Les Jardins de Marqueyssac

These dreamy, clifftop gardens with their winding boxwood paths are great fun for kids and adults alike. There are lookout points with breathtaking views, play areas, a rock climbing wall (seasonal) and even woodcarving demos in the summer. You’ll be pleased to know that kids under 10 enter for free, and the site runs plenty of events over the warmer months so check the calendar to see what’s on offer. Visit on a Thursday evening in July or August for the magical candlelit evenings – over 2000 candles light up the paths as music plays throughout the gardens.

Where are the best places to stay in the Dordogne with kids?

There are loads of family orientated, budget-friendly Eurocamp holiday parks in the Dordogne region of France – it’s a fantastic spot for a family getaway. Find out more about them in my article: Eurocamp France: The 5 best Dordogne holiday parks for families – and here’s a quick glimpse at my top picks:

Domaine de Soleil Plage
Château de Fonrives
Saint Avit Loisirs – this is the campsite that we stayed at, read my review for more info.
La Bouquerie
Le Grottes de Roffy

When’s the best time to visit the Dordogne?

We visited the Dordogne at the end of June, going into July, and there was a big heat wave – we had highs of 38 degrees! This was lovely for the pool but it did make it tricky for days out, and we tended to do our exploring of the pretty local towns in the evenings when it had cooled down a bit. If you can, aim for May, early June or September for your Dordogne visit. You’ll dodge the sweltering heat (and the highest prices) of July and August, but still get plenty of sunshine and warm days. In spring, everything is green and blooming; in early autumn, the vines are heavy with grapes and the markets are full of seasonal goodies. If the school holidays dictate your travel, July and August are still lovely – just be prepared for busier villages and book your accommodation well in advance.

Why is the Dordogne so popular – is it worth visiting with kids?

The Dordogne is absolutely worth visiting with the kids – it’s a great base for a family holiday. You’ve got beautiful villages and medieval towns, miles of peaceful countryside perfect for walking or cycling, rivers for kayaking and enough history to keep any castle-lover busy for a week. There are markets brimming with local produce, plus vineyards and caves if you fancy something a bit different. The Dordogne is so popular because it’s beautiful, laid-back and you can make your family holiday as active or as lazy as you like – hopefully this article has given you loads of ideas for things to do with the kids if you fancy it. Happy travels! 😊