A Weekend in the Périgord Noir

Nestled between the Vézère and Dordogne rivers, the Périgord Noir offers a wealth of eclectic experiences, perfect for a three-day getaway. Located near the iconic medieval town of Sarlat (and thus ideally situated for exploring as far as the Dordogne’s borders), the Domaine de Rochebois stands out as one of the most beautiful hotels in the Périgord, nestled in the heart of a vast park. Boasting the charm of grand traditional estates, the property features 40 rooms and suites, a^{400-square-meter} Nuxe Spa^— complete with a sensory pool, hammam, and sauna—as well as an exquisite restaurant, Le M, where you can celebrate the region’s culinary delights over dinner while reflecting on the day’s discoveries. There is indeed so much to see…

A Cultural Heritage to Savor

Starting with humanity’s earliest artistic expressions: in Montignac, Lascaux IV—a full-scale replica of the prehistoric cave discovered in 1940—offers a moving and unforgettable experience. Equally impressive are the castles lining the banks of the Dordogne. It is from the river that one best appreciates their majesty, blending with that of a landscape sculpted by time; therefore, we recommend embarking on a leisurely canoe trip on the Dordogne between Vitrac and Beynac. There is another castle steeped in history: the Château des Milandes, in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle. In addition to being a splendid^15th-century structure surrounded by a remarkable garden, this castle was also the home of Josephine Baker, who built her dream of a family without borders here.

A Thirst for Culture

A stop at the Carlux train station, just a few kilometers from Sarlat, is a must—even though trains haven’t stopped there in a long time: converted into a museum known as the Gare Robert-Doisneau, it now hosts temporary and permanent exhibitions dedicated to the renowned photographer and the Dordogne region, as well as a picturesque café. In addition, numerous cultural events punctuate the year. For jazz enthusiasts, Souillac en Jazz (which will celebrate its^51st edition in the summer of 2027) is a must; classical music lovers, meanwhile, will head to the Rocamadour Festival (second half of August). Sarlat is no slouch when it comes to live performances either: for the past 75 years, the town has hosted the Festival des Jeux du Théâtre de Sarlat in mid-July, featuring open-air performances. Though newer, the Sarlat Film Festival—with 35 years of history—brings energy to the fall (November 3–7). Open to the general public, it offers an incredible selection of international films at the Cinéma Rex, featuring preview screenings attended by the film crews.

Festival of Flavors

Let’s save the culinary delights for last. If you’re looking to stock up on fine products, Sarlat’s medieval town center is brimming with must-visit spots, such as Le Gourmet Périgordin on Rue Tourny, with its Maison Lambert foie gras preserves—which regularly win medals at the Salon de l’Agriculture— Maison Pélégris on Place de Liberté, or its neighbor, Le Cellier du Périgord, where you’ll find the exquisite Trappe Échourgnac, a cheese aged with walnuts. The pleasure is tenfold on Saturday mornings, when you can delight in watching the market ritual unfold along the cobblestone, pedestrian-only streets. After stopping at nearly every stall, take a break under the covered market—formerly the Sainte-Marie Church and renovated by Jean Nouvel—particularly at the Maison Albié stand, a producer of fresh foie gras in Les Eyzies. For lunch, why not treat yourself to the menu at the nearby Auberge Le Mirandol? The service there is warm and welcoming, and the cuisine is hearty and true to local traditions. A little bonus: the restaurant houses a natural cave that you can visit! It’s also worth noting that, depending on when you visit, certain events cement Sarlat’s reputation as a culinary capital: its Christmas Market on Place de la Liberté (December 2–31, 2026, with a Corsican theme), the Truffle Festival with its “Black Gold” market, demonstrations, and tastings (January 16 and 17, 2027), or Sarlat Fest’Oie with its foie gras market, workshops, and a banquet (March 6 and 7, 2027). 

As we can see, the selection is not only extensive but also consistently available. It’s enough to make you look forward to weekends at the Domaine de Rochebois…

Domaine de Rochebois — 2 Route du Château de Monfort — 24200 Vitrac — 05 53 29 36 88 reservation@domaine-rochebois.com — www.domaine-rochebois.com — 40 rooms and suites starting at €128

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Written by Vincent RAYMOND