Nestled in the picturesque region of Perigord Noir, the village of Domme is a hidden gem surrounded by plenty of other more popular tourist attractions.
And that is because even though Domme is considered one of the “plus beaux village de France” (meaning “most beautiful village of France“), that may not be quite enough in this part of the country.
From the medieval Sarlat-la-Canéda to Richard the Lionheart’s Beynac, the Lascaux caves and Rocamadour, this area of southwestern France is nothing if not rich in history.
The village of Domme too is strategically situated overlooking the Dordogne valley of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, a fact that made it of vital importance during the Hundred Years’ war. So let’s have a look at the top things to see and do in the village of Domme, shall we? Allons-y!
History
The village of Domme was established in the late 13th century, by King Philippe III because of its strategic location overlooking the Dordogne River.
It is here that it is believed in 1307, during the arrest of the Knights Templars, that 70 of them were imprisoned. The imposing Porte des Tours, a fortified gate with twin towers, stands as a formidable testament to the village’s defensive past.
During the medieval era, Domme flourished as a royal bastide, showcasing a then-unique grid layout that included the central market square, Place de la Halle.
The village of Domme also served as a refuge during times of conflict. The Grotte de Domme, a cave system beneath the village, served as a shelter for villagers during the Hundred Years’ War.
Today, Domme stands as a beautifully preserved testament to its medieval roots. With its status as one of the “plus beaux village de France’, it attracts thousands of visitors every year flocking to its streets.
Things to do in Domme
1. Walled village
The village of Domme doesn’t just exude isn’t just about its historical charm, it also boasts a mix of eclectic shops and delightful cafés that add to its allure.
Wandering through the narrow streets, you’ll stumble upon charming boutiques offering local crafts, unique souvenirs, and artisanal products. From quaint pottery studios to souvenir stores, Domme’s shops cater to a variety of tastes.
When it comes to dining, the village is peppered with cozy cafes and restaurants. Whether you’re craving traditional Perigordian cuisine, with its rich flavors of duck, truffles, and local cheeses, or a plain ole crepe, Domme’s restaurants have you covered.
2. Grotte de Domme
One of the main attractions in the village of Domme is the Grotte de Domme (cave of Domme). Visitors to the Grotte de Domme can embark on a tour that takes them through subterranean chambers adorned with intricate stalactite formations, stalagmites, and other unique geological features.
Beyond its natural beauty, the Grotte de Domme holds historical significance, as it was used as a shelter during times of conflict, including the Hundred Years’ War.
The cave provides a fascinating glimpse into both the geological processes that shaped this underground wonder and its historical context.
3. Panoramic view
Near the exit of the Grotte de Domme is a beautiful panoramic view of the Dordogne valley. It is an excellent meeting point and a beautiful place to take photos.
There are a couple of restaurants in this area, to enjoy the views while you are eating and relaxing. From here you can also set off on walks around the old village walls of Domme.
4. Boating on the Dordogne river
One of the most popular activities in the area is boating along the Dordogne river. The river is quite calm, and individual kayaks and canoes can be rented during good weather to go boating for an hour or two.
If you don’t feel like doing all the work, you can buy tickets on the large local gabere boats which carry tourists up and down the Dordogne
The Gabares used to transport goods along the Dordogne, especially Bordeaux wine from the vineyards which run along the length of the Dordogne.
5. Market days
The village of Domme holds a weekly market every Thursday morning between 8am to 1pm. It is held in the Place de la Halle in the center of the village.
6. The Marqueyssac gardens
About 3 miles (5km) away from Domme is the Jardin du Marqueyssac. The Marqueyssac Gardens are famous for their meticulously designed topiaries in geometrical rounds and ovals, carefully trimmed to an inch.
The topiaries are juxtaposed with a wild forest like area, amelding horticulture and nature is quite the symphony.
In addition to the topiaries and the belvedere, Marqueyssac Gardens boast a wealth of nooks and crannies to explore. The garden paths wind through a variety of landscapes from small water features to treehouses, and playgrounds to woodlands.
It is a favorite with kids and nature-lovers, and the gardens are quite packed on sunny days all year round. You can read more about the Marqueyssac gardens here.
7. Local Specialties
The Périgord and Dordogne departments of Nouvelle Aquitaine around Domme is famous for its truffles.
Over 8-9 tonnes of black truffle produced there every year. With an emphasis on freshness, terroir, and authenticity, they called black diamonds.
Other local specialties in this part of Nouvelle Aquitaine is foie gras which is made from goose liver. If you enjoy the delicacy, head to the town of Sarlat-la-Canéda which is just a few miles away in the first weekend of March when a celebration of foie gras is held.
8. Notre Dame de l’Assomption Church
The Notre Dame de l’Assomption Church in Domme stands as a sublime testament to the village’s rich historical and religious heritage. This elegant church is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
It dates back to the 17th century, and was rebuilt on the site of a previous church that was destroyed during the French wars of religion.
Stones from the old church were used to reconstruct the church. The interior of Notre Dame de l’Assomption features impressive vaulted ceilings, religious artifacts, and beautifully adorned altars.
There used to be a cemetery outside the church, but this was moved to the outskirts of Domme in the 18th century.
How to get to Domme?
Domme is about 340 miles (545 km) from Paris and is about 125 miles (200 km) from Toulouse and Bordeaux. The only way to get to Domme is by car or bus.
If you are driving down from Paris, the closest big city along the way is Limoges, which is about 100 miles (180km) away. If you don’t wish to drive, there are organized tours leaving from Sarlat-la-Canéda that will take you around the sights around the Dordogne river.
How easy is it getting around?
Domme is relatively flat and can easily be accessed on foot, or with a stroller or wheelchair. Only a handful of roads are pedestrianized so you can also easily drive around Domme.
How many days should you spend?
About 1/2 a day is enough in Domme village center and visiting the shops, but you may want to stay longer to explore the surrounding countryside.
When is the best time to visit?
Domme is a pretty quiet town that doesn’t get as busy as its more popular touristic neighbors. As such, you can visit Domme all year long.
You can even make it your base as you explore the nearby towns of Sarlat-la-Canéda, Rocamadour, La Roque-Gageac, Castelnaud-la-chapelle, Beynac-et-Cazanec, Carlux, etc. There are also some incredible cave complexes nearby like Lascaux caves and Gouffre du Padirac,
Where should you stay?
There are not a lot of accommodation in the town center of Domme, but these recommended hotels are nearby:
- €€€ – La Perle de Domme in town center
- €€€€ – Hotel Le Perigord – resort style hotel with a pool that is a little further away from Domme
If you enjoyed that article, you may like to read more about traveling around Nouvelle Aquitaine. A bientôt!
