Sightseeing & Activities: Black Périgord · Dordogne
The Camping Les Cinq Châteaux forms the ideal base camp for visits and activities in the valley between Beynac and Castelnaud, to 10 km from Sarlat. five castles perched on the limestone cliffs, a river flowing at your feet, Sarlat ten minutes away. Camping Les Cinq Châteaux is not just another starting point: it's the one from which anything is possible, and often on foot for car-free holidays.
Early morning, you still haven't moved from your terrace. A hot air balloon The Dordogne plains, then it slowly rises above Castelnaud. You finish your coffee. What is the plan for the day? History, nature, gastronomy, thrills, relaxation, discovering new activities? For couples, among friends, for sports enthusiasts and for families, there is something for everyone.
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This morning, it's canoeing.
The Camping is ideally located English Riverbank Dordogne, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. No need to drive: the provider will pick you up from the campsite by minibus, drop you off at the starting point upstream, collect you at the finish, and bring you back at the end of the activity. A few hours or the whole day, depending on your wishes, budget, and ability. During your gentle paddle, you'll glide past castles and villages perched on limestone cliffs. It's a different perspective on the Dordogne.
To do Canoeing on the river
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It's impossible to spend a week in Périgord without climbing a barge. What Traditional boat wooden, takes you from La Roque-Gageac, ranked “most beautiful village in France” at Castelnaud Castle. A stroll along the water for seven kilometres. The historical commentary will give you another perspective on the valley.
Book a barge trip Roque-Gageac
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The pebble beach is directly accessible from the campsite. The invigorating cool water is a welcome treat on hot summer days. The river is shallow near the banks, the perfect environment for children to paddle.
Fans of fishing will appreciate the Dordogne, classified as a second-category fishery for carp, pike and zander. The card Fishing permits are mandatory from the age of 12.
See the swimming in river and fishing at the campsite
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Look up from the campsite: five medieval castles stand out against the limestone cliffs. They have forged the valley's reputation. Three can be visited, two can be viewed from the outside.
Prepare your visit to châteaux in the Dordogne
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Prehistory begins beneath your feet: the Black Perigord Compile 15 UNESCO World Heritage prehistoric sites in a single Vézère valley. From Vézac, none are more than an hour's drive away.
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Two hundred metres along the cliff face. Below, the valley. Opposite, Castelnaud. It's the same view as from your terrace, but here your legs are trembling a little.
The Marqueyssac Via Ferrata site is located a 15-minute walk from the campsite. It is done autonomously by following a continuous lifeline throughout the route. It is accessible to minors aged 8 and over, and 1m30 in height, accompanied by two adults. Children will remember the plunging views over the valley and the castles.
Discovering the via ferrata de Marqueyssac
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From the morning, hot air balloons punctuate the day. They skim the river, fly over châteaux, and land in a field next to the campsite. You watch from your terrace, coffee in hand. Or you climb aboard. A magical experience at sunrise or sunset: the Dordogne seen from the sky.
Book upon confirmation of your stay.
No one is up yet. You slip on your shoes and set off. The river is to your left. Ahead of you, the limestone cliffs are beginning to blush in the morning light.
Seven walking routes start directly from the campsite. These routes, measuring 12 to 14 km, take you through woods and meadows with magnificent panoramic views of the valley. Marina and Anthony will give you the route maps at reception and advise you according to your level.
The area also boasts several marked trails, some of which run alongside the Dordogne River to Castelnaud and Beynac, or lead to La Roque-Gageac through the woodlands.
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The green lane Starting just a stone's throw from the campsite, it's tarmac, flat, and car-free. With children, it's the perfect outing: no inclines, no stress, and castles appearing around the bends of the poplar trees. A bike rental company is set up at the start of the greenway.
Rent a bike at the start of the greenway
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Beneath the limestone cliffs that line the river, another world opens up: galleries, concretions, Darkness Total. Qualified State instructors offer introductory excursions from Vézac, for families or friends. No experience needed. Just the desire to explore.
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Ten minutes from Sarlat, sixteen treetop trails follow one another. The largest park Tree-top adventure The Dordogne welcomes children from the age of 2. A via ferrata completes the site. Allow a full day: the children won't want to leave easily.
To make Tree-top adventure
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A walk starting from the campsite will take you there. 22 hectares And 150,000 centenary box trees, hand-pruned, are found within the same grounds as the castle of the same name. The combined ticket with Castelnaud allows you to visit both sites in one day, without a car.
Every Thursday evening in July and August from 7pm to midnight, 2,000 candles are lit in the gardens.
Some activities to discover near Sarlat:
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Sarlat-la-Canéda is 10 km from the campsite. The perfect distance for a stroll through the narrow streets and an evening in one of the most beautiful medieval towns from the Dordogne.
Every Thursday evening from mid-July to the end of August, the Artisan night market sets up in the streets of the historic centre from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
For the flavours of Périgord, the place to be is Wednesday mornings from 8 am and all day Saturday in the town centre squares. It's one of the most renowned markets in the South-West. magret, foie gras, confits, walnuts and walnut oil, goat's cheeses, Périgord strawberries in season, black truffles in winter. We advise you to arrive before 10am to avoid the crowds.
And if you want Discover Sarlat differently, the tourist office offers every evening at 10 p.m. a Night visit Old Town guided tour.
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The Five Castles Valley concentrates four villages classified as « Most Beautiful Villages of France »within a fifteen-minute radius. Some are accessible by bike from the campsite along the river.
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The terroir begins just outside the campsite. In Vézac itself, Maison Lagrèze offers its Périgord duck foie gras, confit, and rillettes for direct sale, all produced on-site in a family-run cannery.
At Castelnaud, you will discover the Nut museum and its walnut oil renowned in the region.
Two kilometres from Sarlat, Les Noyeraies du Lander have been perpetuating the know-how of walnuts and walnut oil since 1950.
For a full-day getaway, the Bergerac vineyard is an hour's drive away. Pécharmant for the reds, Monbazillac for the sweet whites: the Château de Monbazillac offers tours and tastings on site.
The Les 5 Châteaux campsite is open from April to the end of September, and each period has its advantages.
April-May: The Marqueyssac gardens are at their peak, the paths clear, and the valley still peaceful.
June and September offer the best balance: everything is open, the villages regain their character. These are the favourite months of regulars.
July-August, it's the Dordogne in all its intensity: Sarlat night market, Marqueyssac by Candlelight, hot air balloons over the castles. Visitor numbers are high at the sites, but tranquility remains intact. Travelling on foot, by bike, or by bus, far from the traffic jams, contributes significantly to this. And the atmosphere of the high season is irreplaceable.
Château de Beynac is accessible on foot via a shaded path along the river (15 mins), Château de Fayrac is on the same path, and the Marqueyssac Gardens and their via ferrata are a 15-minute walk away.
You will reach Castelnaud Castle after a 10-minute walk. Down below, the Céou river flows into the Dordogne: a swim in this river, at the foot of the castle, is worth the detour in itself.
The beach at the Les Cinq Châteaux campsite in Vézac provides direct access to the Dordogne for swimming. Canoe trips with River Canoë also depart from the campsite by minibus.
By bike, La Roque-Gageac is 20 minutes away along a path beside the Dordogne.
Yes, for three activities in particular. Hot air ballooning is fully booked several weeks in advance in July-August: book as soon as your stay is confirmed. Font-de-Gaume operates on a strict capacity limit and bookings can be made on the Centre des Monuments Nationaux website. The guided night tour of Sarlat needs to be booked a few days in advance.
From the campsite, Sarlat is a 10-minute drive away. Within two hours, the medieval centre can be discovered on foot: Blonde stone houses, cathedral, covered market.
For another half-day, explore Marqueyssac or Castelnaud Castle.
La Roque-Gageac plus a flat-bottomed boat trip fits perfectly into a morning or late afternoon.
The prehistoric caves are fully covered: Font-de-Gaume in Les Eyzies (20 mins), Rouffignac with its mammoths by miniature train (45 mins), Lascaux IV in Montignac (40 mins).
In Vézac itself, the Marqueyssac gardens remain beautiful in the rain: the centuries-old boxwood takes on a particular intensity in the dampness, and visitor numbers drop.
In Sarlat, the covered market of Sainte-Marie church, the Truffle Museum and The Walnut Ecomuseum in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle offer alternatives to shelter.
A variety of activities appeal to the youngest:
The Bournat Park in Le Bugue
A designer cabin in the meadow, with castles in sight. These unusual accommodations play the card of the intimate cocoon, between raw wood and a relaxed lifestyle. For two or for a small tribe.
The chic adventurous spirit. Canvas stretched under the oaks, neat bedding, equipped kitchen. With or without private sanitary facilities, depending on your desire for immersion.
Put down your suitcases, the holidays begin. Equipped kitchen, sheltered terrace, comfort suited for families. Nature within reach, with added comfort.
100 to 200 m² under the trees, some by the river. Camping in its authentic version.
10 rooms with Bathroom and toilet privates in an old tobacco drying barn 250 m2 Fully renovated. Away from the main campsite to preserve your privacy, but close enough to benefit from all the services. Half board Or Full board out of the summer season.
For a multi-generational group holiday, book a Tiny House for 2 and one or more Bohemian Chalets for 4 people. This setup is ideal for sharing good times on the chalet terrace whilst maintaining your privacy.
