La Roque-Gageac
A village clinging to a cliff and facing the Dordogne River, ranked among France's most beautiful villages, with golden stone houses reflected in the water and traditional flat-bottomed boat rides.
La Roque-Gageac stretches along the north bank of the Dordogne River, backed by limestone cliffs more than 80 meters high. Its houses are golden and their roofs gray-black. The microclimate beneath the cliffs lets palms and bamboo grow here, and the village is ranked among France's most beautiful villages. A path along the cliff face leads up to the medieval cave fortress halfway up the hillside, which charges admission and offers views over the river valley. At the riverside landing, traditional wooden flat-bottomed boats called gabarres offer rides of about one hour. You can also rent a canoe and paddle downstream to Beynac. The village is about 10 kilometers from Sarlat. Please note that parking along the riverside road is paid, and spaces are tight in summer.
Opening hours
Open all day; boat tours approx. Apr–Oct
Nearby sights
- Jardins de Marqueyssac
- Château de Castelnaud
- Château de Beynac
- Domme
- Château des Milandes
- Sarlat Cathedral & Lanterne des Morts
- Sarlat Saturday Market
- Sarlat Old Town