Why the Dordogne is France’s Best-Kept Autumn Secret

by olivia hoffman
© Dreamstime

And Why You Should Join Us For Our Dordogne Tour This September

When most travelers think of France, their minds race to Parisian cafés or the lavender fields of Provence. But come autumn, the true soul of France reveals itself in the Dordogne Valley – a region where golden light bathes storybook villages, ancient fortresses perch high above winding rivers, and the rhythm of life slows to something deeply restorative.

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Fall transforms the Dordogne into a living masterpiece. The woodlands blaze with copper and crimson, vineyard leaves turn golden, and the countryside glows with warmth. Crowds thin, but the villages are alive with harvest festivals, truffle markets, and cozy dinners. This is when the region’s true magic emerges.

This September, we invite you to discover the Dordogne in the most intimate and unforgettable way – on a luxury guided tour designed for those who crave authenticity, beauty, and a touch of the extraordinary.

Timeless Beauty at Every Turn

Imagine walking cobbled streets with no agenda except to soak in the quiet grandeur of centuries past. La Dordogne is one of France’s most untouched regions, celebrated for its medieval architecture, honey-colored stone villages, and dramatic riverscapes. With 19 villages listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, it feels as if time has paused here just long enough for you to fall in love.

History comes alive in layers in the Dordogne with prehistoric caves, Romanesque churches, Renaissance manors, and fortified medieval towns. Each site is a chapter in France’s great story, told with remarkable depth and intimacy. From the fairytale grounds of the Château de Losse to the clifftop charm of Domme, every stop reveals a chapter – some going back thousands of years.

Gardens of Distinction

The Dordogne is also home to some of France’s most remarkable gardens, many of which have received the prestigious “Jardin Remarquable” designation. The stunning gardens of Cadiot, the enchanting gardens of Marqueyssac, and exquisite Eyrignac Gardens – just to name a few – all call this region home.

The best way to experience the full beauty that an award-winning garden has to offer is by seeing it with a knowledgeable guide. Luckily for us, our garden tours in the Dordogne are accompanied by garden expert Amy Kupec Larue. Amy’s passion for flowers, plants, and the French art de vivre has led her to a career of guiding groups and individuals through magnificent grounds all around France since 2005.

On our tour, you’ll experience something even rarer: a private visit hosted by the garden’s owners or creators, who will share their vision, passion, and history behind the landscape you’re walking through. It’s a personal connection to beauty in bloom.

A Feast for the Senses

Autumn is harvest season, and the Dordogne is bursting with flavor. This region is revered for its duck confit, walnuts, goat cheeses, and earthy black truffles. Our address book includes the best restaurants that showcase the most exquisite dishes made from these local specialties.

Add in robust wines, bustling farmers’ markets, and long, leisurely meals in centuries-old farmhouses, and you have a culinary experience that nourishes body and soul.

Travel in Comfort, Explore in Style

Our luxury guided Dordogne tour from September 16–21 is a curated experience designed to awaken your sense of wonder. You’ll stay in elegant accommodations, dine at handpicked restaurants, and explore with expert guides who bring the Dordogne’s rich stories to life.

We take care of the details, so you can fully immerse yourself in the moment – sipping wine at sunset overlooking the river, taking in the beauty of a remarkable garden, or standing in awe beneath castle ramparts that have withstood centuries.

Ready to Fall in Love with the Dordogne?

There’s no better time to experience France’s most poetic region than in early fall, when the crowds have gone, but the beauty lingers. And there’s no better way to explore it than in comfort, with kindred spirits, and through the eyes of those who know it best.

Join us this September 16–21 for a one-of-a-kind journey into the heart of the Dordogne. Because sometimes, the best places are the ones still waiting to be discovered.

To find out more information, check out the tour page here.
If you would like to receive the tour brochure, send an email to travel@myfrenchcountryhome.com

Written by Olivia Hoffman

Read Next: Destination France – Château de la Treyne Hotel Dordogne

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