The Most Romantic Things To Do in Dordogne For Your Honeymoon

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Published on March 20th, 2025 by Ersilia

Why Dordogne Is A Great Honeymoon Destination

I still remember the moment my husband and I crested the hill above the Dordogne Valley for the first time.

That view of golden-stone villages clinging to limestone cliffs, medieval castles standing sentinel over the winding river, and patchwork fields stretching to the horizon literally made us gasp. Can you imagine a more perfect backdrop for romance?

After exploring this magical region over 10 times from my home base in Toulouse, I’ve discovered the Dordogne offers honeymooners something increasingly rare: authentic romance without the crowds and clichés.

If for you, honeymoon means waking up in a genuine medieval castle, sipping champagne as your hot air balloon drifts silently over misty valleys, or holding hands across a table as thousands of candles illuminate Renaissance gardens around you, than Dordogne Valley might be just the right choice !

Sound dreamy? It absolutely is!

The beauty of a Dordogne honeymoon is how effortlessly romantic it feels.

There’s no pressure to check off famous sites or battle selfie-stick crowds. Instead, you’ll find yourselves naturally falling into the region’s gentle rhythms and stumbling upon moments that feel like they were created just for you.

Ready to plan the honeymoon of your dreams? Here are my ten favorite romantic experiences in this enchanting corner of France!

So, what are the most romantic things to see and do in the Dordogne Valley?

1. Sleep in a Castle for the Most Romantic French Honeymoon

Want to feel like royalty on your honeymoon? Stay in an authentic French château! We spent three unforgettable nights at Domaine de Monrecour, where we’d wake to birdsong and views of misty gardens from our four-poster bed. Pure magic!

These castle hotels brilliantly blend historic atmosphere (stone spiral staircases, grand salons, centuries-old gardens) with modern comforts you actually want (hello, rainfall showers and plush bedding!). Expect to pay €150-350 per night, with many offering special honeymoon packages that include champagne on arrival or private dinners.

Bonus tip: Many château hotels serve as perfect launching points for other adventures. Monrecour is just 3 minutes from kayak launching points, making it ridiculously easy to paddle your way to romance!

2. Float Above Castle-Dotted Landscapes in a Dawn Hot Air Balloon Ride

Imagine drifting silently above medieval villages as the first golden light of day washes over the landscape below. Hot air ballooning in the Dordogne isn’t just breathtaking – it’s genuinely romantic in a way that feels almost other-worldly!

The adventure begins before sunrise as you watch your massive balloon inflate – impressive in itself! Then you’re off, rising gently above the morning mist that often blankets the river valley. The silence is what got me – that profound quiet broken only by the occasional burner and distant roosters announcing dawn.

Most flights cost €200-250 per person and last about an hour. Yes, it’s a splurge, but honestly? The memory of floating hand-in-hand above châteaux while the world slowly awakens below is absolutely priceless. Just remember to dress in layers – even summer mornings can be chilly at altitude!

3. Dine with Breathtaking Views

Who needs fancy dining rooms when you can have sunset-drenched terraces overlooking medieval landscapes? The Dordogne specializes in restaurants where the views are as spectacular as the food.

My absolute favorite romantic dinner spot? The terrace at L’Esplanade in Domme, where tables perch at the edge of a cliff with panoramic views over the entire Dordogne Valley. Time your reservation for sunset and watch as golden hour transforms the landscape below while you clink glasses of local wine. Magical!

Another incredible option is La Belle Etoile in La Roque-Gageac, where tables sit just feet from the river. We lingered over duck confit as traditional boats glided past against the backdrop of honey-colored cliffs. Expect to pay €30-60 per person for dinner, and absolutely book ahead – the prime terrace tables are snapped up days (sometimes weeks) in advance in summer.

4. Explore Enchanting Gardens of Marqueyssac by Candlelight

The most romantic evening in the Dordogne happens when 2,000 candles illuminate 150,000 hand-pruned boxwoods at Marqueyssac. As darkness falls over the sculptural gardens, a magical atmosphere emerges that feels almost dreamlike!

On Thursday evenings in summer, the Gardens of Marqueyssac transform into a romantic wonderland during their special “Marqueyssac aux Chandelles” event. We wandered hand-in-hand along candlelit paths, discovering an incredible variety of musicians throughout the gardens.

The talented pianist at the tea salon, the swing jazz trio at the rotunda, and the Gypsy jazz quartet on the esplanade created distinct musical environments as we explored. My personal favorite was the saxophone quartet on the Grande Allée, whose melodies seemed to float perfectly among the illuminated topiary.

The peacocks that call the gardens home add an exotic touch, their occasional calls echoing through the candlelit landscape as they strut around, seemingly unfazed by the evening visitors. The gardens themselves become a labyrinth of light and shadow, with more than 150 light sources strategically placed along the pathways and cascades.

From the promenade, you’ll spot the illuminated castles and villages of the valley below – Castelnaud, Beynac, and La Roque Gageac all twinkling in the distance.

The event runs from 7pm until midnight and costs €20 per person. My advice? Arrive around 8pm to experience the gardens in both twilight and full darkness, and be sure to book ahead – reservations are now required!

5. Paddle Through the Valley of Castles with Private Beach Picnics

Want to combine adventure with romance? Kayaking through the Valley of Five Castles delivers unforgettable moments that feel straight out of a storybook! The gentle Dordogne River offers the perfect setting for couples, with countless secluded beaches ideal for intimate picnic stops.

During our paddle from Vitrac to Beynac, we discovered several hidden sandy beaches completely invisible from the road.

Our favorite spot was a tiny crescent of sand just past Château de Montfort, where we spread out our market purchases – fresh baguette, local cheese, strawberries, and a half-bottle of rosé. With the magnificent château visible through the trees and nobody else in sight, it felt like our own private paradise!

For a truly special evening experience, check out the guided sunset paddles on the Vézère River. These special excursions run on select dates (typically once monthly in summer) from Le Bugue to Campagne, lasting from 8:30-10pm.

As daylight fades, the river takes on a magical quality, with wildlife becoming more active and the limestone cliffs glowing in the last light. These tours cost around €30-35 per person and require advance booking as they’re limited to just 12 participants.

Standard daytime canoe/kayak rental costs about €25-30 per person, including equipment and shuttle service back to your starting point. No paddling experience? No problem! The gentle current does most of the work, and the stable canoes are perfect for beginners.

6. Share a Wine Tasting Experience at Château de Monbazillac

There’s something inherently romantic about discovering new wines together, especially when you’re doing it in a Renaissance château surrounded by rolling vineyards! Monbazillac offers the perfect setting for couples to sip, savor, and create delicious memories.

The elegant château itself is worth exploring, with its distinctive towers and blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture. But the real magic happens in the tasting room, where you’ll sample the château’s famous sweet golden wines. These honeyed nectars pair perfectly with regional foie gras – a classic Périgord combination that’s basically a love affair on a plate!

Château tours with tastings cost around €15-25 per person. Or another great obtion is to include it in a bike tour!! This way you get to enjoy the views AND the wine!!

My insider tip? Time your visit for late afternoon, then buy your favorite bottle (prices from €15-50) and find a spot on the castle grounds to share it while watching the sunset transform the vineyard-covered landscape. Simple but perfect!

7. Admire the View Over Sarlat from the Panoramic Glass Elevator

Looking for a unique romantic experience? Take the remarkable glass elevator that rises through the center of Sarlat’s former Church of Sainte-Marie! This architectural marvel designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel offers the most spectacular views over the medieval town’s golden rooftops.

The contrast between the ancient stone church and the sleek glass-and-steel elevator creates a fascinating juxtaposition of old and new. As you ascend through the heart of the building, you emerge above the roofline with 360-degree views that give you a completely new perspective on this medieval gem.

For peak romance, time your visit for dusk (around 8-9pm in summer). We watched, mesmerized, as hundreds of carefully placed lights began to illuminate the town below, transforming ordinary streets into something from a fairytale. The elevator costs just €5 per person – possibly the best value romantic experience in the entire region!

8. Take a Gabare on the River

Want the romance of seeing the Dordogne from the water without the effort of paddling? Step aboard a traditional flat-bottomed wooden boat (gabare) for a journey that connects you to centuries of river heritage.

These boats once transported wine, timber and other goods along the Dordogne. Today, replicas offer one of the most relaxing ways to experience the beauty of the river valley. Unlike canoeing, you can fully focus on each other and the passing scenery while knowledgeable captains share fascinating tales of river history.

We took an evening cruise from La Roque-Gageac and were enchanted by how the captain brought the landscape to life with stories. Did you know these waterways were once the main highways of the region? Or that rival castles used the river to monitor each other’s movements? Cruises cost about €10-15 per person for an hour journey, with premium sunset departures (including wine) available in summer for around €25-30.

9. Discover Hidden Swimming Spots Along the Dordogne River

When temperatures rise, there’s nothing more romantic than discovering your own private swimming paradise along the Dordogne. Forget the popular beaches – the real magic happens at secluded spots known mainly to locals.

My favorite hidden gem is a small beach accessible only by a narrow footpath near Vitrac. Sheltered by overhanging trees and backed by limestone cliffs, it’s perfect for cooling off after a day of exploration. We spent a blissful afternoon completely alone, swimming in the crystal-clear water and drying on sun-warmed rocks.

Another magical spot lies just downstream from Limeuil, where the Dordogne and Vézère rivers meet. The mixing of slightly different-colored waters creates beautiful swirling patterns on the surface – nature’s own artwork! Pack a sunset picnic with regional specialties and local wine to make the experience even more special. Swimming is best from June through September, with water temperatures warmest in July and August.

10. Experience the Magic of Night Markets Together

Summer evenings in the Dordogne bring one of my absolute favorite romantic experiences: the marchés nocturnes (night markets) that transform medieval squares into festive open-air dining rooms. What could be more romantic than dining under the stars in a 700-year-old village square?

The concept is beautifully simple: local producers set up food stalls offering everything from duck breast sizzling on grills to fresh oysters, regional cheeses, and decadent desserts. You choose whatever tempts you, then join long communal tables where you’ll dine alongside both locals and visitors while musicians play traditional tunes.

The night market at Saint-Cyprien (Sunday evenings) completely captivated us. We filled our plates with confit duck, strawberries, cheeses, and fresh bread, then found spots at a long table as musicians began playing.

Candles flickered, strings of lights twinkled overhead, and the warm evening air carried fragrant hints of grilled meats and sweet wine. Romance doesn’t get more authentic than this! Markets typically begin around 6pm and continue until 11pm or later, with most meals costing €25-40 per couple including wine.

Practical Tips for Honeymoon Planning

Best Season for Romance

For the perfect balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, aim for May, June, or September. July and August guarantee warmth but bring higher prices and more tourists. For a completely different experience, winter (December-February) offers truffle hunting, cozy firelit dinners, and Christmas markets with far fewer visitors.

Transportation Essentials in Dordogne

Having your own car is absolutely vital for exploring the Dordogne’s romantic corners. While major towns like Sarlat can be reached by train, the region’s most magical spots require wheels. Rental costs start around €35-50 per day. My splurge suggestion? Rent a convertible – driving through sunflower fields and vineyard-covered hills with the top down creates effortless movie-worthy moments!

Romantic Accommodation Strategy

Instead of changing hotels every few days, choose two strategic bases for your honeymoon. We spent half our time in a castle hotel near the river valley, then moved to a charming country house in the vineyard region for a completely different atmosphere. Always mention you’re honeymooners when booking – French hospitality often includes thoughtful surprises for newlyweds!

What makes the Dordogne perfect for honeymooners is how it balances grand romantic gestures with intimate, authentic moments.

Whether you’re floating above castle-dotted landscapes at dawn or simply sharing a glass of local wine as the setting sun turns medieval stones to gold, you’ll create memories that last far longer than the traditional honeymoon photo album.

This magical region specializes in the kind of effortless romance that feels like it was created just for the two of you!”Le Clos du Peintre” just outside Sarlat is a beautiful stone house with only 5 rooms and a lovely pool, providing a perfect base for exploration.

A map to help you book your stay

Use this easy-to-use map below to find your perfect stay in the Dordogne Valley. Simply select your dates in the search bar below, and it will compare the best prices over the main booking sites to show you the best deals.

Just click on the hotels and it will take you to that hotel. You will then book on your favourite site, don’t worry!