When to go

The best times to go are late Spring, Summer and early Autumn when everything is open and all the services are available. During the Winter many restaurants and some attractions close so you need to do your research

How much time to spend

You need at least one week to even the scratch the surface of the Dordogne and Quercy – there are so many things to do and see that I would recommend two or three weeks to really get a feel for the place.

High & low season

High season in the Dordogne is from mid-July to mid-August although the two weeks either side will still be quite busy. Low season is May-June and September-October.

Weather & climate

Generally the climate in the Dordogne is very pleasant although it can, and does, get very hot in July and August and can also be quite cold in the late Autumn, Winter and early Spring.

Local Events & Holidays include

• Mid-January – Truffle Festival Sarlat

• Early March – Fest d’Oie (Goose Festival) Sarlat

• 2nd Sunday May – Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne Strawberry Festival

• 1st Weekend & Mon August Medieval Pageant Gourdon (Lot)

French Holidays include

• January 1st New Year’s Day

• Good Friday and Easter Monday

• May 1st or the first Monday in May

• May 14th Ascension Day

• May Whit Monday – last Monday of month

• July 14th Bastille Day

• August 15th Assumption Day

• December 25th Christmas Day

• December 26th Boxing Day