From Le Petit Capelier
Planning a two-day Dordogne itinerary?
This route from Le Petit Capelier combines medieval Sarlat, a treetop adventure, the Aquarium du Périgord Noir, beautiful Limeuil and a gentle canoe trip through one of France’s loveliest river valleys.
It’s a particularly good two-day trip for families, mixing sightseeing with plenty of adventure and time outdoors. It works especially well in summer, although Sarlat, Limeuil and the aquarium are rewarding at almost any time of year.Day One — Treetop Adventure & Medieval Sarlat
Morning
La Forêt des Écureuils
Leave Le Petit Capelier after breakfast and head towards Sarlat for a morning among the trees. La Forêt des Écureuils offers rope bridges, aerial challenges and zip lines for a wide range of ages and abilities.
There are gentle introductory routes for younger visitors, together with more demanding courses for teenagers and adults. Allow around three hours so that nobody feels rushed.
Our tip: Wear trainers, tie back long hair and take water. Booking ahead is sensible in July and August.
Lunch & Afternoon
Sarlat-la-Canéda
After the adventure park, continue into Sarlat for lunch and a leisurely afternoon. The town is filled with honey-coloured stone buildings, narrow medieval streets, cafés, restaurants and artisan food shops.
Visit the main square, browse the covered market and, when it is operating, take the panoramic lift inside the former church for remarkable views across the rooftops.
Food lovers: Look out for walnuts, truffles, duck, foie gras, local cheeses and excellent ice cream.
Day Two — Le Bugue, Limeuil & Canoeing
Morning
Le Bugue & the Aquarium
Begin the day at Le Bugue. Families can spend the morning at the Aquarium du Périgord Noir, home to thousands of freshwater fish as well as reptiles and alligators.
Feeding demonstrations and interactive displays make it especially good for children, while the surrounding town is a pleasant place for coffee beside the Vézère.
Allow: Two to three hours for the aquarium before continuing to Limeuil.
Lunch
Limeuil
Just a short drive from Le Bugue, Limeuil sits at the meeting point of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers and is officially recognised as one of France’s most beautiful villages.
Have lunch near the river, then wander through the steep, flower-filled streets or climb towards the panoramic gardens for wonderful views over the confluence.
Summer advice: Arrive before the busiest part of the afternoon, as parking close to the river can fill quickly.
Afternoon
Canoeing on the Dordogne
Finish the two-day adventure on the water. Choose a gentle family route and drift past wooded banks, limestone cliffs, small beaches and historic villages.
Most canoe companies provide equipment, a safety briefing and transport back to the starting point. Routes vary from a relaxed two-hour paddle to longer half-day outings.
Take with you: Swimming costumes, water shoes, sun cream, drinking water and a waterproof pouch for phones and keys.
At a glance
Day One
08:30 Leave Le Petit Capelier
10:00 Treetop adventure near Sarlat
13:30 Lunch in Sarlat
15:00 Explore the medieval centre
18:00 Dinner or return to LPC
Day Two
08:30 Leave Le Petit Capelier
10:00 Aquarium du Périgord Noir
13:00 Lunch in Limeuil
15:00 Canoeing
18:00 Drink or ice cream by the river
Before you set off
Book aheadAdventure courses and canoe hire can become busy during the school holidays.
Start earlyEarlier departures mean cooler temperatures, easier parking and more time to explore.
Pack lightlyTake a picnic, water, sun cream and a change of clothes for anyone likely to end up in the river.
A wonderful two-day escape from Le Petit Capelier
This route takes you a little further east into the Dordogne, but rewards the journey with some of the region’s finest scenery, food and medieval architecture. After two busy days exploring, there’s something rather lovely about returning to the peace of Le Petit Capelier, opening a bottle of Bergerac wine and putting your feet up by the pool.
Staying near Issigeac? Le Petit Capelier is a peaceful three-bedroom Dordogne holiday home with a private pool—explore the property and book directly through The Grove Collection.