From Le Petit Capelier
Two-Day Dordogne Adventure
Medieval Sarlat, treetop adventures, the Aquarium du Périgord Noir, beautiful Limeuil and a gentle canoe trip through one of France’s loveliest river valleys.
Two days of scenery, adventure and unforgettable villages
This itinerary brings together some of the best family experiences in the Dordogne. It works particularly well in summer, although the aquarium, Sarlat and Limeuil 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
This route combines active family fun with some of the finest scenery, food and medieval architecture in the Dordogne.