When to Go

The Dordogne has a temperate climate, but it's not Provence. Because this is France’s third-largest département, local differences abound—winds blow in from the Atlantic along the western borders, and varying topographic and continental weather conditions affect the eastern and northern areas. Sarlat, in the southeast, tends to get a lot more winter sun than other locales. As you move westward toward the Atlantic conditions get foggier, cloudier, and colder; however, in summer the southwestern Dordogne is sunnier than the rest of the region. All in all, spring and autumn are the best times to visit since there aren't as many tourists around, and the weather is still pleasant.