When you’re thinking of places to go on holiday with your toddler, the Dordogne probably isn’t top of the list. There’s no beach or Disneyland on your doorstep, but it has plenty of other things to offer for your little ones and for you!
It’s easy to get to
Depending on where you’re travelling from, you can reach the Dordogne on a short flight to Bergerac, Bordeaux, Brive and Limoges, or make the 7-hour drive across the channel. On my trip we took a 1.5 hour flight from Manchester to Bergerac with Ryanair – easy peasy when travelling with a toddler!
Beautiful river views at La Roque Gageac
The views are breathtaking
My first and lasting impression of the Dordogne is that it’s vibrantly green and picturesque. The river is lined with trees, and châteaux occupy fantastic viewpoints on the hilltops. Grown-ups will love admiring historic buildings on a wander around the region’s medieval villages, and you’ll find plenty of pavement cafes for the obligatory ice cream stop. And the whole family will love cruising along the Dordogne River on a boat trip tour.
Dordogne dinosaur adventures!
It’s full of history
All over the region you’ll find traces of civilisations past. The Lascaux Caves contain over 600 cave paintings, estimated to be around 17,000 years old. The real caves are closed to the public to help preserve the paintings, but you can visit a replica cave to see the painting and learn about the history of the caves. Prehisto Dino Parc gives a flavour of Neanderthal and Cromagnon life – with the added bonus for toddlers of being able to get a glimpse at some dinosaurs!
The old ferris wheel at Parc le Bournat
There’s lots to do
We relaxed in the evening and explored in the daytime, but still didn’t visit all of the attractions the region has to offer for kids. A couple of must-visit places with your toddlers are:
Parc Le Bournat – Set up as a reconstructed 1900 village, your toddler will love having a go on the traditional fairground rides as well as meeting the farm animals.
Jacquou Parc – this is a mini theme park and aqua zone combined and just up the road from St. Avit Loisirs . To go on most of the rides, children must be 90cm+ so do check your child’s height before you visit.
Aquarium Du Perigord Noir – See over 6000 fish, as well as alligators, reptiles, snakes and turtles at Europe’s largest private freshwater aquarium. A mirror maze and mini golf course are on the same site.
Les Jardins de Marqueyssac – These hilltop gardens provide fantastic views and it’s a good opportunity for your toddler to enjoy a roam around as well as burning some energy in the playground and climbing up the treehouse.
Toddler pool at St Avit Loisirs
Best toddler-friendly parc in the Dordogne
St. Avit Loisirs is right in the heart of the action and packed with toddler-friendly facilities and activities. They’ll love the freedom to roam and play on the spacious pitches, splashing around in the sprayground, and getting involved with our Mini Fun Station kids’ clubs. Plus, let us know if you need cots, baby baths or highchairs and we’ll have them ready in your accommodation for no extra cost.
If you’ve got any questions about holidaying in the Dordogne, please ask in the comments section below or take a look at our 6 reasons to visit the Dordogne.