Visiting Domme, France
Uncover Dordogne Valley's secrets at Domme, France! Explore a charming medieval village perched atop a cliff. Visit the prehistoric Domme Cave, marvel at panoramic views, and discover local markets & shops. Perfect for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and off-the-beaten-path adventures.
by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 11/19/2024
Domme was only 12.7 kilometers from our rental in Sarlat-la-Canéda, straight south on the D-46. This area has a number of places we plan to visit; Domme, Château de Beynac and Château des Milandes - all which are located within 12 kilometers of each other.
Domme, located in the picturesque Dordogne region of southwestern France, is a charming village that exudes medieval charm and historical significance. Perched atop a steep hill high above the Dordogne River, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking both beauty and history.
The village itself is a testament to France's rich heritage, with its well-preserved cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and a central square bustling with cafes and shops. Dominating the scene is the imposing Sainte-Marie Church, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. As you wander through the winding streets, you'll discover hidden gems like the ancient ramparts, fortified gates, and the eerie Grotte de Domme, a natural cave system with a fascinating history.
Domme also played a pivotal role during the Hundred Years' War, serving as a strategic stronghold. Its history is showcased in the Domme Museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits that bring the past to life.
A Brief History of Domme Map
In 1281, King Philip III of France, also known as Philip the Bold, recognized the strategic value of the Domme plateau overlooking the Dordogne River. To solidify French control and counter the influence of the English Duchy of Aquitaine, he ordered the construction of a fortified town – a bastide. Domme was meticulously planned, following a rectangular grid layout with a central square and a church. This design ensured efficient defense and fostered a sense of community.
Domme's early years were marked by both prosperity and turmoil. The king granted the town the privilege of minting its own currency, a sign of its economic significance. However, the village was soon thrust into the heart of the Albigensian Crusade (1209-1229), a brutal conflict between the Catholic Church and the Cathar heretics. Though Domme itself wasn't directly involved, the Cathar strongholds nearby felt the brunt of the crusade, leaving their mark on the region's history.
The 14th century brought another period of upheaval – the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453). Domme's strategic location made it a target for both French and English forces. The town's fortifications were strengthened, with imposing gateways like the Porte des Tours serving as crucial defense points. Despite facing sieges, Domme remained under French control throughout the war, a testament to its resilience.
A interesting footnote to Domme's history occurred in 1307. Following the dissolution of the Knights Templar order, many knights were imprisoned in Domme during their trial. The Templars were held in the Tour du Gouverneur (Governor’s Tower) within Domme’s fortress. This prison became infamous for the harsh conditions and the emotional torment inflicted on the knights. While confined, many of the imprisoned Templars carved enigmatic symbols and inscriptions into the stone walls of their cells. These carvings, still visible today, include crosses, figures, and cryptic messages, believed to reflect their faith, suffering, and possibly hidden codes.
Exploring Domme Map
NOTE: The first image above of the two towers bracing the Domme Portal gate; The towers were used to imprison the Knights Templar between 1307 and 1318, evidence of which can still be seen in the 'graffiti' that they left behind, etched into the walls. Seven different tableaux were engraved by the templars, all related to religious iconography. A testament to their faith.
Domme has been selected as one of the "Most beautiful villages in the Dordogne Valley France". Click here to read more about Domme and other Dordogne Villages
Situated dramatically above the Dordogne Valley, this medieval bastide town showcases remarkable preservation. Its golden stone architecture and fortified walls evoke a sense of history, while panoramic vistas from the ramparts are simply breathtaking. The town's rich past, including its Templar connections evident in prison graffiti, adds depth to the experience. A visit to the subterranean Grotte de Domme further enhances the allure of this captivating destination.
Plan Your Visit to the Village of Domme
How do I get to Domme, France?
You could consider driving, or taking a train;
- By Train: The nearest train stations to Domme are Périgueux, Bergerac, Sarlat and Brive with Sarlat being the closest at 12.7 kilometers. You would have to obtain a short term auto rental, or take a taxi to Domme.
- By Car: Follow routes D-46 and D-50 south from Sarlat to Domme.
- By Bus tour:
Either Viator
or Get Your Guide may have bus tours that you can investigate.
- Where is Domme Parking?: There are parking lots with paid parking (payant) in the village (free overnight up to 10am) and also overflow parking lots outside the village walls on the Eastern side of the village (payant). Here is a Google Search Results link for parking near Domme.
- How do I obtain Domme Tickets?: Village entrance is free.
- What are Domme's Hours?: Village Gates are always open.
- Where are the Domme Nearby Restaurants?: Here is a Google Search Results link for restaurants in/near Domme. We had espresso and ice cream at Le Belvédère, great view of the valley below and everything we had was very good.
- Where are the Domme Nearby Accommodations?: This is a small village (2015 population was 923) so there aren't many accommodations in the village itself. Here is a Google List link for accommodations near Domme, France.
More Info for the Village of Domme
- Wikipedia Article: Click here to view the Wikipedia Article.
- Our Image Gallery: Click here to view our Domme Image Gallery.
- Google Image Gallery: Click here to view the Google Images set for Domme.
- Google Reviews for Domme France
The first column below ("All Trip Destinations") lists all of our major trip destinations (for this trip) and the next four columns list each of our trip "basecamps" and then a list of what we explored from that basecamp. Each destination name is linked to it's page - so all you need to do is click that name.
NOTE: The Trip Itinerary & Overview Page is where you should start your viewing.
All Trip Destinations
Loire Basecamp #2
Loire Basecamp #3
Dordogne Basecamp
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