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Domme, France's Most Beautiful Village: Discover the History and Sites Not to be Missed
Domme , a medieval fortified town perched at an altitude of 250 metres in the Périgord Noir (Dordogne, 24250), is a true historical gem, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France . Founded in 1281 by Philip the Bold , this fortified town boasts typical medieval architecture and offers breathtaking views of the Dordogne Valley. Ideal for a historical getaway, Domme combines heritage, culture and exceptional landscapes.
History of Domme: A Testimony of the Hundred Years' War and the Templars
Domme was founded in 1281 under the aegis of Philip III the Bold , with the aim of strengthening royal control against the Counts of Toulouse and the English. Built on a rocky spur, the fortified town has fortified ramparts and a grid plan around the Place de la Halle, characteristic of 13th century country houses.
During the Hundred Years' War , Domme was the scene of numerous clashes, changing hands several times between the French and the English. In 1307, the town was also marked by the arrest of Knights Templar . Around sixty of them were imprisoned in the Porte des Tours , where Templar graffiti (crosses and religious scenes) can still be seen today.
Domme prospered in the 17th century thanks to the trade of local products such as walnuts, wine and truffles. After a decline following the French Revolution , it was restored in the 20th century, retaining its medieval charm and becoming a must-see tourist destination for history and heritage lovers.
The Must-See Sites of Domme to Visit
Domme is a compact town of 1 km², ideal for exploring on foot. Here are the must-see sites for a total immersion in the history and heritage of this medieval fortified town:
Place de la Halle: Historic Heart of the Bastide
The Domme market takes place every Thursday morning and is a great time to discover local produce, such as truffles , foie gras , cabécou cheese and Périgord strawberries . The 17th-century market hall , with its exposed timber framing, is the ideal place to soak up the local atmosphere.
Gate of the Towers: Medieval Emblem of Domme
The Porte des Tours , built in the 13th century, is an iconic landmark of the city. It was here that the Knights Templar were imprisoned in 1307. Guided tours allow visitors to discover the Templar graffiti left on the walls, a fascinating experience for medieval history buffs. The view from the esplanade is also spectacular, offering a unique panorama of the Dordogne Valley.
The Domme Cave: An Underground Treasure
Hidden beneath the Place de la Halle is a 450-meter natural cave , a magical place to discover during a guided tour. Formed of spectacular stalactites , stalagmites and concretions, this cave is a must-see in Domme, accessible from April to September . The temperature is cool (13°C), so remember to bring a sweater. The panoramic elevator makes it easy to go back up after the visit.
Belvedere de la Barre: Exceptional view of the Dordogne Valley
The Belvedere de la Barre offers a breathtaking view of the Dordogne , with the castles of Beynac , Castelnaud and the village of La Roque-Gageac in the background. This iconic viewpoint is particularly spectacular at sunset, a perfect place for memorable photos.
Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions of Domme
Located in the Governor's Hotel , this museum traces the history of thePérigord through its agricultural tools , traditional costumes and objects related to local products such as truffles and walnuts . The museum is open from April to October , ideal for a family visit with a children's quiz .
Our Lady of the Assumption Church: A Gothic Jewel
Domme's 14th-century Gothic church , with its fortified bell tower and modern stained-glass windows , is a peaceful place to visit. Organ concerts are regularly held during the summer season (July-August).
Walk along the Ramparts and Cobbled Streets
The ramparts of Domme, about 1 km long, offer a pleasant walk with magnificent views of the Dordogne valley. Stroll through the cobbled streets , lined with blond stone houses , and discover craft shops (ceramics, jewelry) and local art galleries . A signposted trail entitled " Medieval Heritage " (lasting one hour) allows you to explore the history of Domme at your own pace.
Practical Information for Visiting Domme
- Visit Schedules and Prices:
- Porte des Tours : 30-minute guided tours (~€4).
- Domme Cave : 40-minute guided tour (~€9 adult, €6 child).
- Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions : Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (€5).
- Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Church : Free entry, organ concerts in summer (~€10).
- Domme Market: Thursday mornings all year round and Thursday evenings in summer for the night market.
- Accessibility for people with reduced mobility: The Domme cave is partially accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Domme: A Journey Through Time to the Heart of the Périgord Noir
Visiting Domme means discovering medieval history, the remains of the Templars , breathtaking panoramas and a living heritage that makes the Périgord Noir so rich. Whether you are passionate about history, a nature lover or a fan of local products, Domme is an essential stop on your stay in the Dordogne.
In 1939 Henry Miller wrote at the beginning of his novel "The Colossus of Maroussi" about Domme and the Dordogne:
"It was a stroke of genius on my part to have this idea of exploring the Dordogne region before immersing myself in the ancient illumination of the Greek world. Just the glimpse of the mysterious black river from the top of the magnificent cliff standing at the edge of Domme is enough to fill you with a feeling of eternal gratitude...
It is the land of enchantment jealously marked by poets and which they alone have the right to claim as their own. The closest thing to paradise, while we wait for Greece. The paradise of the French, let's say: just to make a concession. A de facto paradise whose reputation must go back thousands and thousands of years.
Nothing will prevent me from believing that if Cro-Magnon man settled here, it is because he was extremely intelligent and had a highly developed sense of beauty.
Nothing will prevent me from believing that in him the religious sense had already reached a high degree of development and that it flourished in these places, even when man lived like a beast in the depths of the caves.
Nothing will prevent me from believing that this great and peaceful region of France is destined to remain eternally a sacred place for man and that, when the great city has finished exterminating the poets, their successors will find refuge and cradle here.
This visit to the Dordogne was, I repeat, of capital importance for me: it gives me hope for the future of the species and even of our planet. France may one day cease to exist, but the Périgord will survive, just like the dreams that nourish the human soul…"