Looking for ideas for your next family holiday in the Dordogne? Fancy a break with the kids in an authentic, delicious and adventure-filled part of France? Welcome to the Périgord Pourpre, nestled between Eymet and Bergerac — a peaceful corner of southwest France where life slows down, nature takes centre stage, and there’s something for everyone to explore.

Think river canoeing, animals at the farm, mysterious castles, treetop trails, homemade ice cream, and a journey back to the Stone Age… Here are 10 family-friendly activities to enjoy, whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a full summer escape.

1. Canoeing on the Dordogne or Vézère rivers

Imagine gently gliding along a quiet river, with golden cliffs and fairytale castles on either side. Canoeing in the Dordogne is a fantastic family activity — calm, scenic and memorable. Most centres offer beginner-friendly routes suitable for kids from 5–6 years old.

🚣 Half a day is all you need
📍 Departures from Limeuil, Trémolat, La Roque-Gageac…

2. Château de Bridoire: games, animals and forest adventures

Just 15 minutes from La Petite Auberge, Château de Bridoire is the perfect mix of culture and play. Explore the fully furnished castle, try out more than 100 giant wooden games, visit the mini-farm with goats, ponies and pigs, and meet a real knight and princess. Don’t miss the “Vallée Mystérieuse”, a forest trail full of puzzles and challenges (1.5–2 hours).

🏰 Heritage, animals and fun in one place
📍 Ribagnac – chateaudebridoire.com

3. Parc du Bournat: step back in time to 1900

In Le Bugue, the Parc du Bournat brings a 1900s French village to life, complete with traditional craftsmen, wooden fairground rides and working farm animals. It’s charming, hands-on and packed with vintage charm — ideal for curious kids and nostalgic parents.

🎠 Perfect for children aged 3 to 12
📍 Le Bugue – parclebournat.fr

4. Aquarium du Périgord Noir: fish, reptiles and a touch pool

One of the largest freshwater aquariums in Europe, this one’s a hit with younger children. At the Aquarium du Périgord Noir, you’ll see all kinds of river creatures, and the kids will love the touch tank where they can feed and pet carp and sturgeon.

🐟 Great indoor option for hot days
📍 Le Bugue – aquariumperigordnoir.com

5. Préhisto Parc, Tursac: discover prehistoric life

Just 10 minutes from Les Eyzies, the Préhisto Parc takes you back 35,000 years to the days of Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons. Wander through the forest to explore life-size scenes, sound effects and educational displays. A brilliant way to learn — without realising you’re learning.

🦴 Fun and educational for ages 4+
📍 Tursac – prehisto-parc.fr

6. Déchaîne-toi Aventure: family-friendly treetop fun

This tree-top adventure park is perfect for children from age 3 and up. With zip lines, nets and rope bridges for all levels, it’s a safe and thrilling outdoor challenge. Set in the forest and run by a lovely team — you’ll leave happy and a little proud of yourselves.

🧗 Just 30 minutes from La Petite Auberge
📍 Saint-Colomb-de-Lauzun – dechainetoi-aventure.fr

7. Chèvrerie du Charmat: goats and ice cream — need we say more?

A short drive from Eymet, the Chèvrerie du Charmat is open daily from 4pm to 6pm. Come meet the goats, watch the milking, and taste their fabulous goat’s milk ice cream. Our favourite flavour? Definitely chocomilk — rich, creamy, and made right on site.

🍦 Open daily from 4pm to 6pm
📍 Charmat – facebook.com/chevrerieducharmat

8. Moulin de Citole: see a real working windmill

In Sadillac, the Moulin de Citole is one of the few traditional windmills still operating in the Bergerac area. Built in 1765 and fully restored, it now grinds flour again just like in the old days. Guided tours show off the fascinating wooden mechanisms and the craft of milling.

🌾 Summer guided visits: Sundays & Wednesdays
📍 Sadillac – lesamisdumoulindecitole.wordpress.com

9. Lac de l’Escourou: calm, wild, and perfect for a picnic

Only 10 minutes from La Petite Auberge, this peaceful lake is ideal for a short stroll, nature spotting or a relaxed family lunch. Watch out for herons, grebes and ducks — and enjoy the silence.

🔭 Try the Merlin Bird ID app for spotting birds
🌳 Easy access for all

10. La Petite Auberge: just enjoy the moment

And sometimes, the best family moments come from doing… not much at all. At La Petite Auberge, you’ll find a spacious garden, outdoor games, books, a pool, animals to watch — and plenty of time to just be. This is what a real family holiday in the Dordogne is all about.

🌿 Simple moments, shared together
📍 Learn more: lapetiteaubergegites.com

📌 What if your next family holiday in the Dordogne started right here?

The Périgord Pourpre offers the perfect mix for families: space, sunshine, variety and a slower pace of life. Around Eymet and Bergerac, you’ll find adventure, calm, charm and all the ingredients for unforgettable time together.

Ready to start planning?

👉 Learn more or book your stay: https://lapetiteaubergegites.com
📝 Browse more inspiration on our blog: https://lapetiteaubergegites.com/blog