Want to stretch summer just a little longer — without the crowds?
September and October are some of the best times to explore the Dordogne at your own pace. With golden light over the vineyards, mild temperatures and a full programme of local events, it’s the perfect season for those who love calm, culture and connection.

Whether you’re staying near Eymet or exploring the wider Périgord Pourpre, the late season is full of charm — and plenty to do.

🍇 Why visit the Dordogne in autumn?

🌤️ Gentle, sunny weather — perfect for walks
📅 A packed calendar of local events
🧘 Less crowded, more peaceful
💸 Better prices than high season
💚 Glorious nature — harvest colours in vineyards and golden woods

Markets, walks, food festivals, concerts and cultural events fill the autumn months — and you’ll have more space to enjoy them.

What to Do in Dordogne in September & October: Our Picks

🍽️ Local Food & Traditions

Night Gourmet Markets
📍Beaumont-du-Périgord (until 1 September)
📍Issigeac (until 4 September)
Long communal tables, music, and great local food under the stars.

Harvest Dinner – 6 Sept, Saint-Capraise-de-Lalinde
A festive meal celebrating the best of the season’s produce.

Moules-Frites Night – 6 Sept, Pézuls
Simple, joyful and always popular with locals and visitors alike.

Local fêtes & brocantes
Don’t miss village celebrations in Razac-d’Eymet, vintage markets in Monpazier, Lalinde, Creysse — ideal for bargain hunters and foodies alike.

🎶 Concerts & Performances

Jazz in the Vines – 5 & 6 Sept, Creysse
An intimate jazz festival set among the vineyards.

Lou Stonebridge (folk) – 10 Sept, Saint-Avit-Sénieur
A soulful concert in a beautiful village setting.

Soirée Rouge – 12 Sept, Bergerac
Live music meets local wine and street vibes in town.

Organ Festival (Orgue en Fête) – from 28 Sept, Bergerac

Theatre & local shows
Catch performances in Eymet, Monpazier, Pressignac — a mix of comedy, local heritage and creative surprises.

🥾 Nature & Walks

Guided Hikes with Local Flavour
📍Lalinde (4 Sept), Colombier (5 Sept), Saint-Nexans (7 Sept), Saint-Marcel (27 Sept)…
Often including lunch, these walks are a great way to explore with locals.

Deer Rut Evening Walk – 27 Sept, Vergt-de-Biron
A magical (and rare) experience: listen to the deep roar of the stags at dusk.

🏰 Culture & Heritage

European Heritage Days – 20 & 21 September
👉 Free guided tours of castles, churches and sites in Eymet, Issigeac, Bergerac, Monbazillac, Pomport, Lanquais, Sadillac…

A chance to explore places normally closed to the public.

Art Exhibitions
– Pastel Art Festival (until 28 Sept, Saint-Agne)
– Biennale Éphémères in Monbazillac
– Gallery collections in Bergerac

Guided Tours
– Saint-Avit-Sénieur Abbey
– Monpazier Bastide
– Eymet’s medieval centre
– The working watermill at Citole
– Local museums and traditional river barges (gabares)

👨‍👩‍👦 Family-Friendly Activities

Afternoon on the Farm – until 27 Sept, Cause-de-Clérans
Meet the animals and discover daily life on a working farm.

Workshops for Kids: Pottery, Storytime & More
📍In Eymet, Bergerac, Le Buisson…
A gentle mix of creativity, discovery and fun — perfect for slow travel families.

👉 For even more ideas, check the official Dordogne event calendar>> online.

Where to Stay to Enjoy the Dordogne in Autumn?

Tucked between Eymet and Bergerac, La Petite Auberge welcomes you in one of three cosy, self-catering cottages. In September and October, life slows down — the weather is still beautiful, the markets are vibrant, and the mood is peaceful.

👉 Explore our cottages here
👉 Check availability or book your stay now

You Might Also Like:

Why go on holiday in Périgord Pourpre?>>

Villages to visit in Périgord Pourpre: our 5 favourites>>

Summer Agenda Around Eymet – Festivals & Events Not to Miss>>

Family holidays in the Dordogne: 10 unmissable things to do near Eymet and Bergerac>>

Welcome to La Petite Auberge – our peaceful haven in the heart of the Périgord Pourpre>>