L’Esplanade

The Dordogne


The main reason to stop in at L’Esplanade is for a terrace drink in Domme as the sun sets over the Dordogne with mind-boggling valley views. Teetering on the edge of the village ramparts, the hotel (double €100 to €155) and restaurant (menus €30 to €52) have uneven service; you can do better elsewhere.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Dordogne attractions

1. Grottes Naturelles

0.04 MILES

Honeycombing the stone underneath the village is a series of large caves decorated with ornate stalactites and stalagmites. Get tickets, which include…

2. L'Oustal du Périgord

0.05 MILES

Across the square from the tourist office, artefacts here include clothing, toys and tools, mainly from the 19th century. Admission is included with the…

3. Prison des Templiers

0.18 MILES

Many Knights Templar were imprisoned in Domme in 1307 while they awaited trial. Loads of Templar graffiti in their code system still marks their prison…

4. Troglodyte Fort

2.19 MILES

A warren of meandering lanes leads up to La Roque’s dramatic fort, where a series of defensive positions constructed by medieval engineers were carved out…

5. Jardins de Marqueyssac

2.86 MILES

Horticulture fans won’t want to miss these famous manicured gardens, stretching along a rocky bluff overlooking the Dordogne Valley. Signposted paths lead…

6. Château de Castelnaud

3.32 MILES

The massive ramparts and metre-thick crenellated walls of this quintessential medieval fortress (occupied by the English during the Hundred Years War)…

7. Château de Beynac

4.22 MILES

Towering gloriously atop a limestone bluff, this 12th-century fortress’ panoramic position above the Dordogne made it a key defensive position during the…

8. Château des Milandes

5.14 MILES

This 15th-century château, 3km southwest of Beynac, is famous for its fabulous former owner: glamorous dancer, singer and music-hall star Josephine Baker …