10/02/2026
I love this area!
October changes the Dordogne in a way summer never does. The woodland begins turning gold and rust, the pace eases after the busy summer months, and the old stone villages look even better against the autumn landscape. France’s official tourism site specifically recommends September and October for the colorful valleys and riverbanks, while describing autumn as one of the quieter seasons for exploring the region.
It’s also walnut season, which is a much bigger part of life here than many visitors realize. Périgord walnuts are harvested from around mid-September through the end of October, and the trees themselves turn yellow as the nuts begin falling. Walnuts have been part of this landscape for thousands of years, with shells dating back roughly 17,000 years found at prehistoric sites in the region.
Then there are the villages. Places such as Beynac and La Roque Gageac sit among wooded hills along the Dordogne, while Sarlat’s medieval streets feel noticeably different once the peak summer crowds have gone. The department actually has 10 villages classified among the Plus Beaux Villages de France, so it’s very easy to turn an autumn trip into a few days of slow drives, village stops and long lunches.
For me, this is exactly when I’d choose to explore the Dordogne. You get the history and villages everyone comes for, but with autumn color, walnut harvest season, and a little more breathing room. Would you choose the Dordogne in October or wait for summer?
📍 Dordogne, Nouvelle Aquitaine, France
