The charm of Domme is undeniable, with its special atmosphere of calm and serenity, which soothes the soul as much as the exceptional panorama over the Dordogne valley, revealing the Château de Montfort, the village of La Roque-Gageac and the Château de Beynac.
But chance has provided Domme with many other treasures, which can be discovered, just like the village, by following one of the many guided tours: for those who love discovery, a natural cave stretches beneath the village, 20 metres deep and 450 metres long. It's made up of a string of chambers that reveal themselves to visitors, one after the other, in a rare profusion of crystallisations. A panoramic lift up the cliffside takes you back to the village. Discovered in 1912 by children, this jewel of nature had lain dormant in the hollow of the cliff since its creation in prehistoric times.
The Porte des Tours (towers' gate) contains mysterious graffiti, testimony to a past that continues to make this unique site the object of study, interest and enchantment. The iconographic reading of these signs and their possible interpretation cannot leave anyone indifferent, and fills the history buff and the simply curious with the same emotion.
The Château du Roy (dating from the Carolingian period), which predates the construction of the bastide town, is the subject of annual excavations as part of a multi-year programme to better understand its structure and refine its dating. Nearby, past the public garden, the former windmill dominates the Dordogne valley.
A few hundred years later, long before the reign of electrical machines, our grandparents led hard and tough lives in the streets of Domme.
When its restoration is complete, the museum on Place de la Halle will plunge you into a world so near and yet so far, thanks to a display of collections labelled "Musée de France", presented by theme and in a chronology that takes you on a journey from today to yesterday. A host of objects from "yesteryear" and a dynamic, interactive presentation will help younger visitors discover what Domme and its region, history, culture and artists were all about. It's a unique opportunity to share memories, revive the past and perpetuate history.
On the Place de la Rode, the oldest house in Domme remains: the Maison du Batteur de Monnaie (the coin-maker's house, built in 1282).
As you wander around Domme, you'll come across QR codes which, when flashed, give you information (translated into 18 languages) about the town's history, architectural heritage, filmography and personalities.
For more information or to discover the countless sites dotted around the heart of the Périgord Noir and the Dordogne valley, visit the Office du Tourist Office website or take a guided tour on the little train.
Events in Domme
Domme offers a wide range of events throughout the year thanks to the active role of the associations. You will find a list of them in the document below.
