The charm of Domme is undeniable. A particular atmosphere reigns here, calm and serene, which soothes the soul just as much as the exceptional panorama over the Dordogne Valley, which reveals the Château de Montfort, the village of La Roque-Gageac and the Château de Beynac.
But chance has endowed Domme with many other treasures, which, like the village itself, can be discovered by joining one of the many guided tours. For those who love to explore, a natural cave extends beneath the village, 20 metres deep and 450 metres long. It consists of a string of chambers that reveal themselves to visitors one after another, in a rare profusion of crystallisations. A panoramic lift built into the cliff face takes you back up, after which you can return to the village. Discovered by children in 1912, this natural jewel had lain hidden in the hollow of the cliff since its formation in prehistoric times.
The Porte des Tours holds mysterious graffiti, a testament to a past that makes this unique site a constant subject of study, interest and enchantment. The iconographic reading of these signs and their possible interpretation cannot fail to move anyone, and fills history buffs and the merely curious alike with the same emotion.
The Château du Roy (dating from the Carolingian period), which predates the construction of the bastide, is the subject of annual excavations as part of a multi-year programme that allows its structure to be better understood and its dating to be refined. Nearby, past the public gardens, a former windmill overlooks the Dordogne Valley. A few hundred years later still, long before the age of electric machines, our grandparents led hard and harsh lives in the streets of Domme.
The Musée de Domme, located on the Place de la Halle, is housed in a townhouse whose foundations date back to the 13th century. It was bequeathed to the municipality in 1984 by its owner, who had no heirs, so that a cultural venue could be created there. The museum, formerly the Musée d’Arts et Traditions Populaires, closed in 2020 and could not reopen as it was because of safety and sanitation problems. The municipality therefore decided in 2022 to undertake the restoration of the building, in order to offer a more attractive and modern showcase for the collections, which hold the “Musée de France” label. Today, since its opening on 7 August 2025, visitors have been offered a permanent exhibition arranged by theme, along with temporary exhibitions across two floors. Visitors can find a multitude of objects from days gone by, together with a dynamic and interactive presentation that introduces younger visitors to what Domme was: its territory, its history, its archaeological remains, its culture and its artists. It is a unique opportunity to share memories, bring the past back to life and keep history alive. The scenography has been enhanced with innovative and interactive displays.
On the Place de la Rode stands the oldest house in Domme: the Maison du Batteur de Monnaie (built in 1282).
As you wander through Domme, you will find QR codes which, once scanned, will give you information (translated into 18 languages) on the history, architectural heritage, filmography and notable figures of the village.
For more information, or to discover the countless sites scattered across the heart of the Périgord Noir and the Dordogne Valley, visit the Tourist Office website, or hop aboard the little tourist train for a guided tour.
Events and Festivities in Domme
Domme is a village that offers events throughout the year thanks to the active role of its local associations. Click here to find a list of them.
