10 Must-See & Must-Do Experiences In and Around Gourdon
Gourdon, Lot-Dordogne
Staying at Village de Montmarsis means you’re ideally placed to enjoy both relaxation and family-friendly activities. Just minutes away lies the charming medieval town of Gourdon, surrounded by nature, rivers, villages, and attractions that appeal to both children and adults.
Below you’ll find 10 enjoyable things to do in and around Gourdon, all easy to combine with a comfortable stay at Montmarsis.
Walk Through the Medieval Upper Town of Gourdon
The historic centre of Gourdon is a delight to explore. Narrow streets, stone façades, and traffic-free lanes make it especially enjoyable for children to wander safely.
At the top of the hill, you’re rewarded with panoramic views over the surrounding valleys — a real “wow” moment for all ages. Best of all, Gourdon is within walking distance of Montmarsis, making this an easy morning or afternoon outing without much planning.
Visit the Weekly (or Farmers’) Market in Gourdon
One of the highlights of a family holiday in this region is visiting the local market. You’ll find fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses, honey, regional specialities, and sometimes handmade products.
For children, it’s a fun introduction to French market culture; for parents, it’s a chance to enjoy quality local ingredients and a relaxed atmosphere. Staying at Montmarsis makes this outing especially easy — perfect for picking up supplies for breakfast, lunch, or a picnic.
Enjoy Nature: Rivers, Canoeing, Walking, or Picnicking
The region around Gourdon — the Lot and the Dordogne — is rich in natural beauty. Within about 15 minutes’ drive, you can reach the Dordogne River, where families can enjoy riverside walks, canoeing, or a relaxed picnic by the water.
An ideal way to balance cultural visits with outdoor fun during your holiday.
Discover Medieval Villages and Castles
Thanks to Montmarsis’ central location, it’s easy to explore medieval villages and castles throughout the Lot and Dordogne. Narrow streets, historic buildings, old churches, and impressive castles capture children’s imaginations.
For many kids, visiting a “real castle” is an adventure in itself — combining history, discovery, and a sense of exploration.
Swimming and Relaxing at the Park
Some days, it’s simply nice to stay close to home. That’s where Montmarsis truly shines. The park has a large swimming pool, a children’s pool, and a sunny terrace, offering plenty of space to swim, play, or relax without leaving the park.
Perfect for restful days with minimal planning.
Sports and Play for Active Families
For energetic children (and parents!), Montmarsis offers plenty of activities on site: a tennis court, football and volleyball fields, pétanque, table tennis, a playground, and more.
It’s easy to stay active, have fun together, and give children the freedom to play — all without long journeys.
Comfort and Convenience in One Place
The gîtes and safari tents at Montmarsis are designed for comfort and family life. With fully equipped kitchens, private terraces, green surroundings, and plenty of privacy, families quickly feel at home.
Extras such as a baby cot or high chair can be requested in advance, making travelling with young children much easier. You have your own space, your own rhythm, and complete freedom.
A Great Balance of Peace and Sociability
If cooking feels like too much effort, the on-site brasserie offers meals, drinks, and a bread service in a relaxed setting.
This is a real bonus for parents: after a full day with children, you can simply sit back, enjoy a drink or meal, and unwind — without needing to drive anywhere.
Flexibility, Privacy, and Multilingual Service
Montmarsis is a small and well-organised holiday park (around 60 gîtes and 5 safari tents). It never feels crowded and offers a calm, friendly atmosphere.
All accommodations are detached and surrounded by greenery, and the staff speak multiple languages, including English, French, Dutch, and German — reassuring and convenient for international families.
The Perfect Balance of Nature, Peace, and Family-Friendly Comfort
What makes Montmarsis and the Gourdon area so appealing to families is the balance it offers. You enjoy the tranquillity and privacy of a countryside park, combined with the facilities, comfort, and child-friendly atmosphere of a resort.
From your terrace, you see greenery instead of traffic, hear birds instead of noise, and know your children can play safely — while rivers, villages, caves, and cultural sights are always close by.
Why This Combination Works So Well for Families
For families, a holiday isn’t just about sightseeing. It’s also about rest, flexibility, good sleep, and choosing your own rhythm. Montmarsis gives you that freedom.
Start the day with fresh croissants and coffee on your terrace, head to the pool with the kids, enjoy a picnic or lunch in Gourdon, and end the day with table tennis or pétanque. Or choose a quiet afternoon by the nearby lake Écoute s’il Pleut, just a short walk from the park, or a visit to a castle or river.
Comfort, privacy, nature, and fun are always within reach — exactly what families look for.
Practical Information
Village de Montmarsis is located on the edge of Gourdon, in the Lot, close to the Dordogne region.
Accommodation options include 4- and 6-person gîtes and safari tents (up to 5 people), all with a kitchen, bathroom, private terrace, and parking.
In high season, arrival days are Wednesday or Saturday; outside peak season, arrival is flexible. Extras such as baby equipment or barbecues can be requested when booking.
Interested in Visiting?
Check availability and practical details on www.montmarsis.com, or contact us at info@montmarsis.com if you have questions about accommodation, facilities, or family needs.
You can also follow @villagedemontmarsis_gourdon on Instagram for atmosphere and inspiration — from poolside moments and glamping tents to sunsets over the hills and happy children.
Gourdon and its surroundings offer families the perfect mix of nature, peace, history, and fun. With Village de Montmarsis as your base, you enjoy comfort, privacy, and a truly family-friendly holiday.
Whether you’re travelling with young children, teenagers, or simply looking for a relaxed yet varied family holiday — here you’ll find the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.
