Castles, caves, swimming spots, markets, wildlife parks and canoeing — a new adventure every day from Village de Montmarsis.

When you travel with children, you want one thing above all: plenty of fun activities nearby — without long drives, complicated planning or daily stress.
That’s exactly why so many international families love staying at Village de Montmarsis, a small-scale five-star holiday park in the Lot. Located on the border of the Lot and Dordogne regions, just minutes from Gourdon, you’re surrounded by one of France’s most family-friendly areas.

From medieval castles to prehistoric caves, from rivers to wildlife parks — there is something new to discover every day.

Why Montmarsis is perfectly located for families

Village de Montmarsis sits in the peaceful, rolling countryside of the Lot, right next to the Dordogne Valley — a region famous for castles, rivers, forests, caves and picturesque villages.

You stay in a spacious, small-scale domain with:

• 60 detached holiday homes
• 5 fully equipped safari tents
• Plenty of privacy and greenery
• Safe areas for children to play

Just five minutes away lies Gourdon, a charming medieval town with a weekly market, inviting terraces and narrow streets perfect for exploring.

The surrounding region encourages walking, swimming, discovering and — most importantly — enjoying time together.

Top 15 Family Activities in the Lot & Dordogne

Château de Castelnaud

One of the most popular castles in the Dordogne.
Expect medieval weapon demonstrations, catapults and interactive exhibits. Perfect for children fascinated by knights and battles.

Grotte de Cougnac

Less than five minutes from Montmarsis.
Impressive stalactites and prehistoric cave paintings make this a memorable and manageable visit for families.

Canoeing on the Dordogne River

Family-friendly canoe routes are available from places like Cénac-et-Saint-Julien and Vitrac:

• Calm current
• Castle views from the water
• Picnic stops along the way
• Generally suitable for children aged 6 and above.

Swimming at Lake “Écoute s’il Pleut” (Gourdon)

A lovely freshwater lake near Gourdon with:

• A small beach area
• Picnic tables
• Shaded spots
• Supervised swimming in summer

Ideal for hot days — and very close to the holiday park.

Réserve Zoologique de Calviac

A small, forest-based wildlife park about 20 minutes away.

You walk among lemurs, wallabies and other often endangered species. It’s calm, well-organised and perfect for children.

Note: It’s located on a hillside, so good walking shoes are recommended (not ideal for large strollers).

Domme

A spectacular medieval village perched on a cliff with panoramic views.

Children love the small tourist train, and you can also explore caves located beneath the main square.

Sarlat-la-Canéda

About 30 minutes from Montmarsis.

Wander through beautiful medieval streets, enjoy ice cream, visit the lively market and soak up the atmosphere. A wonderful mix of culture and fun.

Adventure parks & treetop courses

Several “accrobranche” parks in the region offer rope bridges, zip-lines and climbing circuits for children from around 4 years old.

One example is Le Bois des Elfes, located near the lake at Gourdon.

Château de Beynac

A dramatic castle perched high above the Dordogne River.

The narrow stairways and stone corridors make children feel like they’re stepping into a film set.

Gourdon’s Weekly Market

Every Saturday, Gourdon hosts a lively market.

A great way for children to experience French culture — tasting cheese, fruit and local honey while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

Water parks in the region

Beyond the Montmarsis pool, several nearby water parks offer slides and splash zones — perfect for a change of pace on very warm days.

Traditional boat trip on the Dordogne

In La Roque-Gageac, you can take a ride on a traditional flat-bottomed boat called a “gabare”. A relaxing alternative for families with younger children who prefer not to paddle themselves.

Jardins de Marqueyssac

Beautiful landscaped gardens with winding paths and breathtaking viewpoints over the Dordogne Valley.

Plenty of space for children to explore while adults enjoy the scenery.

Beginner caving experiences

Several local providers offer introductory speleology trips for children aged 8 and up.

Safe, guided and unforgettable — a real adventure underground.

Nature walks in La Bouriane

The La Bouriane area around Gourdon offers:

• Forest trails
• Quiet picnic spots
• Shaded walking paths

Perfect for families looking for peaceful nature time.

Why Village de Montmarsis is the Ideal Home Base

After each adventure, returning to Montmarsis feels like coming home.

Comfort for families

• Detached holiday homes with privacy
• Private terrace with views
• Fully equipped kitchen & bathroom
• Free WiFi
• Optional baby equipment rental

Family-friendly facilities

• Large swimming pool + children’s pool
• Playground
• Table tennis, pétanque, volleyball
• Tennis court
• Spacious green areas
• Children can truly play safely here.

Brasserie & bread service

Not in the mood to cook?
The on-site brasserie serves relaxed, family-friendly meals, and fresh bread is available in summer.

Multilingual, helpful staff

English, French, Dutch and German are spoken at reception — helpful for international guests needing tips, bookings or directions.

Peace, privacy and balance

After a day of castles, rivers or markets, it’s wonderful to return to a peaceful terrace surrounded by greenery.

Children play on the grass while you relax with a glass of wine. In the evening, you’ll often hear nothing but crickets.

This is what a family holiday in the Lot and Dordogne should feel like: nature, space, comfort and quality time together.

Ready to experience these adventures yourself?

Check availability at : www.montmarsis.com
Contact : info@montmarsis.com
Instagram : @villagedemontmarsis_gourdon
Facebook : Village de Montmarsis

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