The Dordogne Valley in the south of the Périgord noir is home to magnificent villages, imposing castles and lush gardens that are accessible from Sarlat, such as Beynac-et-Cazenac, which boasts a charming location with a castle perched on the cliff above the village; the old royal fortified bastide village of Domme, which occupies an equally idyllic site with magnificent views of the Dordogne; and the remarkable hanging gardens of Marqueyssac overlooking the valley.