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Scarecrow displays in MeyralsDordogne Attractions  Don't be misled by the fact that there are only three major attractions listed here.  The  Dordogne is full of places to visit, so many that they have separate groupings of their own - see our sections on caves, chateaux, museums and towns.  The attractions listed here don't fit into another grouping but are worthy of a mention.  Pictured opposite are the fascinating scarecrow displays in Meyrals on the D35 between Le Bugue and Sarlat.

Outside InsectopiaInsectopia

Location: On D90 approx 30 km east of Souillac or 15km NE of Rocamadour, right next to the Gouffre de Padirac. As The Gouffre is well signposted locally follow signs there and Insectopia is found next door.
General Info: Open April – Toussaint, every day in peak season/school holidays and Sundays only at other times. Adults €5 and 5-14’s €3. Website.
Description: An interactive museum of insects and nature with an intriguing mix of live insects from leaf eating ants to praying mantids; interactive computer screens with info on insects and camouflage and general fun.
Our Recommendations: Situated next to the Gouffre de Padirac this makes an excellent add-on to a visit there. Instead of queuing for an hour or more in peak season for the cave, spend your time more productively in the museum. This is particularly welcome during the heat of summer when the museum is somewhat cooler. Also good on rainy days.
For the Children: While creepy crawlies may be a ‘boy thing’ there is plenty for girls as well – they will especially enjoy the butterflies in the free-flight area. Boys (and maybe the grown-ups) will find the ‘edible insects’ interesting, particularly when offered a taster of chocolate-coated ants! Not for the faint-hearted.

Our favourite attractions in the Dordogne:

        - Corn Maze
        - Cycling in the Dordogne
        - Domme Vineyard
        - Dordogne Boat Trips
        - Gardens at Manoir
          d'Eyrignac
        - Insectopia
        - Moulin de la Tour

Further afield but worth a day trip are:
- Dune du Pilat near Archachon (it is Europe's largest sand dune).
- Futuroscope Theme Park outside Poitiers.

External websites offering information on the Dordogne:

- Virtual Guide around Perigord.

You may also be interested in visiting our section on the Lot which is within a day trip's reach from the Dordogne.
Chosen by our children:

     - Top Attractions in the Dordogne
     - Top ten Holiday destinations in France