Best map and tour book for the Dordogne area

In my opinion, the hands down best guides are the Cadogans; but they aren’t usually in bookstores. They are, however, easily available on-line.
As to what to see, the area is known for prehistoric cave art. Many sites require reservations, so if you want to visit, you had better get moving on that.
There are also chateaux, many of them boasting lovely gardens. We were particularly taken with Les Milandes, because it houses extensive exhibits recounting the life of Josephine Baker, who once owned it.
Many of the towns are in and of themselves something to see. Sarlat and Domme immediately jump to mind.

Hi Carol, the RS guidebook is no slouch for the Dordogne area. He recommends the kayak trip down the Dordogne River which is a wonderful adventure. Pulling out in La Roque-Gageac for a village stroll and lunch is a great stop. We finished in Beynac and were inspired to return to the Chateau later for a tour. Market day in Sarlat itself is terrific. Lascaux for the reproduction of the prehistoric paintings is outstanding. You can also do the National Museum at Les Eyzies de Tayac devoted to the era if you have interest. Either to or from Lascaux, stop at the Bories du Breuil to see old circular houses entirely made of stone including the roof. There is a minor charge and it is on an insanely narrow road but is fascinating. We also encountered a veritable army of ducks marching back to their evening quarters near Tursac. It was worth pulling off the road and taking a ridiculous number of photos. The Jardins Marqueyssac are exquisite with a fine view of the river. It is easy to spend a half day, it is far more than the sculpted boxwood on most photos. Chateau Milande, home to Josephine Baker is another half day with great gardens and architecture. Her story is quite compelling as well. Castlenaud has the medieval war demonstrations with catapults if you have a taste for that. We have connections in the area and intend to get to Rocamadour, Saint-Cirq-Lapopoe, and Belves in the future. Have a wonderful time. The dining is delicious and reasonably priced, as are the wines. The Michelin Map #329 served us well. Read some of Martin Walker's mysteries set in the area to set the mood for your trip.

You will find maps of the aera, mainly in shops selling newspapers and magazines (Maison de la Presse / Librairie) or in supermarkets.

In tourist areas you may find tourist guides in English in some of these shops

The two major map publishers are Michelin and IGN.

IGN's "TOP25" blue series are at 1/25000 scale, ideal if you want to have an accurate map of a particular area

Hi Carol. 1st, congratulations on picking the most glorious place on earth (IMO)!
I would get a small scale Michelin map for the many small confusing roads. I would recommend the following to visit:
1) kayak trip and/or boat ride in the flat bottom boats.
2) Châteaux: Beynac,Chateau Milande (they also have a great falconry show), Fenelon, Castlenaud
3) towns/villages: SARLAT, Beynac, LaRoque Gagiac, Rocamador
4) caves: Font de Gaume, 1 of the Lascaux (I think there might be 4),Goufre de Padirac, (sp) done in the boat
5) markets: SARLAT, and any of the many smaller markets within driving distance
I think Michelin has the best maps.
Thanks, Roslyn for your recommendation of the Cadogans. Are they for areas throughout France?

You will find lots of information on things to do and visit here:

https://www.visit-dordogne-valley.co.uk/

I use most of the time the already mentioned (yellow cover) Michelin Departemental maps, they give the right amount of detail (edit) for exploring the countryside, touristic info and itinerary suggestions. The maps are bilingual, but buying in France some translation is needed. Besides the beforementioned shops, gaz stations sell them too. If you drive alone combining it with a GPS will make finding your way easier.