Dordogne
Named for the picturesque river running through it, la Dordogne is one of the cradles of French civilization. Easily accessible from Bordeaux, this region boasts truly remarkable sights: prehistoric caves and settlement areas, renowned throughout the world for paintings and artifacts dating back15-20 thousand years. From the ruins of the château at Beynac, you’ll have spectacular river and countryside views. Explore perfectly preserved medieval towns and villages such as Sarlat, Bergerac, Limeuil and la Roque Gageac. And don’t miss the exceptional culinary offerings including foie gras, magret and confit de canard, truffles, tangy Cabécou goat cheese and local Bergerac wines.
THINGS TO DO
The Périgord Delights
Dordogne, often referred by its ancient name “The Périgord”, offers one of the most gorgeous unspoiled countryside in France. You will find the greatest concentration of natural wonders and historic sites. With its majestic Chateaux, its medieval villages and famous prehistoric caves, its heritage and authenticity are genuinely preserved. It’s the perfect land to explore and to be amazed. The area boasts France’s beloved gastronomic delights such as Foie Gras and locally produced wine, all can be savored locally for your visit to be unforgettable.
Place to visit
Le Perigueux, Sarlat, Le Bugue, Bergerac, among many other town in villages. Visit local artists, artians, foie gras manufacturer, wineries, special markets, black Perigueux Truffle and medieval towns.
Lascaux caves
The world famous Lascaux caves are not far away at the pretty town of Montignac and the area around Les Eyzies is full of caves and other sites of prehistoric interest. The pretty village of Campagne, with its castle and parkland is nearby as is the attractive town of St-Cyprien.
Theme-Park Attractions
Jacquou Park with its mix of theme-park style attractions targeted at children and combining swimming pools and slides and a mini farm is at Mortemart just a little north of Le-Bugue. There is a place to see wild boars nearby at Les Sangliers de Mortemart (you will see the word sanglier (wild boar) more than once on menus in the region).
Monpazier
A simply stunning town, founded in 1284 by Edward 1 of England. Its medieval center is preserved almost completely intact, and it is quite possibly the best of all the bastide towns to visit and recapture life 600 years ago. The arcades around the edge of the square are still present, as is the market hall (complete with weighing and measuring apparatus!). Monpazier is listed as “one of the most beautiful villages in France”.
Gastronomy
Périgord gastronomy has never needed publicity to promote themselves. His reputation exceeds, for a long time, the borders of France. Here one cultivates the art of eating well and the simple happiness of a cuisine... Key products: Truffles, Foie gras, Wine, Walnuts, chestnuts, strawberries, porcini
Top Sports Activities
Hiking / Horse back riding/ cycling/ canoe The Périgord alone has close to 1,130km of long-distance footpaths, known as Grandes Randonnées (GR). These include part of the Way of St James heading to Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain, and the GR 36, which skirts the prehistoric sites of the Vézère valley. Not forgetting the additional 5,600km of paths and circular walking routes.
Listings in Dordogne
