Location

The European country of France covers 543,965 km² (210,026 miles²) and has 58,143,000 inhabitants.

Segmented into 22 regions and 102 departments, the department of the Dordogne is part of the Aquitaine region and is department number 24. The Dordogne can be found in the South West of France, its’ main town is Perigueux and it has approximately 400,000 inhabitants.

The region is divided into the 4 Perigord areas, the known origins of which go back to the 17th century and cut the region geographically.

Perigord Noir (The Black Perigord) is a land of oak trees and forests around Sarlat, a city developed around its’ large benedictine abbey which dates from the 9th century. Perigord Blanc (The White Perigord) is the area between La Vesone and Perigueux which has chalky soil and is the capital of the gallic Pretocores, seat of the roman city then the towns of the middle ages. Perigord Vert (The Green Perigord) is an area well known for its’ agriculture in the Nontron area. Perigord Pourpre (The Purple Perigord), a land of vineyards around Bergerac, well known for the famous Cyrano de Bergerac.

With as much as there is to do in the Dordogne, we cant get this all in one section of this website let alone on one page, but here are some breif words on some things you can expect from this lovely region:

Sarlat-la-Caneda is really worth a visit. In the heart of the Perigord Noir, Sarlat grew up around a Benedictine abbey founded in the 9th century. It has a distinct medieval feel about it, with numerous magnificent buildings around every corner you turn. The towns Saturday market is also a main feature with its truffles, foie gras and mushrooms (depending on the season).

Lascaux the famous cave was only discovered in 1940, by four young boys whos dog had fallen down a hole. The cave is made up of four galleries, the walls of which are covered with more than 1500 representations, either engraved or painted. These works were created from around 1700 B.C. Unfortunately opening the cave had a damaging effect, and in order to preserve such treasures was closed. Lascaux II this is a replica of two of the galleries. The artist Monique Peytral used the same methods and materials as the cave artists so the atmosphere of the original cave has been made possible.

Rocamadour is the most visited site in France after Versailles and is a must. Always busy this fortified town is perilously perched high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Alzou valley. Once the centre of medieval Christianity, steeped in history with interesting architecture including the churches and castle. Somewhat commercialised with tourist shops and restaurants with easy access by road train from the large parking areas it is worth a visit for the views alone.

Brantome is known as the 'Venice of the Perigord', has a VIIIc Benedictine Abbey with monastery gardens,caves 'Grottes du Denier Judgement' and superb restaurants.

Jumilhac with its fabulous Chateau de Jumilhac has 'Golden' gardens, laid out in the 17 century on the theme of alchemy. They can be visited all year. There is also the Musee de l'Or (Museum of Gold) which traces gold panning and mining history.

Saint-Jean-de-Cole is a lovely village near Thiviers is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. The central square boasts a spledid XIc church by the ancient covered market. A traditional annual flower show is held onthe second weekend in May when the whole village has displays of flowers and local craftworks.. The interior of the church is beautifully decorated.

Saint-Pierre-de-Frugie: L'Ecocentre du Perigord (the Enviromental Centre of the Perigord) shows both the general public and professionals different methods of eco building and energy production. There are 5 pavillions illustrating: A wind-powered building of earth and straw, A photo-voltaic solar-powered building in brick, An earth-built pavillion powered by thermic solar energy, A building in lime and hemp powered by bio-gas and A wood fuelled wooden building

La Chapelle-Faucher has a dramaticly sited Castle built right on the edge of a sheer cliff overlooking the river Cole.

Siant Astier has a fortified chuch which was originally the chapple of the XIc abbey and recent restoration work enables it to be viewed as a very pretty site. St Astier has a busy Thursday market.

Double and Landais Forests: To the west of the Perigord finds dense woods with few villages but 50,000 hectares of marchy forest which is rapidly achieving a reputation as a haven for wildlife. In the Double at the 'Ferme du Parc ot', an outdoor museum, can be seen illustrations of how people used to live before the automobile. South towards Bergerac into the Landais forest at Saint-Sauveur-Lalande stands a little timber framed church and you can visit the studios of contemporary potters and other craftsmen.

La Roque Gageac awarded the enviable title of the most beautiful village in France is the third site in France after Mont-Saint-Michel and Rocamadour