Dordogne

General info

Dordogne: an introduction

The Dordogne is one of our favourite departments in France, and because there is so much variety the main challenge is knowing where to start when describing the highlights - and for you to decide where to stay when you visit!

To make your travel planning slightly easier we have divided our coverage into four distinct regions.

Note that the Dordogne area is quite large, perhaps two hours drive from north to south and a similar distance east to west, even more if the places are not close to the larger roads, so you are unlikely to see everything in one visit - no problem though, because you will certainly want to come back again!

Perigord Noir - the south-east Dordogne

In Perigord Noir you will many of the most famous castles, towns and villages of the Dordogne region, many in spectacular locations, and with fascinating histories to tell - but you will also find more tourists and busier roads, especially in high season.

Sarlat, 'medieval capital of the Dordogne' and perhaps the most lovely town in France, is in Perigord Noir, as are a multitude of smaller picturesque villages and towns.

France This Way comment: this is certainly the most visited part of the Dordogne and contains many of the highlights although we would be inclined to visit outside high season if possible to appreciate it at its best.

See Perigord Noir and the south-east for highlights

Perigord Purple - the south-west Dordogne

As well as well known medieval towns such as Bergerac, on the Dordogne river and with a lovely historic centre, this is a region to discover bastide towns (medieval new towns founded in the 12th-13th centuries) several of which are found in the southern Dordogne (and south into Lot-et-Garonne such as Villereal and Monflanquin).

The countryside north of Bergerac is generally forested hills, while to the south you are more likely to see fields of sunflowers and extensive vineyards.

France This way comment: many visitors love this region for its unspoiled nature, medieval villages, and also the lower visitor numbers and quieter roads and return year after year...

See Perigord Purple and the south-west for highlights

Vézère Valley and Les Eyzies to Terrasson

Here you can explore the prehistoric settlements of the Vézère Valley as the roots of prehistoric man are discovered in the Dordogne region - much of the region is now a UNESCO listed world heritage site.

Although there are less 'large' towns here, this is the most central part of the region, so is a good choice if you hope to explore all parts of the Dordogne.

France This Way comment: the sense of contact with prehistory along the Vezere as you visit the caves and prehistoric dwellings make it a very interesting region, and it is also very scenic, perhaps the most picturesque part of the department.

See Vézère Valley for highlights

Perigord Vert and Perigord Blanc - the northern Dordogne

Less visited than the southern Dordogne, the north also has its share of market towns and castles, beautiful scenery and picturesque villages, including Perigueux, 'capital' of the Dordogne.

Part of these northern areas fall within the Perigord-Limousin Natural Regional Park.

France This way comment: this region is quite different in character to the 'central' Dordogne and provides a quite different visitor experience, with less major sights but more peace and quiet. Lovely region to unwind!

See Perigord Vert and Perigord Blanc - the north for highlights

Popular activities

We lived near Monpazier for 10 years and now live in Bergerac. Apart from exploring many of the towns and villages our personal favourite activities (and also thos of our visitors) include:

• Canoeing along the Dordogne river, available in many of the popular tourist destinations along the river and also in places along the Vézere and in Brântome
• Visiting one of the popular Dordogne markets
• Exploring the quiet backroads which are usually unknown to tourists and discovering the perfect picnic spot
• Cycling through the small hamlets and rolling countryside on quiet roads
• Horseriding is widely available
• There are many other activities including several organised around the 'prehistoric connection' such as dinosaur parks and prehistoric village