Dordogne is in the northern end of the Aquitaine region in the South-Western France. In this region, you will find rural tranquillity, and the area is considered one of the utmost beautiful parts of France. Dordogne is the country with the pre-historic, historic and nature experiences.
In the lush Dordogne valley along the river, you can enjoy the sight of the large and small castles which help give this region its romantic and idyllic atmosphere.

The landscape of Dordogne

The landscape of Dordogne is very varied. Here are green vine fields, forests and lush valleys, great national parks with purling streams, meadows and limestone plateaus as well as small and large rivers with idyllic villages and large and small castles.

Large cities in Dordogne: Périgueux and Sarlat

The old and gastronomic city of Périgueux is the regional capital of Dordogne and offers medieval and renaissance architecture. Périgueux should be visited on a market day, where the stalls in the vibrant medieval quarter of Le Puy St-Front present a variety of local specialties.

Sarlat-la-Caneda is the French town with the highest concentration of medieval, renaissance and 17th century facades. In the small cosy, narrow alleys and arches, there are old urban houses in ochre stone. The city is known for one of the best markets in France which is held every Saturday on Place de la Liberté.

When you are on holiday in Dordogne, you should visit the small Bergerac, which is centre of tobacco cultivation and trade, and which you best gain insight into by visiting the tobacco museum.

Tourist attractions in Dordogne

Dordogne offers many different sights, such as 24 parks and gardens, 70 museums, from wine museum to art museum, 40 castles, 7 troglodyte dwellings and villages and excavation sites. The most attractive sights are the many grottos with interesting cave paintings. In an unreliable climate, the rivers here, which are surrounded by grottos and caves, were very attractive to the prehistoric people.

Sports activities in Dordogne

In the beautiful nature of Dordogne, there are many cycling routes and possibilities of riding, trekking as well as canoeing or kayaking on the many rivers. There are six adventure parks in the forest areas, nine golf courses, several climbing spots as well lovely swimming spots in lakes and rivers.

Gastronomic characteristics of Dordogne

Famous regional dishes from Dordogne are the juicy pies ”Pâtés de Périgueux” and the dishes ”Daube de boeuf” and ”Cassoulet”, which are casseroles with white haricot beans prepared with pieces of different types of sausage and meat. Furthermore, Dordogne is the region of France which produces more walnuts. The walnuts are, among others, applied for walnut oil which is eaten as dressing with salads.
The region is also known for its breed of geese, ducks and goats for foie gras, confit and cheese. In the forests, you will find the much valued and costly truffle which is used in soups, sauces and pates. Apart from the local wine, the most famous beverage of this region is brandy.

The climate of Dordogne

Dordogne is privileged by temperate climate with pleasant temperatures all year round.

Some of the photos are kindly lent out from Maison de la France. Photographers: Jean Malburet and Jean François Tripelon.