Touring Dordogne The map of Dordogne (Périgord) is actually color-coded: green, white, purple and black. If you enjoy touring, this is the place for you, with varied landscapes and market towns, as well as places of interest for the inquisitive mind.
The Périgord vert (green) is named for the verdant hills around the centre, Nontron. Many rivers crisscross this section.
The Périgord blanc (white) is so named because of the lanscape's exposed limestone, which has been used for building materials in the cities.
The Périgord Pourpre (purple) is, as you might expect, a wine region. Wines take the names of the towns on the map, Bergerac and Monbazilac.
The Périgord Noir (black) is probably of the most interest to the traveller. It is here that the underground is laced with prehistoric painted and engraved caves. There are over 150 sites line the Vézère river alone. The region is dark with trees, especially walnuts, for which it is famous, as well as being known for its black truffles. The focus of study of the region's prehistory is here as well, in the new National Museum of Prehistory perched on a cliff in the village of Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac.
How much time is needed to visit the Perigord Noir? If you like history, ancient castles and fortifications, prehistoric painted caves, natural beauty, and great cuisine, a week is not enough! | Activities in Dordogne Besides the wonderful scenery to enjoy, there is a full complement of outdoor pursuits to enjoy, from rafting and fishing to hiking and pony trekking (you need a license to fish in the Dordogne River and there is a specific season for it too).
The Dordogne is often called the most beautiful river in France. Canoes and kayaks are readily available, and a trip along the gentle section of the river will afford you vistas of castles and cave art. Visit the dramatic riverside villages and stop on a beach for a picnic.
Pompadour – A day at the races in the very French style is a perfect day out. Enjoy the beautiful town itself before arriving at this most elegant racecourse – a chateau, no less!
You can also visit the French National Stud here, which is renowned for the breeding of Arabian stallions, the sports cars of the world of horses, with the more robust French cobs providing both stamina and speed over longer distances.
The caves of the Dordogne provided havens for Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon man. Wall paintings and engravings, mostly of animals, can be seen at Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac and at Lascaux II, an amazingly exact replica of the original Lascaux cave. A smaller, lesser-known cave at Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, a village on the Vézère River, displays engravings of bison, horses, mysterious symbols, and rare representations of human beings. |
 Dordogne CuisineFrom a quiet walk in the countryside to canoeing, golf, horseback riding, cycling or even hot air ballooning, you will find it all in the Perigord, in the midst of stunning scenery. In addition to its architectural wonders, the region is abundant in fruit and walnut trees as well as all manner of wildflowers, making this a wonderland for the traveller.
This is a robust part of France, and the people, houses and local foods reflect that strength. The star of the local produce is the truffle – rare, expensive and delicious. Walnuts, strawberries and other fruits bring up the rear, as do the “poor relative” but tasty mushrooms.
The flocks of ducks and geese provide the famous foie gras and confits, and locally pressed walnut oil, truffles and wild mushrooms from the forests add their distinctive flavor. The local cheese is Cabécou, a tangy goat cheese.
Périgord is not primarily known as a wine-growing region. The local production is Bergerac and Pécharmant. Monbazillac, a sweet white is often taken with foie gras, and the tannic “black” wine of Cahors stands up to the region's robust cuisine.
As a potent after dinner drink, or accompaniment to coffee, try the very potent eau-de-vie de prune that comes from the local purple plums, and is fabulous!
A gite in Dordogne is your gateway to exploring the wonderland that is the Périgord Noir of France. The lovely rivers and canals host a myriad of opportunities for fun in France. Try rafting on the Dordogne River, or take in a dinner cruise. The painted caves in Vézère are a regional treasure as are the Pompadour horse races. Thank you for exploring our Dordogne Tourist Information Guide. Happy Travels! |
