Dordogne - fine food and history

The Dordogne is the most well known of our areas - to the west of the Lot and north of the Lot-et-Garonne - dominated by the Dordogne and Vezere rivers.

 Known for its beautiful landscape - rivers, green valleys and Oak woodlands - the Dordogne has an abundance of beautiful small towns and villages. Rich in history, the department enjoys a wealth of pre-historic caves - Lascoux being the most famous - and many other troglodyte settlements too. Latterly, during the medieval period, Edward 1st built magnificent chateaux and bastide towns and villages like Monpazier and Monflanquin.

The Dordogne also boasts a serious reputation for fine food and its Bergerac wines - and also offers a wide range of cultural and outdoor activities - horse riding, walking, cycling, golf, canoeing and many more.

The area is easily accessible for visitors across Europe. Bergerac airport welcomes flights from the UK, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Paris - and the TGV train service connects to Paris and beyond. And if you prefer to drive, the Dordogne is just 7 hours from northern France's ferry ports or 9 hours from the Channel tunnel.

Principal city; Perigueux

Other towns of note: Bergerac, Monpazier, Lalinde, Belves, Issigeac, Eymet, Sarlat, Le Bugue 

www.dordogne-perigord-tourisme.fr

Monpazier

Is the most beautiful of the bastide villages, built by Edward 1st  in 1284.  Perched on a hill with stunning views over the surrounding countryside, it has Gothic arches surrounding  the main square, giving shaded areas to walk around the shops or sit and take in the beauty of this picturesque  village. One of the ‘plus beaux villages en France’.

Belvès 

A fortified village sitting on a rocky ledge overlooking the Nauze valley.  Rich in history enduring numerous invasions and wars it now can peacefully sit back and proudly boast its seven bell towers.  On a warm Wednesday evening in summer the ever popular “Marché Gourmand” is held in the Halle.

Villefranche du Périgord

Founded in 1261, lies in the valley of the Lémance between the Lot and Dordogne rivers. Here you will find houses dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries built on stone arcades. At the end of October it celebrates its title as the capital of the cèpe and chataigne.

Beaumont du Périgord

Founded in 1272 in the name of Edward I. Built like an H in honour of Henry III, it remained under English rule until 1442.  The bastide is dominated by its  English gothic style  fortified church.  You can take yourself back to the middle ages standing  under “Luzier’s Gateway”, a renowned  Historical Monument.

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