Ian Gundersen
Dordogne and Périgord are favourite destinations with food-lovers and it’s a fascinating area with plenty to see and do at any time of year.
BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES IN THE REGION OF A THOUSAND AND ONE CASTLES
Beautiful buildings such as castles, manor houses and Romanesque churches are dotted around the countryside, providing a magnet for anyone interested in culture and heritage. As they explore the Dordogne, visitors in search of old buildings and traditional villages will be in their element strolling through the typical narrow streets of our beautiful villages and towns.
AN EXTRAORDINARY HISTORY
It’s not by chance that Prehistoric Man chose to settle in the area 17,000 years ago. He left exceptional works of art to humanity, such as the cave paintings in Lascaux and the 15 prehistoric sites concentrated in the Vézère valley, which are now listed UNESCO World Heritage sites. Its 10 listed villages, its medieval bastides and its three “Towns of Art and History” make the Dordogne one of the richest area in France in terms of listed historical monuments. Today, there are a range of tours and experiences available. The Centre International de l’Art Pariétal Montignac Lascaux take visitors back on a journey to the origins of human history. The area also offers numerous festivals and events dedicated to music, mime, film and food throughout the year.
MANY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Nature-lovers and outdoor activity enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in the
Dordogne – choose from activities as diverse as canoeing, hiking and cycle touring to golf, climbing and fishing, as well as wakeboarding and pot-holing.
EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
An excellent reason for visiting the Dordogne Valley is the delicious food and wine available everywhere. Whether it be in lively local markets, food fairs and festivals, or restaurants, ranging from farm or village inns to Michelin-starred establishments such as the gourmet restaurant of the Vieux Logis in Trémolat, La Tour des Vents in Monbazillac or restaurant Étincelles in Sainte Sabine Born.
Known for its excellent regional cuisine and rugby team, Brive-la-Gaillarde is an important centre for fruit and vegetables, which are sold in its renowned market, along with other regional specialties.
Collonges-la-Rouge is well known for its red sandstone buildings, which give it a distinctive nature that is reflected in its name. One can wander among the streets and admire the buildings, including the 12th Century Saint Pierre Church.
Sarlat market is a must for food lovers. You can find foie gras, the famous cepe mushrooms, magret (duck breasts) & confit (conserves of duck or goose), truffles, walnuts, strawberries and countless other delicious local products.The Sarlat’s glass lift with panoramic views, housed within Sainte-Marie’s bell tower, offers a unique experience. Once at the top, the lift allows you a 360° view of Sarlat: the paved streets, the honey stoned walls, the lauze covered roofs.
MUST-SEE
Lascaux cave, one of humanity’s major archaeological discoveries
According to UNESCO, “its discovery was of great importance for the history of prehistoric art. The hunting scenes show some 100 animal figures, which are remarkable for their detail, rich colours and lifelike quality.” UNESCO considers that “there is no other prehistoric site in any other part of the world which equals the site in the quantity, quality and variety of the finds.”
