The Dordogne area is in the south-west of France, in the north of Aquitaine (now Nouvelle-Aquitaine), and has an area of 9,060 square kilometres. The Dordogne is regarded by many, and rightly so, as one of the most beautiful areas of France: everywhere the traveller encounters prehistoric and historical sights such as the cave paintings and rock drawings in Lascaux and Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, which point to settlement of this region in prehistoric times. The medieval towns of Sarlat and Brantôme are among the most beautiful towns in France. The Dordogne département has the most châteaux and castles. Many of these buildings date from the 13th and 14th centuries and recall the wars between England and France. In the late 20th century, rural flight began in parts of the region, so that today many of the sparsely populated areas depend on agriculture and tourism. Nevertheless there are in the towns a few small industrial businesses processing wood and making paper and shoes.
The traveller is offered a very varied picture: deep forests and fertile valleys, green vineyards on limestone plateaus and idyllic villages with castles and châteaux run through the landscape. A large part of the region consists of calcareous rock, crossed by the River Dordogne and six other rivers. A temperate climate prevails in the Dordogne; summers here are often hot and dry. The somewhat higher areas have oak and chestnut forests. The traditional crops are above all strawberries and tobacco; the main export item is walnuts. From the walnuts, high-quality walnut oil is often produced, which is gladly used as a dressing for salads. Truffles from the Périgord are regarded as a special delicacy. Another very sought-after speciality of the area is foie gras (a kind of liver pâté). The regional cuisine is known for preparing the most varied specialities, tastefully combined with various fruits, vegetables, nuts and truffles, which are used in soups, sauces and pâtés.
In Périgueux, the capital and administrative seat of the département, there are numerous buildings of different eras, from Roman ruins to buildings from the Renaissance. Travellers are advised to visit the town on a market day, when the numerous stalls in the lively old-town district offer their local specialities. On holiday in the Dordogne you should also pay a visit to the small trading town of Bergerac. The small idyllic town is known for its tobacco growing and trade. Besides a tobacco museum, the wine museum or the extensive parks can also be visited here. Holidaymakers interested in culture will certainly get their money’s worth in the Dordogne.
Numerous cycle and hiking trails give holidaymakers direct contact with the picturesque landscape. Adventure parks, golf courses, several climbing gardens and lovely bathing spots on lakes and rivers invite sporting activity.