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The Dordogne department

The Dordogne department, located in the region Nouvelle-Aquitaineis a jewel in the southwest of France France. Known for its picturesque landscapes, rich historical and cultural heritage, and delicious gastronomy, the Dordogne is an ideal destination for lovers of nature and history.

Are you looking for a vacation destination that combines nature, heritage, gastronomy and culture? The Dordogne, in south-west France, is the perfect destination for you!

Magnificent landscapes, impressive historic sites, a multitude of culinary specialties and a wide range of leisure activities await you. Whether you're keen on hiking, canoeing, châteaux, caves, foie gras or truffles, the Dordogne will satisfy all your desires.

This guide takes you through the Dordogne department, exploring its four regions: Périgord noir, Périgord blanc, Périgord vert and Périgord pourpre. Discover the must-visit towns and villages, not-to-be-missed cultural events and practical tips for planning your stay.

Join us on a fascinating journey to the heart of Périgord!

The Dordogne
The Dordogne

Location

The Dordogne is a vast and diverse department, crossed by the river of the same name. It covers an area of 9,060 km², making it one of the largest departments in France. The region is characterized by verdant valleys, dense forests and limestone plateaus.

Location and accessibility

The Dordogne department is located in the center of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. It is bordered by several departments: the Charente to the northwest, Haute-Vienne to the north, Lot to the southeast, and Lot-et-Garonne to the southwest, as well as the Gironde. The Dordogne is accessible by several main roads and has train stations at Périgueux, Bergerac and Sarlat-la-Canéda, making it easy to get around.

Main towns in the Dordogne

The Dordogne is made up of many picturesque towns and villages, each offering its own charm and unique attractions. Here are the main towns to discover:

Périgueux

Périgueux is the prefecture of the département and the historic heart of the Dordogne. The city is famous for its Saint-Front cathedral, Gallo-Roman remains and medieval streets. Périgueux is also a gastronomic center, offering a multitude of markets and restaurants.

Bergerac

Bergerac is located on the banks of the Dordogne and is renowned for its quality wines. Bergerac's old town, with its half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, is a charming place to stroll. The Musée du Tabac and the Musée de la Ville are must-sees for history buffs.

Sarlat-la-Canéda

Sarlat-la-Canéda is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque towns in the Dordogne. Renowned for its medieval and Renaissance architecture, Sarlat is a veritable open-air museum. The local markets, where you can sample foie gras, truffles and other regional specialties, are a delight for the senses.

Discovering the Dordogne landscape

The Dordogne department is distinguished by its diversity, offering varied landscapes full of contrasts. Whether your interests lie in nature, culture or simply relaxation, you'll be seduced by this region, famous for its rich heritage and remarkable biodiversity.

Natural must-haves

Four main rivers meander through the Dordogne: the Dordogne, the Vézère, the Isle and the Dronne. Their course has created gorges, valleys, meanders and islands, creating unique panoramas of the landscape.

Admire them from exceptional vantage points such as the Gratte-Bruyère lookout or aboard a gabare, a traditional local boat. You can also enjoy outdoor activities such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing and swimming.

The Dordogne is also renowned for its spectacular natural sites, including the Orgues de Bort, impressive rock formations overlooking Bort-les-Orgues, and the Marqueyssac hanging gardens, offering aerial views of the Dordogne valley and its castles. Discover the diversity of local flora and fauna in the Périgord-Limousin Regional Nature Park, or in nature reserves such as the Double and Landes.

Villages in the Dordogne: timeless charm

Visit Dordogne is packed with authentic villages that delight visitors in search of tranquillity and beauty. Ranked among France's most beautiful villagesThese medieval villages offer a journey back in time, through cobbled streets, stone houses and enchanting panoramas.

Among the must-haves, La Roque-Gageac seduces with its spectacular location, nestled between the cliffs and the Dordogne River. Just a few kilometers away, DommeThis ancient hilltop bastide offers breathtaking panoramic views over the valley. Beynac-et-Cazenacdominated by its impressive castle, is also a must for history buffs.

Picturesque villages

Don't miss Saint-Léon-sur-Vézèrea little jewel on the banks of the Vézère river, or Limeuillocated at the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers, ideal for a bucolic break. Further north, Saint-Amand-de-Coly with its fortified abbey and peaceful atmosphere.

Explore the Dordogne villagesis to soak up a unique way of life, stroll through the markets, admire the flower-filled facades and savor the authenticity of the local cuisine. Périgord.

Must-see tourist sites

The Dordogne is packed with fascinating sights, from prehistoric caves to imposing castles.

The Lascaux cave

Visit Lascaux cavelocated near Montignac, is one of the world's most famous prehistoric sites. Discovered in 1940, this cave, decorated with cave paintings dating back over 17,000 years, is an exceptional testimony to cave art.

Castles of the Dordogne: A journey to the heart of the Middle Ages

Visit Dordogne is renowned as one of Europe's most castle-rich regions. With over 1,000 fortresses, manor houses and stately homes, it's a veritable open-air history book. Every Dordogne castle recounts the legends and battles that have shaped the Périgord through the centuries.

Among the most emblematic, the Château de Beynacmajestically perched on a cliff, offers a breathtaking view of the Valley. A few kilometers away, the Castelnaud CastleThe fully restored museum immerses visitors in the medieval world, with its collections of weapons and armor.

Dordogne Chateau de Castelnaud
Dordogne Chateau de Castelnaud

History buffs will also appreciate the Château des Milandesthe former home of Josephine Baker, which blends Renaissance elegance with 20th-century memories. Other gems include the Hautefort Castle or the Château de Commarque add to the magic of this region.

Visit the Dordogne castlesto go back in time, discover an exceptional heritage and admire grandiose landscapes. Whether you're a history buff or just curious, these fortresses will transport you back to another century.

Château de Beynac

Visit Château de Beynac is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the region. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Dordogne River, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. The château has also been used as a film location for several historical films.

Les Jardins de Marqueyssac

Visit Marqueyssac Gardens are famous for their clipped boxwood avenues and panoramic views over the valley. These romantic gardens are perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Outdoor activities and leisure

If you're a nature-lover, the département promises you a life-size escape where the diversity of activities and the beauty of the landscape go hand in hand. From hikes and bike rides to water adventures and underground explorations, you'll be amazed by breathtaking panoramas, captivating historic sites and emotionally-charged experiences.

Hiking and cycling

Explore the four territories of the Périgord at your leisure, thanks to more than 6,000 km of signposted trails suitable for all levels. Whether you're a walker or a cyclist, from roads and cycle paths to mountain bike trails, immerse yourself in a mosaic of landscapes including lush forests, verdant meadows, majestic plateaus and picturesque valleys. Discover regional gems such as the Périgord-Limousin Regional Nature Park, the majestic Dordogne valley and the rich Bergerac vineyards.

Water sports on the Dordogne

The river, also known as the "Dordogne", is the ideal setting for a variety of water-based activities offering unique perspectives on the surrounding landscape and heritage. Canoeing, paddle-boating, fishing, swimming and even cruises in traditional gabarre boats promise refreshing moments while admiring castles, picturesque villages and imposing cliffs. The Vézère, Isle and Dronne rivers also invite you to enjoy their clear waters.

Time travel: caves and castles

Rich in history and culture par excellence, the Dordogne opens its doors to another era. Its caves and caverns are home to treasures of prehistoric art, including the famous Lascaux cave, and spectacular geological formations such as the Orgues de Bort. Castles such as Beynac, Castelnaud and Commarque, witnesses to medieval times and the Hundred Years' War, invite you to plunge into history and soak up the atmosphere of yesteryear.

Gastronomy and culinary specialities in the Dordogne: an exceptional terroir

Visit Dordognealso known as the Périgordis a true paradise for gourmets. Known for its bucolic landscapes, medieval castles and picturesque villages, it's equally famous for its generous and authentic gastronomy. A land of culinary traditions, the department offers an unrivalled palette of flavours, the result of ancestral know-how and a rich terroir.

Foie gras, the emblem of Périgord

It's impossible to talk about Dordogne gastronomy without mentioning the famous duck or goose foie gras. The region's flagship product, it is cooked in a variety of ways: whole, in terrine, pan-fried or in salad. Numerous local producers perpetuate traditional farming and preparation methods, guaranteeing an exceptional product. Every market and table in the Périgord region invites you to sample this refined delicacy.

Gastronomy of the Dordogne
Gastronomy of the Dordogne

The Périgord black truffle

Another gastronomic treasure: the Périgord black truffle (Tuber Melanosporum). Nicknamed the "black diamond", it elegantly perfumes local dishes, from omelettes and risottos to brouillades. The truffle season, from December to February, attracts enthusiasts and chefs from all over the world to unearth this rare and precious mushroom.

Walnuts, ceps and local produce

Visit Périgord walnutsbenefiting from a AOCis omnipresent in local cuisine. It is found in all its forms: fresh, dried, in oil or incorporated into traditional pastries such as the walnut cake. Visit Dordogne cepsThese are also highly prized in the forests of Périgord. Sautéed with garlic and parsley, they are the perfect accompaniment to local meats.

Traditional Périgord dishes

Among the must-try specialties are duck confitThis melt-in-your-mouth, flavorful dish is often served with Sarlat potatoes browned in duck fat and flavored with garlic. The duck breastthe cassoulet périgourdin or the chicken gizzards are also part of the Dordogne's culinary heritage.

Périgord wines and sweets

To accompany these dishes, the Dordogne offers a fine selection of Bergerac winesOur wines are made from local grape varieties such as Merlot and Sémillon. On the sweet side, wine lovers will appreciate the walnut tartthe croquants du Périgord or the truffle chocolates.

Authentic, generous cuisine

Visit gastronomy in the Dordogne is first and foremost a simple, tasty and convivial local cuisine. Whether in a Michelin-starred restaurant, a village bistro or a local market, every meal is an invitation to savor the authenticity of the region. Périgord and share a moment of pleasure around regional products.

Perigord gastronomy: a culinary journey

Renowned for its mouth-watering specialties, the Dordogne celebrates local produce and expertise. At the table, you'll enjoy delicacies such as foie gras, black truffles, caviar and saffron, as well as more traditional dishes like confit, magret, tourin and demoiselles.

Characterful cheeses, such as cabécou du Périgord, juicy fruits like strawberries and walnuts, and indulgent desserts, such as walnut cake or apple pie, also enrich the culinary experience. To round off your meal, indulge in a Bergerac, Monbazillac or Pécharmant wine, or opt for a Père L'Amer craft beer.

Local markets and crafts

Committed to promoting high-quality products and singular creations, the Dordogne offers an immersion in its local markets. These markets are brimming with fresh, seasonal produce, often organically grown, including vegetables, fruit, cheeses, charcuterie, jams and honeys.

Admire local handicrafts with their unique pieces: pottery, jewelry, clothing, soaps and candles. Don't miss the chance to visit workshops, farms or museums that will introduce you to the skills and traditions of the Dordogne region.

Festivals and cultural events

Thanks to its dynamism, the Dordogne shines with a wide variety of festivals and cultural events. Immerse yourself in music, theater, dance, circus or cinema, for moments of pure emotion. Popular festivals invite you to sample the friendly, joyful spirit of the locals.

Enjoy a wide range of cultural events - exhibitions, lectures, guided tours, children's activities - that educate as well as entertain.

Practical information

Climate

The Dordogne's climate is mainly temperate, with warm summers and mild winters. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, when temperatures are pleasant and nature is in full bloom.

Hosting

The Dordogne offers a variety of accommodation options, from charming hotels to gîtes ruraux, campsites and chambres d'hôtes. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during the high summer season.

Gastronomy

The Dordogne's gastronomy is renowned for its local products, such as foie gras, truffles, walnuts and Bergerac wines. Local markets are an excellent opportunity to sample regional specialities.

Departments bordering the Dordogne: discovering the South-West

Located in the heart of the Nouvelle-Aquitainethe Dordogne is surrounded by six départements that contribute to the geographical, cultural and heritage wealth of this exceptional region. Each of these neighboring departments has its own identity, making it a great idea for a getaway in the Dordogne.

Haute-Vienne (87)

To the north-east of the Dordogne, the department of Haute-Vienne is part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. It's famous for its rolling countryside, forests, rivers and, above all, for the town of Limogesworld-famous for its porcelain. Haute-Vienne also appeals to nature lovers with the Périgord-Limousin Regional Nature Parkshared with the Dordogne.

Corrèze (19)

To the east of the Dordogne lies the CorrèzeCorrèze is a department of varied landscapes, with plateaus, green valleys and listed villages. Corrèze is home to Collonges-la-Rougeone of France's most beautiful villages, as well as Tulle and Brive-la-Gaillardedynamic towns with a rich heritage. The rivers and hills of the Corrèze make it a paradise for hikers.

Lot (46)

In the south-east of the Dordogne, the Batch is a department with an authentic character. Its territory is marked by the Lot Valley and the limestone cliffs of the Quercy. The Lot is famous for its Pech Merle caveits villages like Rocamadourperched on a cliff, and its gastronomic products, including the famous Cahors wine and the black truffle.

Lot-et-Garonne (47)

To the southwest, the Lot-et-Garonne offers a hilly, agricultural landscape crossed by numerous rivers. The department is renowned for its medieval fortified townswith its orchards and gentle way of life. The town ofAgenfamous for its prunesLot-et-Garonne is its prefecture. Lot-et-Garonne is also a land of gastronomy, with its gourmet markets and Southwestern specialties.

Gironde (33)

To the west, the Gironde is the largest département in France. It is best known for the town of Bordeaux and its prestigious vineyardsamong the most famous in the world. The Gironde also offers a diversity of landscapes, from the Atlantic beaches to the pine forests, via the Arcachon Basin.

Charente (16)

To the northwest, the Charente is a department renowned for its gentle landscapes, verdant valleys and its famous cognac. Its capital, Angoulêmeis considered the capital of the comic strip. The Charente also has a wealth of charming villages, Romanesque churches and rivers to explore.

A territory open to varied horizons

Surrounded by these six departments, the Dordogne is ideally situated for exploring the riches of the South-West. Each neighboring territory has its own heritage, nature and gastronomy to discover, extending the experience of a stay in the Dordogne beyond its borders.

Conclusion

As you can see, the Dordogne is the perfect place for a dream vacation. Whatever you're looking for - nature, culture, gastronomy or activities - this diverse region is sure to satisfy your every desire. It offers you the opportunity to explore breathtaking landscapes, visit historic monuments, savor local specialties and products, and take part in unique festivals and cultural events.

The Dordogne is also a paradise for lovers of outdoor activities. Between hiking, cycling, canoeing and visiting caves and castles, there's so much to do. So don't delay, plan your stay in the Dordogne today and come and discover the wonders of the Périgord!

FAQ

Which departments border the Dordogne?

The Dordogne, part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, shares its borders with seven départements: Charente-Maritime, Charente, Haute-Vienne, Corrèze, Lot, Lot-et-Garonne and Gironde.

What's the main town in the Dordogne?

Périgueux stands out as the Dordogne's main city, serving as the department's prefecture and home to around 29,500 residents. It is closely followed by Bergerac, home to some 26,300 souls and recognized as the capital of Purple Périgord.

What's the most beautiful place in the Dordogne?

Determining the most beautiful place in the department is a matter of subjectivity, however, some notable locations include:

  • The Côte de Jor, famous for its breathtaking panoramic views over the Vallée de l'Homme, a favorite with paragliding enthusiasts.
  • Château de Beynac, a 12th-century jewel majestically overlooking the Dordogne.
  • The Marqueyssac gardens, offering an unforgettable stroll through centuries-old sculpted boxwoods, with a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside.

What's the difference between the Dordogne and the Périgord?

Dordogne refers to the département established in 1790, while Périgord refers to the former county covering a similar territory and subdivided into four distinct zones: Périgord noir, vert, blanc and pourpre. Each area has its own identity, enriched by a particular historical and cultural heritage.

What are the main things to do in the Dordogne?

In the Dordogne, you can visit historic sites such as the Lascaux caves and medieval castles, hike through picturesque landscapes, and sample local gastronomic specialties.

When is the best time to visit the Dordogne?

The best time to visit the Dordogne is in spring and autumn, when temperatures are pleasant and tourist sites are less crowded.

What means of transport are available in the Dordogne?

The Dordogne has several train stations and good road links. Car rentals are also available to explore the region at your own pace.

What are the typical dishes of the Dordogne?

Typical Dordogne dishes include foie gras, truffles, duck confit and Bergerac wines. Don't miss the local markets to sample these delicacies.

Are there any festivals or special events in the Dordogne?

Yes, the department hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Festival du Périgord Noir and the Christmas markets. These events are the perfect way to discover the local culture.

Which departments border the Dordogne?

The neighbouring departments are CharenteHaute-Vienne, Lot, Lot-et-Garonne and Gironde. Each of these departments also offers interesting sites and attractions to explore.

Conclusion

The Dordogne department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France is a must-see destination for those wishing to discover the authentic charm of southwest France. With its magnificent landscapes, impressive historic sites and delicious cuisine, the Dordogne promises an unforgettable experience.

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