Dordogne

Stunning scenery and extraordinary cultural riches have conspired to make the Dordogne one of the most alluring and best loved corners of France.

Walled ‘bastide’ villages and unspoilt medieval towns perch on rocky plateaux or cling precariously to cliffs, with Rocamadour, Domme and Monpazier among the most dramatic. Impressive châteaux also grace the countryside including Castelnaud and Beynac, once occupied by Richard the Lionheart.

Simply exploring the countryside is a delight but the Dordogne is also a natural playground for adrenalin activities and more leisurely outdoor pursuits. Sparkling rivers weave through steep wooded gorges, vineyards cover the hills and fertile plains provide a rich harvest. Orchards burst into bloom in the spring and the forests are ablaze with colour in the autumn. Even fascinating underground caverns feature prehistoric cave paintings, subterranean waterways an incredible rock formations.

Of course then there’s the ‘Périgord’ specialities, some of the most prized tastes of France. Precious Black Diamond truffles and flavoursome wild mushrooms, the richest Foie Gras and confits du canard, indulgent ‘gateaux aux noix’ and black cherry ‘clafoutis’ – a food-lover’s heaven and all perfectly complimented by fine Bergerac red wines.

Highlights

• Bastide towns – discover countless charming and unspoilt fortified towns including the immaculately preserved Monpazier from the 13th century with numerous listed buildings and covered arcades in the Place des Cornières.
• Markets – visit the medieval market towns of Sarlat and Périgueux, marvelling at the piled-high produce, including Cèpes, walnuts, truffles and fruits, cheeses, pâtés and renowned goose delicacies.
• Magical caverns – venture into the stalactite-filled caverns beneath the medieval village of Domme, see the vivid prehistoric cave paintings in the Grotte de Font de Gaume and take a subterranean river cruise at Gouffre de Padirac.
• Châteaux – explore the feudal castles of Beynac and Castelnaud on opposite banks of the Dordogne, see the splendid gardens at Eyrignac and admire the decorative interior of Losse.
• Rivers – take a boat trip aboard a flat bottomed ‘gabarre’ to explore pretty riverside villages or hire a kayak on The Dordogne from Cénac.

Sarlat

Your nearest airports - Bergerac, Limoges, Rodez, Toulouse.