The Dordogne, also known as the Périgord, is one of south-west France’s most distinctive regions, with its limestone cliffs, oak forests, medieval villages and the winding Dordogne River. Weekly markets, traditional farms and historic towns remain a visible part of everyday life, while much of the countryside has retained a strong sense of place.
Some of the region’s most striking sights rise directly above the river, including the clifftop châteaux of Beynac and Castelnaud, while bastide towns such as Domme and Monpazier preserve handsome squares, arcaded streets and far-reaching views across the Dordogne Valley. Further north, the Vézère Valley reaches much deeper into the past, with its prehistoric caves and archaeological sites that include the world-famous Lascaux paintings.
Food is central to a Dordogne holiday, with black truffles, walnuts, ceps, goat’s cheese and duck appearing across market stalls and restaurant menus, alongside wines from Bergerac, Monbazillac and Pécharmant. In summer, evening food markets bring local producers into village squares, where regional dishes and wines are served at long communal tables. The landscape is particularly well suited to canoeing, cycling and walking, with routes following rivers, wooded valleys and quiet country lanes.
