The attractions of the Dordogne

A land of diversity 

The subtle differences in our landscapes are highlighted by four different colours…- Green, extending in a crescent across the north of the département, encompasses the verdant vegetation (even in the driest of summers) of the area of Nontron and Dronne Valley and includes the protected land of the Parc Naturel Régional Périgord Limousin.- White, in the central part of the département and covering Périgueux and the Vallée de l’Isle, is criss-crossed by the Auvézère and Isle rivers, and is so-named as a result of the chalky soils which bestow a white appearance to the stone in this area.- The colour Purple covers the south-west of the département, including the Bergerac area, an area famous for its wines, and the fascinating bastides or "new towns" built during the Middle Ages to a well-ordered street pattern.- Black, extending across the south-east of the Dordogne, and including the Sarlat area, is distinguishable by its forests of holm oak and limestone plateaux (causses) which extend into the Quercy. This area is home to the world-renowned prehistoric sites of the Vézère and Dordogne valleys. 

Memories of the past 

Our département’s natural and architectural treasures have remained gloriously untouched by the passing of time.A visit to our unique region takes you back in time to discover and explore our fascinating past through the many sites and attractions dating from numerous periods in our illustrious history. 

Nature 

Our luxuriant natural landscapes extend throughout the département, providing countless opportunities for nature-lovers to enjoy a whole range of outdoor activities or just relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.Spared the damaging effects of mass tourism, the Périgord has championed the development of high-quality, rural-based tourism, including the creation of a protected Parc Naturel Régional. 

Gastronomic delights 

Our traditional cuisine is based on time-honoured local recipes and produce, such as chestnuts, walnuts and cep mushrooms in the autumn, and strawberries in April, in addition to our renowned truffles and foies gras, perhaps bought from a farmer at a duck and goose market (marché au gras) in winter.A visit to the markets in Sarlat or Périgueux offers a fascinating insight into the value we attach to the treasures of our soil, and their symbolic role in the life of the Dordogne and its inhabitants.