The rich variety of landscapes, enviable cultural heritage and proud gastronomic tradition have long combined to make the Dordogne a magnet for visitors from these shores. The subtle diversity of landscapes is expressed in the 4 colours used to describe the different areas of the Périgord (white, purple, black and green), of which the two most central and evocative are the purple and black
The Périgord Pourpre (purple) is a land of vineyards and "bastide" towns. The area is famous for its Bergerac wines, named after villages such as Pecharmant and Montbazillac, while the bastides - beautifully preserved fortified villages, many of them constructed by the English during the wars of the Middle Ages - provide a fascinating insight into the region's history
The Perigord Noir (black) is internationally renowned for its many prehistoric sites centred on the Dordogne and Vezere valleys, such as Lascaux and Les Eyzies. It has also been long admired for its beautiful scenery, with myriad towns and villages claiming official status among the "plus beaux villages de France". Limeuil, Domme, Montignac and Le Buisson de Cadouin have a timeless charm, while the medieval centre of Sarlat is truly the jewel in the crown. Along the Dordogne valley, mighty castles such as Castelnaud, Beynac and Roque-Gageac stand guard high above the river, imposing reminders of the region's often turbulent past
We offer stays in 3 star hotels with swimming-pools in both areas: in Bergerac, on the banks of the Dordogne river, with its beautifully preserved historical centre of winding alleyways and half-timbered houses, great restaurants and fascinating wine museum; in Sarlat, whose medieval centre, evocatively gas-light at night, has the greatest density of classified medieval buildings anywhere in France and one of the country's truly great open-air markets every Saturday morning; and, further east on the Dordogne/Lot borders, in the lovely old town of Souillac, a great base for discovering nearby sites such as Rocamadour and the Padirac caves. We also offer the optional guided excursions picking up from your hotel in Sarlat and Souillac
The Dordogne you will discover is full of hidden surprises, both scenic and cultural, and has a long tradition of hospitality and richly deserved reputation as one of the great culinary regions of France. Moreover, its location and mild climate make it an ideal area to visit at any time of the year