The Dordogne

Flora and Fauna

The Dordogne, things to see and do

The Dordogne is a region of South West France between the Loire valley and the High Pyrénées named after the great river that runs through it. Locally it is known as the Périgord. This dates back to when the area was inhabited by the Gauls: four tribes lived there, and the name for "four tribes" in the Gaulish language was "Petrocore", which eventually became the Périgord and its inhabitants became the Périgordin. There are four Périgords in the Dordogne: the "Périgord Vert" (Green Périgord) with its main town of Nontron, consists of verdant valleys in a region crossed by many rivers and streams; the "Périgord Blanc" (White Périgord) situated around the regions capital of Périgueux, is a region of limestone plateaux, wide valleys and meadows; the "Périgord Pourpre" (Purple Périgord) with its capital of Bergerac, is a wine region; and the "Périgord Noir" (Black Périgord) surrounding its capital of Sarlat, overlooks the valleys of the Vézère and the Dordogne, where the woods of Oak and Pine give it its name.

The Petrocores took part in the resistance against Rome. Concentrated in two or three major sites are the vestiges of the Gallo-Roman period - the gigantic ruined tower and arenas in Périgueux (formerly Vesone), the Périgord museum's archaeological collections, villa remains in Montcaret and the Roman tower of La Rigale Castle in Villetoureix. The first cluzeaux, or artificial caves either above or below ground, are found throughout the Dordogne. These subterranean refuges and lookout huts could shelter entire populations. According to Julius Caesar the Gauls took refuge there.

Since the Guienne province had returned to the Crown under the Plantagenets following the re-marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1152, Périgord passed by right under English suze-rainty. Being situated at the boundaries of influence of the monarchies of France and England, it was to oscillate between the two dynasties for a long time. Over three hundred years of struggle until 1453 and the end of the Hundred Years War were to tear apart and, as a consequence, model its physiognomy.

With the end of the Hundred Years War, the Castillon plain on the banks of the Dordogne, during the calmer periods of the late 15th and early 16th centuries, saw a development in urban architecture. The finest Gothic and Renaissance residences were built in Périgueux, Bergerac and Sarlat. In the countryside, the nobility had the majority of our 1200 chateaux, manors and country houses erected. In the second half of the sixteenth century, however, they experienced attacks, pillaging and fires as the Wars of Religion reached a rare degree of violence in Périgord. At the time, Bergerac was one of the most powerful Huguenot strongholds, along with La Rochelle. Following these wars, Périgord, fief of Henry of Navarre. was to return to the Crown for good and suffer henceforth from the sudden political changes of the French nation, from the Revolution to the tragic hours of the Resistance. We also encounter the memory of its most illustrious literary figures: Bertran de Born, Michel de Montaigne. Etienne de La Boetie, Brantôme, Fenelon. Mahle de Biran, Eugene Le Roy and Andre Maurois; its great captains: Talleyrand, Saint-Exupery, Biron... and even Josephine Baker. A number of ruins (La Chapelle-Faucher, I'Herm...) have retained the memory of the tragedies which took place within their walls. Several of our castles and châteaux are open to visitors and some of them such as Bourdeilles and Mareuil, house remarkable collections.

In addition to its castles, chateaux, churches, Bastides and cave fortresses. Périgord has preserved from centuries past, a number of wonderful villages which still have their market hall, dovecotes, Tories (stone huts), church, abbey and castle (s). Saint-Leon-sur-Vezere, Conclat, Saint-Jefm-de-Cole, La Roque-Gageac and many others are real jewels of architecture. As for the old quarters of Périgueux or Bergerac, restored and developed into pedestrian areas, they have regained their former charm. A number of small towns, such as Brantôme, Issigeac. Eymet and Mareuil, have with-stood the often brash changes of modern times. A special mention should be made in this respect to Sarlat and Black Périgord.

Below are several links to the Dordognes amazing villages, towns, castles, hidden treasures, markets rivers and much much more...

Activities in The Dordogne

The local lanes and bridle-paths provide ideal walking and cycling country with plenty of wild flowers along the verges and very varied bird, butterfly and wildlife.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Either locally on the Auvézère river at Cherveix-Cubas (5 mins) and Cubjac (15 mins) or slightly further afield, e.g.

- on the Vézère at Montignac (30 mins)

- on the Dronne at Brantôme (50 mins)

- on the Dordogne at la Roque-Gageac (75 mins)

Horse Racing

At Pompadour (30 Mins), also home to one of the French National Studs.

Horse riding

There is an Equestrian centre (10 mins) at Tourtoirac with approx. 40 horses and ponies to suit all abilities.

Golf

The nearest 18 hole courses are at Périgueux (40mins) and Brive (60 mins).

Tennis

Courts at St Agnan (5 mins).

Quad biking

There are various locations for quad biking in the area, the nearest being at Hautefort (10 mins).

Fishing

River fishing on the Auvézère (5 mins) or lake fishing (with carp over 30 lbs) at Etang de Coucou (10 mins).

Cycling

Cycle hire is available locally at Etang de Coucou. We also have his and hers adult bikes which can be borrowed.

Water sports

There is a large leisure lake at Lanouaille (20 mins)

Markets

You can find a market in one of the local towns every day of the week. In addition you will see advertised Brocantes (antique/junk markets), farmers markets, car boot sales etc.

Wine

Throughout the area you will find vineyards, châteaux and wine stores offering tastings and tours. Bergerac (60 mins) produces very fine and affordable wines (e.g. Bergerac, Pécharmant, Monbazillac). For the serious wine lover take a day to visit some of the Bordeaux châteaux. Visits can be arranged in advance or booked at the Tourist Office in Pauillac.

House hunting

Looking for that perfect home in the Dordogne. The Copelands at the Domaine de Tabary are just 10 minutes from us. Their website is www.DreamPropertiesDordogne.com .

Foie Gras

The Dordogne is famed for its duck and goose specialities. Some of the very best foie gras and prepared dishes (duck a l'orange, duck breast in Bergerac wine, confit and many more) can be bought locally from the Domaine de la Crouzille, 5 minutes drive from us.

Towns and villages of The Dordogne

Hautefort (10 mins)
Imposing 17th C château. Also medical museum. A lovely small town to explore with narrow, winding paths up to the château bordered by flower decked cottages and artisans ateliers. Great views over the surrounding countryside. Good family restaurants and bistro. Has a Tourist Office.

Tourtoirac (5 mins)
13th C Abbey. Also the home of the kings of Araucania. Opened for the first time in May 2010 the Grotte de Tourtoirac, caves showing a fantastic range of stalactite and stalagmite formations. Tourist Office open in the Summer.

Périgueux (35 mins)
The capital of the Dordogne. Byzantine cathedral. Lovely small lanes in the medieval quarter around the cathedral with specialist shops. Plenty of good places to eat. Market twice weekly.

Bergerac (60 mins)
On the banks of the Dordogne river and in the heart of the wine growing area. The old town is particularly pretty. Lots of places to taste the local wines.

Sarlat (50 mins)
Medieval town. Beautiful architecture and good shopping. Market twice weekly.

Brantôme (50 mins)
The Venice of the Périgord. Situated on an island in the Dronne river. Excellent Friday market.

Limoges (60 mins)
Famous for its porcelain and enamels. Perhaps not the prettiest of cities, but good shopping and eating.