Choice Holidays

Situated at the heart of South-West France,

this land-locked department (département)
is home to spectacular sites and monuments
which provide endless opportunities for
cultural discovery – the local way of life,
prehistoric remains, charming villages, delightful
scenery and famous castles, as well as a feast
La Roque Gagea
for the senses... c ©CRTA 1 J-J.
Brochard

T
Grand Roc Les Eyzies
©CRTA 1 J-J. Brochard
he subtle differences in the
Dordogne landscapes are
highlighted by four different
colours… Green, extending in a
crescent across the north of the
department, 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 department 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 department,
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.
relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.
The Périgord has championed the development of
high-quality, rural-based tourism, including the creation
of a protected Parc Naturel Régional.
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 the renowned truffles and foie
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 attached to the
treasures of its soil, and their symbolic role in the life
of the Dordogne and its inhabitants.
Perigueux, the capital of the Perigord has over
2000 years of history: from the ancient Gallo-Roman
city of Vesunna to the Renaissance period and the
Cathedral of Saint-Front (classified as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, the cathedral is an important
stage on the St James of Compostella Pilgrim’s Way).
A total of 39 buildings are classed as Historical
Monuments in what is one of the largest conservation
areas in France (56.25 acres).
The International Mime Festival, nocturnal markets,
the International Show room of the Greedy Book and
the International Baroque Music Festival, all help to
make Perigueux the cultural centre of the Perigord.
The Bergerac region "a bounty of pleasure" in the

A
visit to this unique region takes
you back in time to discover
and explore the fascinating past
through the many sites and
attractions dating from numerous
periods in the Dordogne’s
illustrious history.
The luxuriant natural Hautefort ©CRTA 1 J-J. Brochard
landscapes extend throughout
the department, providing Further information
countless opportunities for Dordogne Tourism
nature-lovers to enjoy a
Tel : 00.33.553.35.50.24 Fax : 00.33.553.09.51.41
whole range of outdoor
activities (swimming, fishing, E-mail : dordogne.perigord.tourisme@wanadoo.fr
canoeing, cycling…) or just Web: www.dordogne-perigord-tourisme.fr

8 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009


Perigueux Escalier
©E.Martin – OT de Périgueux
Sarlat Porte ©CRTA 1 J-J. Brochard
The Dordogne, Aquitaine
South West of Périgord, is the town of Cyrano,
Bergerac, with its historical district, narrow
medieval streets and Renaissance houses.
Next, a visit to the prestigious Monbazillac,
Lanquais and Biron castles lead you to the edge of
the Bastide region where the delightful architecture
of Monpazier, Beaumont and Issigeac awaits.
Monbazillac, is also a delicious nectar and a
crucial compliment to foie gras, which belongs to
the family of Bergerac wines of which there are 13
appellations. Begin to discover these regional wines
at Recollets Cloister where a hundred and thirty
vintners are ready to welcome you and share their
passion of their craft.
Sarlat, the jewel in the crown of the Périgord
Noir is one of the most famous towns for
medieval art and history in France and has the
highest number of listed buildings per square metre
in Europe.
Another of the Périgord Noir's world famous
sights is the renowned prehistoric cave at Lascaux.
Since its discovery in 1940, the cave has been
nicknamed the Prehistoric Sistine Chapel. Today, the
site of Lascaux II is home to an exact replica of the
original paintings created by our ancestors.
Dordogne in Aquitaine: A magical place to visit.
Local Handicraft
Nontron knives, distinguishable
by their boxwood handles
decorated with the famous
inverted "V", are produced using
the clear waters of the River
Bandiat, abundant wood from the
surrounding area and iron ore
used by local forges. In Nontron’s
knife workshop, visitors can learn
about the various stages of
production required to
manufacture the oldest pocket
knives in France.
Charentais slippers, which
were originally made from pieces
of used or unwanted felt
discarded by local felt-paper
workshops in the 18C and 19C.
Traditional crafts which used
the wood and fruit of the sweet
chestnut. The work of the
"feuillardiers", whose task was to
provide chestnut for the barrel-
hopping industry, has given rise to
the name of an area known as Le
Pays des Feuillardiers.
Other related artisan industries
include wickerwork and sweet
chestnut cakes.
Castelnaud Beynac ©CRTA 1 J-J. Brochard
Dordogne

10 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009 Please quote CVA when replying to ads