The Dordogne region at the heart of Perigord abounds in clear, flowing rivers, craggy hillsides of golden rock, hill top villages and castles built of the local stone, and attractive houses with grey slate roofs and mini turrets, with vines trained along their walls. The Dordogne is ideal for those seeking a combination of activity, sightseeing and relaxation. There are pre historic grottoes to explore, market towns of mediaeval houses and cobbled streets such as Sarlat, numerous sporting activities such as riding and cycling and castles to visit. Plus, the gastronomy of the Dordogne is renowned for its truffles, foie gras, `magret de canard` and walnuts. The Dordogne region possesses much of the essential delights for a visitor to France.
Local highlights
Cultural highlights include ceramics, wine festivals, foie gras and truffles, wild mushrooms, castles, valleys, water-sports, and local walks. Click here for more travel details.
Climate. Month Average air temperatures in Centigrade: Jan 10.0, Feb 9.4, Mar 12.2, Apr 19.5, May 18.0, Jun 23.7, Jul 27.2, Aug 25.7, Sep 24.2, Oct 19.7, Nov 15.4, Dec 11.0. Source: Direction de la Meteorologique de France.
Travel arrangements
How you get there
Self-drive: We recommend a short sea crossing Dover to Calais and then one overnight stop each way perhaps in the Loire Valley or perhaps two each way, one in Normandy or Champagne and one in the Loire in each direction. Another option is to travel from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, Le Havre or Caen, either daytime or overnight and to spend one or two nights en route. Motorail from Calais to Brive from April until October, Calais to Bordeaux from June until August. By Air: Airport at Bordeaux or Toulouse and then about three to three and a half hours' drive to the hotels. The flight times are convenient with frequent options. Eurostar and TGV: Take Eurostar to Lille or Paris and then TGV to Angouleme or Bordeaux then collect a hire-car.