The ultimate travel destination: Perigord, Dordogne
Holiday region la Dordogne – Perigord
The Dordogne is a river with its basin in the southwest of France. From the Massif Central, the waterway makes its way past many beautiful places to the Atlantic Coast. It is also the name of a French department where many holidaymakers find their destination. Cycling, hiking, canoeing, visiting gardens and caves are a few examples of what there is to do during a tour of the area or a holiday from a fixed location.
The Dordogne originates from the Dorde and Dogne. These originate in the Massif Central. The area is mainly known for its 1000 castles. It is therefore a region with ancient villages and many colorful markets where the scent of local dishes stimulates your senses. Stroll through the old town of Périgueux, Bergerac or visit the Castle of Beynac. Everywhere the scent of fresh thyme, wild garlic and rosemary predominates.
The nature in the Dordogne is simply beautiful. The varied landscape is a paradise for many bird species and invites you to take long walks or bike rides. In addition, the low water level with challenging rapids in some parts of the river is ideally suited for kayaking. This is the case from Souillac and Bergerac, further west, from St. Pierre-d’Eyraud the water is somewhat deeper again and boat trips with larger motorized vessels are possible.
The Dordogne is also often called the Périgord. Color designations apply per area. The Périgord Blanc owes this name to the light limestone plateaus found here. The Périgord Noir refers to the dark forests in this area where you can find truffles. Something the region is known for. The Périgord Pourpre is named after the grapes and wine grown here. And finally the Périgord vert, you guessed it, the greenest area.
Stalactite caves
In the limestone of the rock formations in the Périgord Blanc, many caves have formed with beautiful stalactite formations. The most important stalactite caves of the Dordogne are the Grotte du Grand Roc in Les Eyzies de Tayac, the Grotte de Villars, the caves of Mazange and the Gouffre de Proumeyssac.
Also worth a visit are the caves with prehistoric drawings: the most famous is the Lascaux Cave near Montignac. Here you will find rock paintings dating from 15,000 BC. Due to the many visits after the discovery of the caves in the 1940s, the historical finds are threatened with fungi and algae and access is not always possible. Other prehistoric drawings can be seen in the Grotte de Rouffignac, the Grotte de Font-de-Gaume and the caves of Combarelles.
Kayaking on the Dordogne
The Dordogne is a beautiful river for kayaking. It is perfectly navigable over a length of 170 kilometers. Although most canoeists make a day trip from, for example, Souillac to Beynac, it is also possible to paddle the entire length downstream in 10 days, from Argentat to Mauzac. You will then sail past historic castles and villages. And if you want it a bit rougher, come to the Dordogne before the high season. The river is much more challenging then. Numerous rental companies offer canoe rental for half or a full day, including transport back to the place where you started.
Périgueux
Although nature presents itself exuberantly everywhere, an emerald green hilly landscape can be found in the vicinity of Périgueux. Here, hikers can enjoy immense forests of fragrant maritime pines, pedunculate oaks, and chestnuts. The city itself should not be missed either. A Roman amphitheater, the Tour de Vésone and the Tour Mataguerre, the Cathédrale Saint-Front, the ruins of Château Barrière, and the Hôtel Salleton are attractive sights.
Culinary journey of discovery
The medieval Sarlat-la-Canéda exudes a melancholic dreamy atmosphere, inviting you to enjoy the exuberant French cuisine. In the Dordogne, eating and drinking is a culinary journey of discovery every day. Try a delicious dish, such as the famous magret de canard du Périgord, an omelette aux cepes, or a cassoulet. Drink a glass of Pécharmant with it, one of the 13 famous wines from this wine region.
Hiking, cycling, swimming and kayaking. The Dordogne is a fantastic area to be active, while nothing stands in your way of not doing so. Although it is a popular holiday destination, you can enjoy the peace and quiet just as much.
