The ultimate travel destination: Perigord, Dordogne
Holiday area la Dordogne – Perigord
The Dordogne is a river with the southwest of France as its catchment area. From the Massif Central, the watercourse 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, walking, canoeing, visiting gardens and caves are a few examples of what you can 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 best known for its 1000 castles. It is a region with ancient villages and many colorful markets where the smell of regional dishes stimulates your senses. Stroll through the old town of Périgueux, Bergerac or visit the Castle of Beynac. The scent of fresh thyme, wild garlic and rosemary predominates everywhere.
The nature in the Dordogne is simply beautiful. The varied landscape is a haven for many bird species and invites you to take long walking or cycling trips. 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 a bit deeper and boat trips are possible with larger motorized vessels.
The Dordogne is also often called the Périgord. Color indications apply per area. The Périgord Blanc owes this name to the light limestone plateaus that occur 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 so called because of the grapes and wine that are grown here. And finally the Périgord vert, you guessed it, the greenest area.
Stalactite caves
Many caves with beautiful stalactite formations have been created in the limestone of the rock formations in the Périgord Blanc. 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 Cave of Lascaux near Montignac. Here you will find petroglyphs dating back to 15.000 BC. Due to the many visitors after the discovery of the caves in the 40s, 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 Combarelles caves.
Kayaking on the Dordogne
The Dordogne is a beautiful river for kayaking. It is easy to navigate over a length of 170 kilometers. Although most canoeists make it a day excursion from, for example, the town of Souillac towards 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 things are a bit rougher, come to the Dordogne before the high season. The river is then a lot more challenging. Numerous rental companies offer canoe rental for half or a full day, including transport back to the place where you disembarked.
Périgueux
Although nature presents itself exuberantly everywhere, an emerald green hilly landscape can be found in the vicinity of the town of Périgueux. This is a good place for hikers to enjoy through immense forests of fragrant maritime pines, pedunculate oaks and chestnuts. You should also not miss the city itself. 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 melancholy dreamy atmosphere, which invites you to enjoy the exuberant French cuisine. In the Dordogne, eating and drinking every day is a culinary journey of discovery. Try a delicious dish, such as the famous magret de canard du Périgord, an omelette aux cepes or a cassoulet. Drink it with a glass of Pécharmant, one of the 13 famous wines from this wine region
Walking, cycling, swimming and kayaking. the Dordogne is a fantastic area to be active while there is nothing to stop you from doing so. Although it is a popular holiday destination, you can enjoy the peace and quiet just as well.
