The Dordogne (24) is one of France’s most picturesque regions and is also known by its ancient name of Périgord which is divided into four areas, White, Black, Green, and Purple Périgords. Périgueux, founded over 2000 years ago, is the capital city of the department and well worth spending the day site-seeing. However, the major reason for anyone to visit here is that the whole area is full of castles, chateaux, grottos, prehistoric sites, troglodyte villages, bastide towns, beautiful villages and stunning scenery, not to mention superb restaurants serving the cuisine of the region.
And here are just a few of the many places to visit in and around :
Castles & Chateaux: Beynac, Castlenaud, Monbazillac, Puymartin, Fenlon, Les Milandes, Montfort, Marqueyssac
Grottos: Lascaux II, Font de Gaume, Le Grand Roc, Grotte de Rouffignac, Domme
Prehistoric Sites: Les Eyzies-de-Tayac,
Bastide towns: Domme, Monpazier, Villefranche du Périgord , Lalinde, Belves, Rocamadour, Villeréal, Beaumont-du-Périgord
Troglodyte Villages & Forts: Roque St Christophe, Site de Madeleine, la Roque Gageac
Visit the prehistoric park near Roque St.Christophe or one of the parcours adventure parks found around the area. Take a trip by canoe on one of the most beautiful and stunning parts of the River Dordogne from Grojelac to Castelnaud, or on one of the gabarres taking up to 30 people. Not to be missed is a visit to the town of Sarlat with its street entertainers, market, restaurants and medieval architecture. The town is also a prestigious site for artists: "festival des jeux du théâtre" (theatre festival - end of July/beginning of August).
There is just too much to see and do at one visit and you will surely wish to return later!
