Named for its majestic river and beautiful valley, the department of Dordogne in south west France is one of the five departments making up the region of Aquitaine. Endowed with a soft, gentle beauty (in contrast to the dramatic extremes of Provence, for example), this region is rich with history, scenic landscapes and charming villages, and is one of France’s favorite vacation destinations. Not only a land of mystical troubadours, but one of reasonable thinkers, the area has produced such statesmen and writers as Montaigne, Fénelon, La Boétie and Montesquieu. Other interesting finds in the Dordogne:
Castles – over a thousand of them, more than any other region in France — are scattered throughout the area: Castelnaud, Montbazillac, Hautefort, Eyrignac….Many of them receive visitors, some cultivate wine, and some even have bed-and-breakfast capabilities. You’ll think you’ve entered a fairy tale!
- Historical towns such as medieval Sarlat, Nontron and Bournat boast beautiful medieval architecture, pedestrian streets, scenic views and specialty shops. On the scenic Vézère river lies Saint Léon-sur-Vézère, which has been classified as one of the “most beautiful villages of France.” And St-Cirq Lapopie and Rocamadour, perched atop impossible cliffs, are simply breathtaking.
- Prehistoric sites, especially in the Vézère valley, dominate the region. You’ll find the famous Lascaux cave paintings as well as other caves, troglodyte dwellings and prehistoric sculptures. Beautifully preserved and tourist-friendly, these sites make you feel like you’re in a time machine going back centuries, providing a great appreciation for our fellow mankind of yesteryear.
- Delicious regional cuisine, combined with excellent wine, helps to clear your thinking: enjoy truffles, fois gras, duck, garlic soup, and sweet white Bergerac wines as you glide down the Dordogne River on one of the charming gabares which motor indulgently along the river.
- Festivals are celebrated all summer long in each of the towns in the Dordogne. Likely honoring a patron saint, the town dresses itself up, hosts a parade, wine tasting, communal picnicking, a bal musette (accordion songs to which the locals dance), and good general animation. Great fun to attend and watch.
Want to practice your French while touring this beautiful area? French teachers and other francophones are welcome to join our Extension Tour to the Dordogne July 26-29, 2012 to immerse themselves in the language and culture of this region, while enjoying the subtle beauty and excellent cuisine of the Dordogne. Click here for details.
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