The Périgord noir

The name "Black Périgord" refers to the high density of oaks whose foliage is dense, dark and persistent.

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The Périgord Noir is the most famous and most beautiful part of the Dordogne with its many castles, caves and valleys. The Périgord Noir or the Black Perigord owes its name to the many dark oak forests on the Perigord hills.

The capital is the beautiful medieval town of Sarlat. A visit to Sarlat is a must for anyone visiting the Dordogne. It is a beautifully preserved medieval town, which has been completely restored. In high season it is a bustling city with its Saturday market, tours and festivals. In winter, there are three major events, the Christmas market, the truffle festival in January and the Feast of the Goose in February.

The Périgord Noir includes two of the most beautiful valleys:

The valley of the Dordogne, stretching from Carlux to Siorac en Perigord. It is a valley, where the unspoilt nature is well preserved. Here are many of the most beautiful villages of France, such as Beynac, La Roque Gageac, Domme, Limeuil and Domme and on top of the cliffs there are several famous castles like Castelnaud, Les Milandes, Fénelon and Beynac and the beautiful gardens of Marqueyssac. The river is particularly suitable for canoeing and swimming, there are many beaches along the river. Along the river is a beautiful cycling track, where in former days the railway line was situated.

The valley of the Vézère, stretching from Terrasson to Limeuil, where the Vézère flows into the Dordogne. Along the river you will find many beautiful towns and villages such as Terrasson Lavilledieu, Montignac, Condat sur Vézère Saint Léon sur Vezere and Les Eyzies. Between Montignac and Les Eyzies there are many prehistoric sites, which are also on the World Heritage List of UNESCO, such as the cave of Lascaux, Font de Gaume and Cap Blanc. Along the river are many famous castles such as the Chateau de Losse and Maison Forte de Reignac. Les Eyzies is also known as the world capital of prehistory, due to the many caves and the national museum of prehistory. The valley is particularly suitable for canoeing, hiking or visiting one of the many small parks about the prehistory.

In the south of the Perigord Noir is the beautiful bastide Belvès and in the valley of the Céou the pretty village of Daglan. Other nice places, all of which are worth visiting: Saint Cyprien, Le Bugue, Carlux and Salignac. In and around Le Bugue is a lot to do for kids such as visiting the Aquarium, Le Bournat - an open-air museum about the life around 1900, several caves and the fun park Jacquou Parc.

Popular sports: Canoeing, golf, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, ballooning, flying ulm.

The Dordogne is one of France's most beautiful and unspoilt regions. Here are some popular destinations ...

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La Ronde des villages in October

The Périgord's gastronomy

During the day, excursions and discovery and spend the evening with a glass of wine, foie gras and a book by the swimming pool or the fireplace. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the Perigord ...

Dordogne is a passage area with regard to climate. There are mild winters and the summer temperatures are on average 7 degrees higher compared to the UK. The temperature strongly differs by region. The position of the valleys, the rimpeling of the valleys, the profile and the sun's altitude towards the hills, the open environments, woods and lakes create specific areas with different weather. The summer normally spoken is long and it can be very warm. The best months for a visit are May and June, because the days can be then already deliciously warm. But also September and October are excellent months for a visit. If it is in the morning still misty and it brightens up later you see the surroundings on its best ! Last summers have been relatively warm: 30-35 degrees. 

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