The Dordogne

A Little Information

Dordogne, department of south-west France, which covers an area of 9,060 sq km (3,500 sq mi). The department is largely made up of limestone plateaux crossed by the Dordogne and six other rivers. Dordogne has a temperate climate, though summers are hot and dry. The higher lands are often covered by forests of oak and chestnut. Picturesque river valleys support a rich variety of local agricultural produce. Particularly famous are Périgord truffles, highly prized subterranean fungi, and a particular gastronomic delight in France. Foie-gras (prepared goose liver) is another sought-after local speciality. Walnuts are one of the main agricultural products of Dordogne and the department is the chief French producer of strawberries and tobacco. The department is part of the region of Aquitaine and is surrounded by the departments of Haute-Vienne, Corrèze, Lot, Lot-et-Garonne, Gironde, Charente-Maritime, and Charente. It is the third largest department of France.

Cave paintings and engravings at Lascaux and Les Eyzies-de-Tayac bear witness to a history of human habitation in the region dating back to prehistoric times. The department's medieval heritage is especially well represented with the medieval towns of Sarlat and Brantôme being among the most beautiful in France.

The Dordogne also boasts the greatest number of castles and chateaux, close to 1,000, of all the French departments. A large number date from the 13th and 14th centuries, reminders of the Anglo-French struggles when the Dordogne was the frontier region in the wars between England and France during the 100 years war. Others, however, date from the Renaissance.

The Dordogne is a river born from two streams in Auvergne, the Dore and the Dogne on the flanks of the puy de Sancy. "Dordogne" has become one of the favourite destinations of British immigration to France