Regional History

The Perigord has been called an archaeologists heaven. The deep history of the area goes back for tens of thousands of years. The Perigord along with the whole southern west region of France has been continually populated by man for this duration, which is longer than any other area in Europe.

The ancient and striking landscape of the area shows how beautiful an area can remain when man works in harmony with the land in which he lives.

Cave paintings in areas like Les Eyzies and Lascaux is a perfectly preserved reminder of just how far back this enchanting area has been populated.

Through much of the regions history it was owned or part owned by none other than the English. The marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry Plantagenet led to an English rule over the area for the next 300 years after Henry was made King of England in 1154. The bastides and castles are evidence of the resulting conflict between the French and English over this time, now these castles and fortified towns give the area its charm and character. One of the best places to see the grandeur of the castles and chateaux is to take a boat trip down the spectacular Dordogne River. The best places to catch a boat trip are La Roque- Gageac and Beynac.

The countryside of this area is second to none, especially as it has so much diversity giving the Dordogne so much to offer the thousands of visitors it has every year. This is a land full of underground caves, huge rocky gorges, hilltops and valleys, forests and rivers. The land of vineyards and mountains.

To the north of the Dordogne is its neighbour the Charente, with specialties of Snails and Mushrooms on the menu and of course Cognac. It is the old province of the Charente which was the heartlands of the dominions of Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine.

The Dordogne region is most famous for its wine and cheeses. Like much of France it has speciality produce to tickle the taste buds of every connoisseur. From fantastic Bergerac red wine, to Roquefort cheese. Foie Gras and truffles. There are also many events going on this region, some for tourists and some long traditional festivals for locals and tourists alike to enjoy. Night festivals are commonplace during the summer months, along with carnivals to celebrate the history of the towns and villages, many relating to the French revolution or the history of French food.