Discovering the Enchantment of Dordogne
Land of Castles and Prehistoric Sites
The Perigord region is nestled in the southwest of France, right in the beautiful Dordogne valley. If you're into rugged mountains draped in lush greenery and dotted with ancient stone formations, this place is a dream come true. Plus, you can check out early human settlements that date back over 40,000 years, which is pretty mind-blowing. You’ll find traces from the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, all the way through to Antiquity. The Middle Ages also left their mark, with plenty of manors, castles, abbeys, and charming country houses scattered throughout the Dordogne valleys.
In my opinion, this area is packed with opportunities for adventure. If you’re all about nature, the Dordogne region has endless options for outdoor exploration. Personally, I’m drawn to the stunning manors and historic châteaux that France is famous for. But if you’re traveling with family or friends, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. France has really nailed the art of preserving its history, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy and explore.
There are so many delightful towns and villages to discover, depending on where you’re staying. What’s fantastic about this region is that all the interesting spots are just a short drive away—usually no more than 30 minutes, or under two hours to reach the old medieval cities. Places like Bergerac, Sarlat, Les Eyzies, Brantome, and Perigueux are just a few highlights on a long list!
With summer temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius, it’s the ideal time to soak up everything the Perigord has to offer. There’s no shortage of outdoor fun for families and solo adventurers alike, whether you’re into hiking, biking, climbing, or just wandering through quaint villages. My family and I opted for a camping ground in Le Bugue, which was a first for me, and I have to say, it was an amazing experience. Staying in a fully equipped cabin right by the Dordogne River brought us closer to nature and made for a memorable getaway. I might share more about that spot later!
So, with nature practically at my doorstep and a ton of adventures waiting, I decided to embrace my inner outdoorsy self and give it a shot. I had never been canoeing before, especially not with my spouse and our two kids, aged 8 and 6, all crammed into one canoe! But after our recent trip, I can proudly say I’ve ticked that off my bucket list. Gliding along the River Dordogne, surrounded by stunning ancient rock formations and beautiful chateauxs, was just incredible!
One of the best moments was definitely finding the perfect riverbank to stop for a quick lunch, enjoying some of the freshest cheese and baguette the region has to offer. It’s funny how sometimes the simplest things in life turn out to be the most memorable. The canoe rental companies in the area really make everything a breeze, taking all the stress out of planning. They whisked us to the starting point of our river adventure, and we just paddled our way back in a couple of hours.
Plus, the Dordogne region is a foodie’s paradise, bursting with fresh seasonal delights. From walnuts and truffles to the mouthwatering cep mushrooms, there’s so much to savor. But the real star of the show has to be foie gras, which is one of my absolute favorites here. It pairs beautifully with seasonal produce and is a cornerstone of the local culinary scene. Hunting for the best cheese at the market is another fun part of the experience, and you definitely can’t miss out on trying Cabecou du Perigord! And of course, don’t forget to grab some wine!
