Dordogne - One destination, four flavours
The Dordogne is not one place, but many. Its timeless appeal lies in the diversity of its four historic regions: the Périgord Vert, Périgord Blanc, Périgord Noir and Périgord Pourpre. Each offers a unique tapestry of landscapes, flavors, and experiences, woven together by a spirit of authenticity and deep-rooted tradition.
At Dordogne Collections, we curate extraordinary holiday homes for discerning travellers, families, and couples seeking comfort, character, and connection to place. Whether you’re dreaming of misty forests, riverside picnics, vibrant market towns or sunset-drenched vineyards, let this guide help you discover your perfect corner of the Dordogne.
Périgord Vert: Nature, Rivers & Tranquil Family Stays
The Périgord Vert, or “Green Périgord,” occupies the northern reaches of the Dordogne and takes its name from the abundance of lush greenery, oak forests, and rolling meadows that define the landscape. It’s a place where time slows down, where the natural world takes centre stage, and where visitors are invited to reconnect with a simpler rhythm of life.
At its heart lies Brantôme, a postcard-perfect town often called the “Venice of the Périgord” for its stone bridges and peaceful waterways. The nearby Parc Naturel Régional Périgord-Limousin offers pristine walking and cycling trails through pine woods and wildflower meadows, while crystal-clear rivers like the Dronne and Bandiat provide endless opportunities for kayaking, swimming, and fishing.
This region is a haven for families seeking outdoor adventures in a safe, unspoiled environment. Children can explore winding forest paths, spot deer in the early morning mist, or splash in river pools beneath ancient stone mills. For adults, the Périgord Vert is a chance to breathe — to enjoy long lunches on shaded terraces, browse local markets for truffles and cheeses, or simply listen to the sound of birdsong echoing through the trees.
Why stay here?
Peaceful, natural, and deeply restorative, the Périgord Vert is ideal for those who want to unplug in comfort, experience rural France without crowds, and share special moments in nature with loved ones.
Local Highlights:
- Brantôme: Known as the “Venice of the Périgord,” this riverside village surrounds a Benedictine abbey and offers peaceful canoe routes and vibrant market days.
- Parc Naturel Régional Périgord-Limousin: Great for walking, biking, or picnicking in total silence beneath pine canopies.
- Grotte de Villars: A prehistoric cave with rare original paintings and dramatic stalactites.
- Château de Jumilhac: Romantic and less crowded than other castles, with a magical rooftop silhouette.
- Thiviers: Known for foie gras, with Saturday markets that immerse you in authentic southwest French culture.
- Vélorail near Bussière-Galant: A unique and fun way to explore the countryside by pedal-powered rail trolley.
Festivals to plan around:
- Brantôme Jazz Festival (July)
- Thiviers Foie Gras Fair (winter weekends)
Périgord Blanc: Limestone Landscapes & Cultural Elegance
The Périgord Blanc, or “White Périgord,” is named for its luminous limestone soil and creamy stone villages. Geographically central and often overlooked, this region offers a graceful blend of heritage, gastronomy, and understated sophistication.
Its capital, Périgueux, is a delight: a city layered with Roman, medieval, and Renaissance architecture, where food markets burst with foie gras, duck confit, and walnut tarts. Strolling its boulevards or exploring the Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum offers cultural depth without the intensity of larger cities. Around it, hilltop villages, quiet hamlets, and undulating farmland create an idyllic backdrop for country living.
For families, the Périgord Blanc offers easy access to kid-friendly museums, wide-open spaces, and gentle river spots perfect for picnics. For luxury travellers, it promises space, seclusion, and homes that marry tradition with modern refinement — from manoirs with private pools to architect-renovated farmhouses bathed in soft natural light.
Why stay here?
The Périgord Blanc is ideal for travellers who enjoy slower-paced sophistication, historical charm, and proximity to both city life and nature. It’s also a strategic base for exploring the wider Dordogne without sacrificing serenity.
What to explore:
- Périgueux: A city of layers—Roman, medieval, and Renaissance—wrapped around the domed Cathedral of Saint-Front. A must for culture, gastronomy, and elegant architecture.
- Caviar de Neuvic: Learn how sustainable caviar is farmed, then enjoy tastings in a chic riverside setting.
- Truffle town of Sorges: A sensory pilgrimage for food lovers, especially during truffle season.
- Neuvic & Saint-Astier: Beautiful towns ideal for lunch by the river or exploring authentic Dordogne life.
- Market in Périgueux (Wednesday & Saturday): Packed with cheese, truffles, walnuts, and local delights.
Seasonal events:
- Périgueux Gourmet Week (September)
- Winter Truffle Markets in Sorges
Périgord Noir: History, Castles & High-End Heritage Escapes
The Périgord Noir, or “Black Périgord,” is the crown jewel of the Dordogne. Known for its dense oak forests, ancient villages, and prehistoric cave art, it offers a romantic, storybook experience steeped in history and drama.
Iconic towns such as Sarlat-la-Canéda, with its cobbled lanes and golden stone, invite slow discovery — as do the medieval castles of Beynac, Castelnaud, and Montfort, perched dramatically above the Dordogne River. The Lascaux Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, allow travellers to witness some of the oldest known art in the world.
This is also a region of sensory richness: truffle markets in winter, sun-dappled boat rides in summer, and Michelin-starred dining year-round. Families can enjoy adventure parks, canoe trips, and theatrical re-enactments, while luxury travellers will find sumptuously restored châteaux, infinity pools, and sweeping valley views that evoke another era.
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Why stay here?
If you’re drawn to romance, legacy, and culinary depth, the Périgord Noir offers unmatched variety. It’s perfect for those seeking both cultural immersion and luxurious comfort.
What to see and do:
Sarlat-la-Canéda: A historic jewel with golden stone buildings, open-air markets, and theatre festivals.
Castelnaud, Beynac & Montfort: Dramatic castles perched above the Dordogne River, perfect for exploring by car or canoe.
Lascaux IV: A sophisticated, modern recreation of one of the world’s most iconic cave art sites.
Les Eyzies: The “Capital of Prehistory” with museums, cliff dwellings, and walking routes.
Marqueyssac Gardens: Stroll candlelit paths and take in sweeping valley views.
Le Bugue & Village du Bournat: Great for families, combining heritage with play and discovery.
La Roque-Gageac & Domme: Two of France’s most photogenic villages, both overlooking the river.
Festivals worth planning for:
Sarlat Theatre Festival (July)
Truffle & Foie Gras Festival (January)
Candlelit Evenings at Marqueyssac (summer Thursdays)
Périgord Pourpre: Vineyards, Bastide Towns & Sun-Drenched Luxury
In the southwestern corner of the Dordogne, the Périgord Pourpre — the “Purple Périgord” — owes its name to the rich hue of the Bergerac vineyards that blanket its hillsides. This is wine country, where slow living, rural refinement, and golden light create a uniquely seductive atmosphere.
The city of Bergerac, straddling the Dordogne River, blends old-world charm with youthful energy thanks to its wine culture and growing arts scene. Surrounding it are fortified bastide towns like Monpazier and Eymet, beloved for their symmetrical squares, market days, and community festivals.
For families, the Pourpre offers interactive vineyard tours, gentle countryside cycling, and lazy afternoons by the pool. For couples and connoisseurs, there are private wine tastings, farm-to-table dining, and a refined, Provençal-like charm — but without the crowds.
Why stay here?
The Périgord Pourpre is for those who savour the good life: wine, conversation, and golden evenings on the terrace. It’s also ideal for families looking for space and sunshine with a sophisticated twist.
Top recommendations:
- Château de Monbazillac: A stunning castle with panoramic views and tastings of its world-famous sweet white wines.
- Bergerac: Historic centre with wine bars, art galleries, and the Maison des Vins on the riverfront.
- Monpazier, Eymet & Beaumont-du-Périgord: Gorgeous bastide villages with arcades, market squares, and medieval atmosphere.
- Limeuil & Trémolat: Riverside picnic spots, breathtaking views, and calm swimming waters.
- Château des Vigiers: Luxury golf, spa, and gourmet dining surrounded by vines.
- Night markets: From July to August, villages host lively, food-focused soirées with music and wine.
Festival calendar:
- Bergerac Wine Festival (August)
- Monbazillac Wine Fair (early August)
- Eymet Night Markets (weekly in summer)
- Issigeac Sunday Market (year-round)
Where Will Your Dordogne Story Begin?
Each region of the Dordogne has its own rhythm, beauty, and charm — yet they’re all united by a warm welcome and deep sense of place. Whether you long for forest walks, riverside adventures, vineyard evenings or village markets, you’ll find a version of the Dordogne that feels like home.
At Dordogne Collections, we help you not only find a house, but the right atmosphere, setting, and experience to match your travel dreams.
Because every holiday should be as unique as the people who take it.