My name is Russell and from Scotland and my wife and I just love the Dordogne Region of France to the extent that I published the Dordogne Travel Guide!
The Guide concept is simple… with so much excellent information out there on the web, it can be daunting for a visitor to know where to start! The Guide points the visitor to most of the key Tourism Info, Activities and Points-of-Interest!
But that’s not all… the Guide also has an expanding set of Business Directories that includes Gites, BnBs, Hotels and Campsites to help you find your preferred accommodation, Restaurants to help you savour local cuisine, Vineyards to help you discover renowned Appellations along with Chateaux, Gardens, Golf Courses, Hot Air Ballooning, Canoeing and so much more to add to your perfect holiday!
This article will give you an overview of the area and some of the Guides key features!
So whats' so special about the Dordogne?
People who have visited the Dordogne will probably say… Everything! and that probably includes Cro-Magnon Man who made his home in the Caves that are a significant feature of the area!
To be absolutely accurate, the overall area is referred to as the Perigord and it has been divided up into four distinct regions: Green, Purple, Back and White! Each has its own characteristics which are proudly emphasised by the respective Tourism Offices which you can explore at your leisure in the Guide here!
Weather-wise from at least May until September, it can be hot to very hot with very little rain – perfect for camping! Either side of the High Season, daytime temperatures are very accommodating but with cooler nights! The Dordogne River slices through the area creating fantastic cliffs on one side and bathing beaches on the other! Like other rivers such as the Vezere and the Dronne, they are wide, relatively shallow and slow moving and perfect for leisurely canoeing!
The Perigord is dotted with quaint Villages each with their own character and thriving as a Village should be! Some of them are listed as being a Beaux Village and are very special architecturally and culturally indeed!
Cycling and Walking
You are never far away from woodlands and forests of French Oak with walking trails and quiet country roads to walk or cycle and discover the magic of non-city life!
Self-Catering Accommodation
Find your perfect self-catering Gite (Cottage) from the Listings in the Guide! A vibrant and uncluttered layout with each Gite providing a range of information and a direct link to their website where you can book direct with the owner and save on booking-site commissions! You can even chat online with one of our Gite Owners to find out more about the area and their accommodation!
Camping
The Dordogne is a Campers Paradise with literally hundreds to choose from! Whether you prefer a small family-run campsite or large commercial one with every aspect to entertain your family, the Guide has a great range to explore! Whether you prefer under Canvas, have a Caravan or Motorhome (RV) or like to rent one of the Campsite’s static mobile homes, French Campsites make provision for everyone!
Chateaux and Gardens
Spend great days out exploring the numerous Chateaux (Castles) and learn about their History and association with The Hundred Years War! Many are interactive with Medieval displays and games for Families! There are some fantastic Gardens around the Dordogne with their own speciality such as Water, Topiary and even Bamboo!
Vineyards and Wineries
The French are very proud of their Wine Classification system based upon the growing area and soil structure (Terroirs). The Dordogne and Lot River Valleys are home to several Appellations including Cahors and Bergerac! Cahors is the birthplace of the Malbec grape variety. Most of the vineyards are included in the Guide with direct links to their websites!
This was a brief overview of what to expect inside the Dordogne Travel Guide however there is so much more for you to check out! You can also follow us on Facebook or join the Facebook ‘My Dordogne Travel Guide’ Group!
