Dordogne


	Dordogne and Lot

		This region's beautiful rivers, charming villages and wonderful scenery, together with a good climate make this area a superb holiday destination.

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	The Dordogne Region

The area is better known in France as Perigord and Quercy but in England it is commonly known by the names of the rivers that run through them, the Dordogne and the Lot. The countryside is rich and fertile and has many attractions besides the scenery. It has been inhabited by man from the earliest times. Prehistoric caves such as Lascaux and Font de Gaume at Les Eyzies contain wonderful prehistoric paintings. There are also medieval villages such as the 12th century Rocamadour which clings precariously to a high cliff face above the Alzou valley. Chateaux and castles abound. The Dordogne valley is good for fishing and canoeing and there are numerous lakes for swimming, often with a sandy beach.
In the colourful village markets the abundant supply of fruits, vegetables, mushrooms and different varieties of nuts are witness to the fact that the region is largely self sufficient in food

The Dordogne region is situated in South West France and takes its name from the River Dordogne which rises in the Auverne and flows into the Atlantic near Bordeaux. The countryside through which it flows is exceptionally beautiful and largely unspoilt.
The limestone hills have been dissected by streams and rivers which have created valleys with cliff faces and hidden caves. Large tracts of forest remain, giving way to pasture and small fields growing tobacco, maize and strawberries. This area now has the largest wooded area in Western Europe - more than 2 million acres!
Along the rivers Dordogne and Vezere outcrops of limestone show evidence of early occupation by stone age man. Numerous chateaux and feudal bastides (walled and fortified towns built during the 100 years war) are dotted along the banks of both rivers