Dordogne Lot
LANDSCAPE
The stretch of the river Dordogne downstream from Souillac to Limeuil is the most beautiful, further downstream the area flattens out into the vineyards of Bergerac. Smaller rivers such as the Vézère run into the Dordogne and they, too, have very attractive small valleys. The
countryside along the river Lot is more rugged upstream from Cahors, while to the west of the city the valley widens to accommodate
the vineyards.
CLIMATE
The Summers are generally long and can be very hot. They are, occasionally interspersed with Summer storms which go as quickly as they arrive. Our favourite seasons are May and June when the days can be surprisingly hot and, perhaps even more, September and early October when there are misty mornings that clear to wonderful mellow
Autumn days showing this part of France to fullest advantage.
FESTIVALS
Mid July and August: Drama and music festival at Sarlat. Mid July: International folklore festival at Montignac. Open air concerts at châteaux throughout the season advertised locally. August: Music festival at Gourdon.
HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE
History begins with prehistoric man who established himself in the Vézère valley around Les Eyzies where today you can visit the best examples in the world of cave paintings and artefacts. The Middle Ages saw this region under English rule and as centre-stage for the Hundred
Years War 1337-1453, fought between the English and French for control of this part of France. The legacy that survives is a wonderful collection of fortified castles perched on hilltops such as Beynac and Castelnaud, which watch over each other across the valley to this day. There are marvellous, fortified ‘bastide’ towns with arcaded squares – Monpazier being one of the finest. The traditional architecture of Périgord is a constant delight: honeycoloured stone, mellow red-tiled roofs, some still with the traditional stone ‘lauze’ tiles and on the grander buildings many ‘pigeonniers’ – pigeon towers and turrets.
FOOD AND WINE
Being a rich agricultural area on the edge of the world’s most famous vineyards, Pêrigord has also established a reputation for being one of the cradles of French gastronomy.
Here you will find some of the richest and best pâtés sometimes with truffles, the famous “confit” (meat cooked in its own fat usually goose or duck), foie gras, game in season, marvellous mushrooms notably “cèpes”, walnuts and all manner of fruit; cherries, plums, peaches, pears, apricots etc. There are few well known local wines, but the best
come from around Bergerac and Cahors in the valley of the Lot. The local sweet dessert wine is from Monbazillac, south of Bergerac. The Bordeaux vineyards are within driveable distance - allow a whole day. There are also local “eaux de vie” made from walnuts, hazelnuts
and plums.
LEISURE AND SPORT
Canoe hire is readily available on the river Dordogne and a trip down river is highly recommended.
The river is clean and pleasant to swim in and has many beaches and safe places for children. It is an excellent region for walking with footpaths through the woodland. There are tennis courts in many of the towns and villages. Riding is available and the rivers
are popular with fishermen. All the towns have good swimming pools. If you want a more restful pursuit, choose a café and observe the locals playing “boules” in the village square.