Attractions of the Dordogne

The department of the Dordogne an area historically and still locally known as the Perigord ( after the name of the regions pre-Roman tribe, Petrocorii ). The area is one of the cradles of human civilisation.The prehistoric remains of Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon people have been discovered throughout the region and quite a number of local caves including the world famous Lascaux which are adorned with extraordinary works of prehistoric art.

Lascaux cave paintings

In addition the Périgords numerous hilltop chateaux and defensive bastides are testimony to the bloody battles waged here during the hundred years war when much of the area was in the hands of the English.

To make the area more accessible to visitors the Périgord has been divided into four regions and assigned colours according to their most prominent features. The fields and forests of the north are known as the Périgord vert ( green ). In the centre the limestone area around Périgueux is known as Périgord Blanc ( white ). The wine growing area around Bergerac the Périgord Pourpre ( purple ) and the area around the Vézère valley because of the dark oak forests is called the Périgord noir ( black )

( To see a regional map of the Perigord click here )

At Rousselie Haute your are perfectly located to visit all the various regions and attractions of the Périgord. See the things to see and things to do pages for details of some of the attractions the  Périgord has to offer.

Our nearby towns and villages

Lisle

Our nearest village has small river beach next to the Moulin de Pont restaurant.

From left to right - Bourdeilles, Brantome and Perigueux

Brantome

Also known as the Venice of the Périgord is encircled by 2 arms of the river Dronne its an enchanting town with a beautiful abbey, and has many bars, restaurants and cafes. The market on Friday mornings is a great place to buy some of the local delicacies.

Bourdeilles

Also set on the Dronne has a chateau and is another great place to visit.

Riberac

Market town with large Friday morning market. About 20 minutes from Riberac is the fantastic lake Jemaye with children's playgrounds, restaurants, sandy beach, diving pontoon.

Perigueux

The capital of the Dordogne is a 20 minute drive and is full of interesting things to see, the catherderal, the Vesone roman site, the medieval quarter packed with restaurants, cafes and art galleries. This is also a great place to shop. There is a market on Wednesdays and Saturdays and a food market on Sunday mornings. If clubbing is your thing there are quite a few most of which don’t get going until 1am.