Dordogne

The region between the valleys of the Dordogne and the Dronne rivers, best known for its turreted castles and endless vineyards, has been inhabited for as long as any in Europe, the home of the Cro-Magna, whose art has been painstakingly reproduced in the cave of Lascaux II. The region’s wealthier population have moved from the cliffs, such as at St-Christophe to grand châteaux, as those in opposing Castelnaud and Beynac, always dominating the rivers below. The waters run through the wine and tobacco capital of Bergerac and the market towns of Montignac and Brantome. Extensive on-going restoration has maintained the atmosphere of mediaeval walled Sarlat and Perigueux, from which the region takes its French name, Perigord. Air links into Bordeaux, Bergerac and Brive as well as trains from Paris and good road links make the area easily accessible and an ideal driving holiday destination.