Search
Villa shortlist
Add your favourite villas to a shortlist
Villa ShortlistYour villa holiday in Dordogne
Sandwiched between the green hills of the Loire and the High Pyrenees, this verdant region of south west France is famous for its majestic river and grand chateaux. Rich in culture and history, countless prehistoric sites and timeless stone villages sit amid the undulating rural landscape of fields and forests. A traditional lifestyle still prevails in the Dordogne – market day is still the most important time of the week for many locals, when they can catch up on all the village news whilst they do their shopping. You will be afforded a warm welcome into the local way of life, and offering a friendly ‘bonjour’ to the neighbours will really help you feel like part of the community.
Our resorts and villasLocal cuisine
A sophisticated style of cuisine is on offer in the Dordogne, with dishes that make great use of locally produced ingredients including truffles, pates, meats and foie gras. Classic dishes from the Dordogne include cassoulet périgourdin (stew) and magret de canard poêlé (pan-fried duck breast). If you want to try out a few recipes yourself back at the villa, delicious local produce is on offer at the popular local markets. The Dordogne region is particularly well known for its cheeses which include the firm, blue veined cheese Bleu de Quercy, cabécous (goats milk cheeses), and the well know strong blue cheese Roquefort. Good red and white wines are on offer, produced in the area around the town of Bergerac.
Hints of history
Several UNESCO world heritage sites can be found in the Dordogne region. The Vézère valley is home to many prehistoric settlements including the world renowned Lascaux caves, with their incredible cave paintings. The caves are now closed to the public to preserve the paintings, but a replica of the caves has been built close to the actual site, which attracts visitors from far and wide. More wonderful cave paintings can be found in the Grotte de Font de Gaume, mainly depicting bison, mammoths and other animals. In total, the Dordogne boasts 147 prehistoric sites and 25 sets of cave paintings. Even more history can be explored at the village of La Roque Saint Christophe, where Troglodyte dwellings are located.
Outdoor pursuits
There are plenty of opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors in the Dordogne, with beautiful scenery to be found all over the region. Cycling is extremely popular all over France, and the Dordogne is no exception. Here you can enjoy organised cycling tours, or simply hire a bike and explore the beautiful countryside at your own pace. The abundance of rivers in the region mean that canoeing is a popular pastime. Many different locations are available for hiring canoeing equipment, which can be a relaxing way to spend a warm summer day. Golfers are also well catered for in the Dordogne, with several great courses on offer. These include the magnificent Chateau des Vigiers course designed by Donald Steel, and the fantastic 18-hole course at Soirac-en-Périgord.
Discover local charm
The Dordogne is the perfect region to soak up the atmosphere of traditional, rural France. You’ll love the laid-back pace of life and the warm welcome you’ll receive from the local people. Market day is still a key event on the social calendar in many villages, with local people gathering to chat for hours and catch up on all the news from the week. There’s nothing better than strolling round the colourful stalls, purchasing fresh produce for your dinner and absorbing the bustling atmosphere. Another way to experience some local culture is to join in with one of the many fetes and festivals that take place in many towns during summer months. These are often very much community events, with local residents working together to make sure a good time is had by all.
Getting to Dordogne
We offer a great choice of flights to Roumanier airport in Dordogne. Take a look at the transfer time listed on your chosen accommodation page to see the closest airport. We also offer a self drive option for guests staying at our villas in , via ferry or Eurotunnel crossings from the UK to France.James recommends
- Visit the amazing Font de Gaume, a cave hosting a collection of around 200 incredible prehistoric paintings including bison, horses and mammoths.
- Spend a relaxing afternoon at the Gardens of Marqueyssac – set within the grounds of a beautiful chateau, and take in the great views of the Dordogne valley.
- Browse the colourful stalls of local produce and crafts at the large market in Sarlat-le-Caneda – and maybe find a memento of your stay.
- Sample the wonderful local wine and see how it is made, at one of the vineyards located near the market town of Bergerac.
- Explore some of the region’s best scenery at your own pace, with a leisurely walk along the shores of the beautiful river Dordogne.
Temperature chart for the Dordogne holiday season
