The Périgord Noir region offers splendid landscapes composed of cliffs, the Dordogne and Vézère rivers, and numerous woods of holm oak and chestnut trees. The capital, Sarlat, is a City of Art and History, considered one of the most beautiful medieval cities in Europe, and boasts listed historical monuments and charming restaurants: an ode to the art of living.
Discovering our beautiful region
The region also boasts an impressive number of castles. It's said that the region has "a thousand and one castles," ranging from a 12th-century fortified castle to a 19th-century Renaissance structure. Among them are the Château de Beynac, which faces its Hundred Years' War rival across the Dordogne River, and the Château de Castelnaud, which houses a museum dedicated to the art of warfare in the Middle Ages. From the Château de Beynac, one can watch the gabares (traditional flat-bottomed boats) and canoes/kayaks on the Dordogne.
The Vézère Valley boasts one of the highest concentrations of prehistoric sites in Europe: caves, troglodytic dwellings, and archaeological digs have earned it the nickname "Valley of Prehistory." Fifteen sites are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The most famous, Lascaux, is decorated with cave paintings dating back to the prehistoric period. The troglodytic fort built into the cliff at La Roque-Gageac and the troglodytic village of La Madelaine in Tursac are just some of the attractions the region has to offer.
The Périgord Noir region is also home to a number of diverse and varied gardens: the gardens of the Eyrignac manor, the panoramic gardens of Limeuil, the gardens of Marqueyssac, and the Carsac Water Gardens, created on a former Gallo-Roman site. Navigating the Dordogne and Vézère rivers is an excellent way to discover the region. You can embark either in a canoe or kayak for the more athletic, or on a traditional flat-bottomed boat (gabare) for a more leisurely and culturally enriching trip.
It's also impossible to ignore the gastronomic specialties of Périgord. The region's black diamond, the truffle, is best enjoyed in a salad, preferably with Sarlat-style potatoes. Duck breast and confit, foie gras… and to finish, Cabécou, a small disc of fresh goat cheese, to be savored with a glass of Bergerac wine. The region also produces delicious strawberries and boasts a wealth of porcini mushrooms, chestnut trees, and walnuts for even more culinary delights.
Another defining characteristic of this region is its abundance of must-see villages. No fewer than nine of France's most beautiful villages dot the roads of the Périgord Noir, including Domme. This bastide town, perched atop a cliff, overlooks the entire Dordogne Valley from its 150-meter height. Several remarkable sites contribute to Domme's charm, notably a spectacular 500-meter-long cave located beneath the market hall near the church, opening onto a terrace that offers panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley. Following the ramparts, you can take the gravel path from the viewpoint. This leads to the public garden, a perfect spot for a picnic, where the view is truly remarkable.