Choice Villas & Apartments The Dordogne,aquitaine Feature

Choice Holidays Situated at the heart of South-West France, this land-locked department (département) is home to spectacular sites and monuments which provide endless opportunities for cultural discovery – the local way of life, prehistoric remains, charming villages, delightful scenery and famous castles, as well as a feast for the senses... he subtle differences in the Dordogne landscapes are highlighted by four different colours… Green, extending in a crescent across the north of the department, encompasses the verdant vegetation (even in the driest of summers) of the area of Nontron and Dronne Valley and includes the protected land of the Parc Naturel Régional Périgord Limousin. White, in the central part of the department and covering Périgueux and the Vallée de l’Isle, is criss-crossed by the Auvézère and Isle rivers, and is so-named as a result of the chalky soils which bestow a white appearance to the stone in this area. The colour Purple covers the south-west of the department, including the Bergerac area, an area famous for its wines, and the fascinating bastides or "new towns" built during the Middle Ages to a well-ordered street pattern. Black, extending across the south-east of the Dordogne, and including the Sarlat area, is distinguishable by its forests of holm oak and limestone plateaux (causses) which extend into the Quercy. This area is home to the world-renowned prehistoric sites of the Vézère and Dordogne valleys.

Grand Roc Les Eyzies ©CRTA 1 J-J. Brochard

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visit to this unique region takes you back in time to discover and explore the fascinating past through the many sites and attractions dating from numerous periods in the Dordogne’s illustrious history. The luxuriant natural landscapes extend throughout the department, providing countless opportunities for nature-lovers to enjoy a whole range of outdoor activities (swimming, fishing, canoeing, cycling…) or just

La Roque Gagea c ©CRTA 1 J-J.

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relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. The Périgord has championed the development of high-quality, rural-based tourism, including the creation of a protected Parc Naturel Régional. Traditional cuisine is based on time-honoured local recipes and produce, such as chestnuts, walnuts and cep mushrooms in the autumn, and strawberries in April, in addition to the renowned truffles and foie gras, perhaps bought from a farmer at a duck and goose market (marché au gras) in winter. A visit to the markets in Sarlat or Périgueux offers a fascinating insight into the value attached to the treasures of its soil, and their symbolic role in the life of the Dordogne and its inhabitants. Perigueux, the capital of the Perigord has over 2000 years of history: from the ancient Gallo-Roman city of Vesunna to the Renaissance period and the Cathedral of Saint-Front (classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the cathedral is an important stage on the St James of Compostella Pilgrim’s Way). A total of 39 buildings are classed as Historical Monuments in what is one of the largest conservation areas in France (56.25 acres). The International Mime Festival, nocturnal markets, the International Show room of the Greedy Book and the International Baroque Music Festival, all help to make Perigueux the cultural centre of the Perigord. The Bergerac region "a bounty of pleasure" in the

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8 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

Hautefort ©CRTA 1 J-J. Brochard

Further information Dordogne Tourism Tel : 00.33.553.35.50.24 Fax : 00.33.553.09.51.41 E-mail : [email protected] Web: www.dordogne-perigord-tourisme.fr

The Dordogne, Aquitaine

Perigueux Escalier ©E.Martin – OT de Périgueux

South West of Périgord, is the town of Cyrano, Bergerac, with its historical district, narrow medieval streets and Renaissance houses. Next, a visit to the prestigious Monbazillac, Lanquais and Biron castles lead you to the edge of the Bastide region where the delightful architecture of Monpazier, Beaumont and Issigeac awaits. Monbazillac, is also a delicious nectar and a crucial compliment to foie gras, which belongs to the family of Bergerac wines of which there are 13 appellations. Begin to discover these regional wines at Recollets Cloister where a hundred and thirty vintners are ready to welcome you and share their passion of their craft. Sarlat, the jewel in the crown of the Périgord Noir is one of the most famous towns for medieval art and history in France and has the highest number of listed buildings per square metre in Europe. Another of the Périgord Noir's world famous sights is the renowned prehistoric cave at Lascaux. Since its discovery in 1940, the cave has been nicknamed the Prehistoric Sistine Chapel. Today, the site of Lascaux II is home to an exact replica of the original paintings created by our ancestors.

Dordogne in Aquitaine: A magical place to visit. Sarlat Porte ©CRTA 1 J-J. Brochard

Local Handicraft Nontron knives, distinguishable by their boxwood handles decorated with the famous inverted "V", are produced using the clear waters of the River Bandiat, abundant wood from the surrounding area and iron ore used by local forges. In Nontron’s knife workshop, visitors can learn about the various stages of production required to manufacture the oldest pocket knives in France. Charentais slippers, which were originally made from pieces of used or unwanted felt discarded by local felt-paper workshops in the 18C and 19C. Traditional crafts which used the wood and fruit of the sweet chestnut. The work of the "feuillardiers", whose task was to provide chestnut for the barrelhopping industry, has given rise to the name of an area known as Le Pays des Feuillardiers. Other related artisan industries include wickerwork and sweet chestnut cakes. Castelnaud Beynac ©CRTA 1 J-J. Brochard

Dordogne 10 Choice Villas & Apartments April 2009

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