Guide to France

Reasons to visit the Dordogne region of France
by: Marcus Smith

There are many reasons to visit and explore the Dordogne region of France. Some of the key highlights inlude:

Lascaux caves

The prehistoric paintings at Lascaux are probably the most renowned cave paintings in the world. The cave paintings you can now visit are a copy of the prehistoric paintings contained in the original Lascaux caves, 200 metres away, because human breath was damaging the originals. The replica paintings have been made using the same materials and techniques as were used for the original paintings, 19,000 years ago.

The Lascaux cave paintings are mostly pictures of large animals, including the 'auroch' - a now extinct early relative of the ox (it is thought that the Auroch was worshiped as a sacred beast in prehistoric times). Truly a remarkable experience, and you quickly forget that you are looking at modern day replicas.

Sarlat

Sarlat is a beautiful medieval town a few kilometres north of the River Dordogne. The old town, dating from both medieval and renaissance times is a pleasure to visit, especially during the spring and autumn, or early in the morning. If you can catch the early morning sunshine on the yellow sandstone buildings, so much the better.

Wander through the back streets around the cathedral to get a feel for how the town must have been 500 years ago.

Les Eyzies

Les Eyzies is at the centre of a very beautiful area, in the Vezere Valley, with numerous cliff and rock formations, surrounded by rivers, hills and tranquil countryside. At the centre of prehistoric life in Europe, there are several interesting cave systems and prehistoric relics to visit around Les Eyzies.

Les Eyzies is also home to the National Prehistory Museum which houses one of the world’s most complete collections of prehistoric artefacts. Just a couple of hundred metres from the National Prehistory museum is Abri Pataud, a cro-magnon shelter dating back almost 40,000 years. The cave-lined Vézère valley has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO

Chateaux

In the Dordogne region there are reputed to be 1001 chateaux. Many of the most magnificent are open to the public. Start perhaps with the Chateau de Commarque, Chateau de Castelnaud, or (my personal favourite) Chateau de Beynac, set high above the Dordogne river and the attractive village of Beynac.

Each has its own impressive tale to tell of centuries of conflict, often between the French and the English during the Hundred Years War, and each has its own magnificent views over the surrounding countryside.

Most beautiful villages

There are several villages in the Dordogne region that have received the prestigious ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’ award. These include Monpazier, a perfectly preserved medieval bastide town to the south of the region; La Roque-Gageac, a picture postcard village spread out along the Dordogne river, with troglodyte dwellings and a tropical garden spreading up the cliff behind; and Beynac, mentioned above for its castle but equally attractive as a village in its own right

Several other villages in the immediate vicinity also have the award.

The Dordogne region provides a glimpse into a world virtually unchanged as the centuries have unfolded, and a visit is always an unforgettable experience.

About The Author
Marcus Smith lives in, and writes about, France. For more information about the Dordogne region visit North of the Dordogne and for France in general visit France This Way.

Labels: Dordogne