The Dordogne geography is diverse with vineyards and lots of farmland, known for delicious figs, strawberries, porcini and truffle mushrooms, and nuts, including acorns, chestnuts and walnuts. Plus, paté de foie gras is a gastronomic speciality. Forests and curious rock formations where prehistoric humans previously roamed and lived are also part of the curious landscape.
Main cities in Dordogne
Most aren’t well-known unless you’re familiar with this rural region. And are better described as towns since the largest city is also the capital of the Dordogne region, Perigueux, with approximately 30,000 inhabitants. With a charming historical old town, Perigueux is known for having one of the oldest cathedrals in France, Saint Front Cathedral. Although there are two airports in the vicinity; Bergerac Dordogne Perigord airport is the only one operating with several flights to other European countries and the UK. The Perigueux Bassillac airport is only available for private flights and medical-related flights.
Within an 1.5-hour drive from Périgueux, there is access to Bordeaux's International Airport which offers over 100 European destinations, as well as a few international ones. Whether you prefer trusted carriers like Air France, Turkish Airlines, and Swiss Airlines or opt for affordable options such as Ryanair, Easyjet, or Air Lingus, you'll discover an array of travel opportunities that suit various budgets and preferences.
Bergerac is a small medieval city that sits along the Dordogne river. Popular among the British and other expats, it’s easy to see why many people are drawn to this city and living in Dordogne with beautiful landscapes, delicious gastronomy and an easier and slower pace of life.
Main attractions in the Perigord
There is plenty to see in this land of castles and charming villages. One place you can’t miss is the town of Rocamadour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A historic town built on a limestone cliffside, seven sanctuaries attract both pilgrims and visitors. Most people want to visit the Notre Dame chapel to pay their respect to the Black Virgin, which dates to the 12th century. This town also is part of one of the pilgrimage trails of Saint James Way that ends in Northeastern Spain.
Collonges-la Rouge has the status of being one of the most beautiful villages in France, and has red-hued buildings, thanks to sandstone that is full of iron oxide. Sarlat- la-Caneda is another well-preserved town representing 14th-century France that offers a bit of everything for visitors- delicious restaurants and food markets, cobblestone streets and stunning architecture.
Gouffre de Padirac is another attraction where you can explore underground in a 103-meter-deep cave made of stalactites and stalagmites rock that is over ten centuries old and can take a guided tour in a boat.
Here’s what to know about the Dordogne Region
Cost of living
The cost of living in Dordogne is considered affordable, especially when compared to the cost of living in the UK and northern European countries. Purchasing property is relatively inexpensive. Prices fluctuate in the Dordogne region, depending on the area, with higher prices in the south and in the cities and cheaper in the north. Property prices can be as low as €70 000 to €150 000 for a house, and of course, they can be a lot more expensive with the more bells and whistles a property has.
Food and utilities are less expensive than in the UK as well. In France, it’s common to purchase seasonal produce directly from farmers, buy bread at the bakery and meat from the butcher, purchasing from specific shops instead of the supermarket. Although there are supermarkets for those, who prefer to go to one store, part of the culture and charm of living in France is knowing who makes and grows the food you eat.
With so many options in this beautiful region, it can be hard to know what are the best places to live in Dordogne. Once you know your lifestyle preferences, your budget, and how you’ll obtain French residency, it will be easier to decide where to live.
There is a sizable population of expats living in Dordogne, and many choose to live in Bergerac or neighbouring towns. Some people set up B&Bs as an option for a business or choose to work remotely, while some expats move here after they retire.
Summary of weather
With a temperate climate year-round, it’s easy to consider living in Dordogne. Summertime temperatures are known to be hot and can fluctuate anywhere from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. Summer storms are typical and usually occur on hotter days.
Winter weather is cold and crisp but often with blue skies. With the Atlantic coast nearby, temperatures are usually mild, with some cold spells where temperatures can reach below zero degrees and sometimes colder. However, the good news is that they don’t usually last long. There are rainy days, but it’s usually not continuous rain for weeks on end, and snow isn’t expected. The weather is warmer in the south of this region and naturally cooler the closer you’re located to the foothills and mountains.
Spring weather usually brings plenty of rain, with temperatures between 12-16 degrees Celsius in March and April and then warmer temperatures in May and June. Thanks to sufficient rain, the rolling hills are verdant, and there’s an array of prized produce from local farms throughout the seasons.
History and culture of Dordogne
The Perigord region is steeped in history starting in the Paleolithic time, where cave paintings were found showing that prehistoric man lived in 400,000 BC with cave art as evidence. The name Perigord comes from four different tribes that inhabited this region.
During the middle ages, over one thousand castles and country houses were constructed, and the different architectural styles can be seen.
Today, the names of these different groups of people are represented by where they lived. The Green Périgord is known for its green, lush valleys; the White Périgord has meadows and valleys and the city of Perigueux. While Purple Périgord is a vital wine region where the city of Bergerac is located, and Black Périgord is known for the Vezere valley and oak and pine trees.
Many cultural traditions are still preserved and maintained today, such as buying bread at the local boulangerie or meat from the butcher or buying produce directly from the farmer. Giving back to the local economy is an essential way to ensure that traditional and artisanal jobs continue on and are a part of the lifestyle and experience of living in Dordogne.
Dining at a restaurant allows one to sample traditional dishes and taste seasonal gastronomy. Food is an integral part of life in France. In smaller villages and rural areas, what is growing in the fields is offered at the local markets and prepared and served at neighbouring restaurants.