The Dordogne is located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in the south of France. It is named after the Dordogne River, which runs through the department. The landscape varies from the rolling hills of the Périgord region to the dense forests and limestone cliffs in the Dordogne Valley.

Historic and Cultural significance

Prehistoric Sites: The Dordogne is often referred to as the “Cradle of Prehistory” due to its wealth of prehistoric caves and sites, most notably the Lascaux Caves. These caves contain some of the most famous examples of prehistoric cave paintings.

Medieval Castles: The region is home to numerous castles, such as Château de Castelnaud and Château de Beynac, which tell the stories of medieval France and the Hundred Years’ War.

Villages and Towns: The Dordogne is dotted with charming medieval towns and villages, many of which are classified as “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” (The Most Beautiful Villages of France). Some notable ones include Sarlat-la-Canéda, Domme, La Roque-Gageac, and Saint-Amand-de-Coly.

The climate in the Dordogne is classified as temperate, with mild winters and warm summers. The region enjoys lots of sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities and vineyard visits.

The Dordogne has several wine-growing regions, such as Bergerac, which produces wines similar to those from Bordeaux. The local vineyards produce a wide variety of wines, including red, white, and rosé. Monbazillac is famous for its sweet white wines made from botrytized grapes.