The Dordogne is in the south west corner of France. The region (or 'départment') is usually thought of in four distinct areas: the Périgord Vert (Green Périgord), the Périgord Pourpre (Purple Périgord), the Périgord Blanc (White Périgord) and the Périgord Noir (Black Périgord). The regions are named after characteristics of the area. The Green Périgord reflects the lush verdant valleys in the North of the region and it's principal town is Nontron. The Purple Périgord is named after the vineyards in the South of the region and it's principal town is Bergerac. The White Périgord is named after the limestone plateau that runs across the centre of the region from east to west. It's principal town is Périgueux (which is also the capital of the Dordogne region as a whole). Finally, the Black Périgord is named after the black oak forests that abound on the eastern side of the region (south from Hautefort). Though it is also said that the area is named after the truffle - otherwise known as the 'black diamond'. The principal town of the Black Périgord is Sarlat-le-Caneda, usually shortened to simply Sarlat.
The above map shows the major towns but the image to the left shows the four distinct areas of the department.
Le Baradis is on the edge of the Périgord Noir and Blanc (see star on the map). The house is in a perfect position to visit many of the most beautiful areas of the Dordogne. We are also an easy day trip away from the départments of the Lot and the Haute Vienne - which both have some exceedingly pretty villages.
The Dordogne is famous for having more chateaux than any other region of France: 1001, the legend says! The most famous of these have been listed in the suggested Day's Out. It is also home to prehistoric man and to some of the best prehistoric sites you are likely to see from spectaular cave paintings to cave dwellings. As well as stunning scenery and a huge choice of outdoor pursuits, the Dordogne has 33 of the 300 villages that have been given the prestigious title of 'Le Plus Beaux Villages de France'. A significant proportion of the gastronomic produce of France is sourced from the region; foie gras, walnuts, truffles, duck, goose, wines, strawberries, apples. All towns and many villages have a regular market - but be sure to arrive early. Markets in France finish at 12 noon!
The Dordogne tourist office produce an annual brochure on the region which can be downloaded in sections (pdf format) from their website.