PERIGORD (NOIR) DORDOGNE

Some useful information about the Perigord (Noir) Dordogne

The Dordogne is split-up in 4 areas, being the Perigord Vert, Blanche, Pourpre and Noir. The latter is where we live and work. The name of this area has its origin in the middle ages, when the forests were so dark that hardly any daylight entered through the treetops. Nowadays, wandering through these forests on the medieval hiking trails, you will still get the same impression as more than half of this are is still covered by forests.

In these forests grow the 'black pearls', as they call the Truffles. It is also an area which is sparsely populated, as the number of habitants per square meter is 10 on average (an area of 1 mln sqm), whereas for example in the UK the average is 395..

Some 400,000 years ago, this area was populated by hunters who lived in caves. The oldest prehistoric cave paintings were found in this area, of which the paintings of the Caves of Lascaux are the most famous ones.

The Perigord Noir is also famous for its châteaux: approx. 1000 châteaux can be found in a circle of 100 km from where we live. Two of which are the impressive châteaux Beynac, north of the Dordogne river, and châteaux Castelnaud on the south. In the Hundred Years' War these two castles were true rivals as the castle of Beynac was in French hands and Castelnaud was held by the English, and many blood was shed in those days.

At a distance of approx. 15 kilometres you will find the beautiful medieval town of Sarlat, the capital of the Perigord Noir. Sarlat is the second most visited tourist town in France (after Saint Michel in Normandy), and it certainly deserves a visit: is has a medieval city centre, which has its origin in the 8th century and which is the best preserved medieval city centre. It has a very rich history and once has been part of England: the Cathédrale was built when the English King Henry IV reigned.

In short, it is a breathtaking environment with so many things to see and visit that you will certainly need more than a 2 week holiday. Thus, like many other people do, you will certainly have to come back again!