Dordogne is the third-largest department of metropolitan France, as well as the largest landlocked department in the country. In total area, it is larger than Cyprus and smaller than Cape Verde.
Château de Beynac is a true gem of Dordogne! From the height of the castle, you get a wonderful view of the Dordogne River valley — the peaceful river, green banks, and picturesque villages.
To reach the Dordogne Valley, you can fly into Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport, which is the closest major airport to the region. From there, you can rent a car and drive east to the picturesque Dordogne Valley. Bordeaux to the Dordogne Valley is approximately a 2 to 2.5-hour drive, depending on your specific destination within the Dordogne region.
What and where is the Dordogne? A guide to the Dordogne river valley
Discover the heart of France with our Top 10 must-dos in the Dordogne Valley. Immerse yourself in a region where every moment is a treasure, from exploring prehistoric caves to tasting the local gastronomy.
An area of natural beauty, rolling hills, old villages, castles and small country towns that are ripe to be explored and enjoyed by all who pass through or visit. The heart of the Dordogne is centred around the city and prefecture of Perogueux.
The Dordogne – referred to as the Périgord by the French – is located in South West France and is made up of 4 different sub-regions: the Périgord noir (highest concentration of tourist sites), the Périgord pourpre (think ‘wine’), the Périgord vert (nature) and the Périgord blanc (chalky limestone).
Delicious food, beautiful natural valleys, famous castles, exquisite gardens, some of France’s most beautiful small towns, outdoor activities in abundance, and prehistoric discoveries – those are just some of the reasons to visit Dordogne.