One of the most beautiful rivers in France, the Dordogne, has given its name to an entire “département” known by expats as Dordogne, but to the French as Périgord. Dense forests of tall oak trees give rise to Perigord Noir, while the River Isle and the capital of the region, Perigueux, are known as Perigord Blanc, because of the extensive limestone plateaux found in the area.  Perigord Poupre relates to the extensive vineyards around Bergerac and Perigord Vert gets its name from the lush woodlands, pastures and numerous rivers and streams coursing through it. 

The Dordogne is home to a preponderance of ruins, castles and chateaux, many of which are open to visitors.  There are also cave fortresses with ancient paintings and stone huts, and charming old villages that have been restored to their former glory.

The Dordogne has captured the fancy of thousands of British expats who have undertaken the renovation of many of the area’s ruined properties.  The village of Eymat is home to a large influx of British, many of whom have stood for Council positions. Sarlat, another typically French village with a medieval flavor, has seen its own revival and now expats from North America are being drawn into its enchanting spell.  The advantage of the British invasion is that if your French is rusty, you can easily find someone who will understand English.  And services abound for the English-speaking.  That doesn’t diminish your responsibility to learn French, but it does help in everyday living!

Living in the Dordogne is taken seriously by the newly relocated.  They adjust to the pace of life, work hard to restore their homes, and find that the quality of life far surpasses that which they left behind.  The area provides easy access to the Bordeaux Valley, the resorts of Biarritz, and Spain, San Sebastian and the Basque Country. Day-trips often lead to explorations that astound and a drive in the country will become a rite that is practiced with great frequency.

The Dordogne is landlocked but dotted with rivers and lakes that promote water sports.  Canoeing is popular, as well as fishing, or just spending a lazy day on the riverbank working your way through a hamper stuffed with cheeses, ham, bread and wine!