Dordogne

Location

Dordogne is located in Aquitaine. This region of South-West France is one of the most beautiful and popular regions of the country.

History of Sarlat, one of Dordogne's main cities

Capital of Black Périgord, Sarlat is an exceptionally preserved city. More than 1.000 years of architecture live through lanes, roofs of roofing stones and fair and hot stone walls. Sarlat became a city at the 8th century. Border between Kings of France and of during the Hundred Year War, it became English later in 1360 then released ten years by Du Guesclin. The cathedral of Saint-Sacerdos was set up under Henri IV. From the 18th century, Sarlat snooze during 150 years before becoming again thrives with the arrival of the railroad. The exceptional number of buildings registered or classified as historical makes of Sarlat the first European city in term of inheritance. Sarlat is for a long time the natural decor for many movies.

Climate

Dordogne enjoys a temperate climate, which includes hot summers.

Geography

The town of Sarlat is in a region known in as the Périgord Noir (the Black Perigord, as opposed to the Green Perigord, the White Perigord, and the Purple Perigord). It is located inland in the south-west of .

Economy

It's the 6th largest economic region of France and the 3rd largest French county with a tradition of "good living". Dordogne has a steadily increasing capital growth, sign of the dynamism of the region.

• Agriculture : Some of the agricultural commodities include tobacco, corn, hay, walnuts, walnut oil, cheeses, wine, cepes (wild mushrooms) and truffles.
• Tourism : Numerous visitors -- especially from Northern Europe (the UK, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, etc.) -- come on vacation to Sarlat and the lovely region surrounding it and some have settled here permanently. The months of July and August are traditionally the haute saison (high season) for visitors. Castles, forests, medieval villages, unspoilt countries are just some of the reasons why the region has been attracting visitors for many years.
  
• “Foie gras” : There are several large foie gras factories as well as a number of small producers of geese and ducks in the region that make foie gras and other cherished products (confits, pâté, etc.) from these birds.
• Industry: Dordogne benefits from a wide range of dynamic SME as well as larger industrial companies also encompassing a strong international presence.
  

Attractions

• Les Jardins De L’Imaginaire
• Chateau De Hautefort
• Parc Prehistorique Prehistologia
• Les grottes De La Cave

Nearest activities (sea, ski, other major cities)

• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Hot air balloon rides
• Local country club
• Adventure centre ( parc acrobatique en hauteur)
• Pleasure plane trips and flying lessons
• Boat trip ( Gabares Norbert)

Culture

It is a cultural centre and, like Périgueux, offers its visitors many festivals and concerts during the Summer months. Sarlat, a jewel of its kind, offers such a treasure of medieval and renaissance architecture that it is often used in the making of films. Not to be missed is the house of Etienne de La Boétie, a great philosopher and friend of Michel de Montaigne