Dordogne

La Dordogne is a French region filled with spectacular natural sceneries, picturesque villages and lovely country lanes. There are more than 150 prehistoric sites along the Vézère river alone, including Lascaux Grottes and lots of engravings, sculptures, dwellings, shelters etc. In places like the Village Troglodytique de la Madeleine there are impressive signs that man has lived in for more than 50,000 years. Idyllic villages such as Beynac, Sarlat, La Roque-Gageac, Domme and Belvès hold magnificent architecture from medieval and Renaissance times and lovely old towns with ochre sandstone buildings. The region is also filled with castles (such as Castelnaud and Chateau de Beyna) that are opened for public visitors displaying unique private collections. The diversity of nature of this beautiful area is also reflected on its cuisine, with lots of mushrooms and truffles. But you can certainly expect many dishes made of ducks and geese (there is foie gras everywhere) and desserts, wine and liqueurs made of walnuts. Canoeing and kayaking on the rivers are popular sports, as well as romantic or family picnics on the riverbanks, admiring castles.