looking forwards.....and back!
Dordogne - the facts!
I have to confess that the first time we visited the Dordogne (a May
weekend to celebrate our silver wedding anniversary which ended with us
having decided to live here) I could have written what I knew about the
department on my little finger nail!
For those of you thinking of a visit (or just storing information for the next pub quiz).................did you know?
The department of Dordogne is one of the101 French departments and is part of the New Aquitaine region in south west France.
It corresponds approximately to the old area of the Périgord and still known locally by this name! (You will see and hear things related to the area being described as 'Perigordine'.)
It is the third largest metropolitan department with 9 060 km², and its population is 416,350 (2014). The departments in France are numbered, alphabetically, with the Dordogne being
24 and its prefecture or administrative centre is Perigueux.
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The Perigord 'Vert' (green) to the north is so called after it's open fields and woods; Perigord 'Blanc' (white), around the main town of Perigueux, after the chalky soil whilst the Perigord Pourpre (purple) is named after the grapes/wine produced around the Bergerac area. The Perigord 'Noir'- we are located between Les Eyzies and Beynac on the map, gets it's name from the dark oak forests (I have been told that it's also because of the black truffles found in the area)!
The Perigord/Dordogne must be counted as one of the most attractive departments of France, with little in the way of big industry and some lovely architecture: it's no surprise to find that several of France's prettiest villages can be found here! The greatest concentration of tourist attractions and sites to visit can be found in the Perigord Noir. In fact the National Geographic magazine named the Périgord/Dordogne as one of their best places to visit in 2019:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/features/best-trips-2019/
One of the events discussed in their article was the Felibree which is an annual event celebrating Occitan language and culture, held in our local town of st. Cyprien in 2018. Groups in all of the surrounding villages got together to help: I was lucky to be in the position of being able to join in with being one of the Meyrals 'flower-making ladies': it taught me a new skill as well as giving me a French lesson each Monday afternoon for several weeks! The majority of the flowers have now been taken down but I'm happy to report that the major arch of wisteria style flowers are still decorating the main street, Rue Gambetta.
1.Visitors and performers enjoying a shady spot....
2. Rue gambetta (where the weekly market is held)
3.Flowers in all side streets
4. Lacemakers in traditional dress
5. More flowers....
6. Local musicians
The Perigord/Dordogne must be counted as one of the most attractive departments of France, with little in the way of big industry and some lovely architecture: it's no surprise to find that several of France's prettiest villages can be found here! The greatest concentration of tourist attractions and sites to visit can be found in the Perigord Noir. In fact the National Geographic magazine named the Périgord/Dordogne as one of their best places to visit in 2019:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/features/best-trips-2019/
One of the events discussed in their article was the Felibree which is an annual event celebrating Occitan language and culture, held in our local town of st. Cyprien in 2018. Groups in all of the surrounding villages got together to help: I was lucky to be in the position of being able to join in with being one of the Meyrals 'flower-making ladies': it taught me a new skill as well as giving me a French lesson each Monday afternoon for several weeks! The majority of the flowers have now been taken down but I'm happy to report that the major arch of wisteria style flowers are still decorating the main street, Rue Gambetta.
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1.Visitors and performers enjoying a shady spot....
2. Rue gambetta (where the weekly market is held)
3.Flowers in all side streets
4. Lacemakers in traditional dress
5. More flowers....
6. Local musicians
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The felibree festival is being held in Perigueux in 2019.....but there are pleny of other fetes and events in the Perigord Noir to keep everyone happy this summer!
More facts from the Perigord:
The Périgord region of France has one of the lowest rates of heart disease – by some estimates it has the second-lowest rate in the world. The cholesterol-lowering properties of the walnut, which play a large role in local cuisine, certainly help to play a part in this. The walnut is also rich in fibre and antioxidants, high in protein, and filled with healthy minerals like magnesium, iron, and potassium!
You will see walnut groves all around the Perigord noir - including opposite Le Jardin des Amis, providing an income for many local farmers.
Come to Meyrals market any summer thursday morning and you will be able to see locally produced walnut oil being pressed - and have a 'degustation' (tasting).
Our own few trees provide 3 dustbins-full each year: here they are out drying in the sun before being stored. (Meg the dog is also rather partial to a walnut or two).
We always have a bowl of home-grown walnuts sitting on our bar in the summer for our guests to enjoy- the perfect accompaniement to a nice glass of Bergerac wine!
Despite Bergerac being one of the less well known wine areas of France, it has over 30,000 acres of planted vineyards and produces a range of red and white wines. One of the most celebrated is the Monbazillac sweet white wine which is often served as an accompniement to the local foie gras!
Although wine prices have increased since we arrived here in 2007, it is still possible to find low priced and extremely drinkable wine - take a big container and buy it 'en vrac' i.e. not bottled if you're feeling really thirsty.
Feeling tempted to find out more yourself? We can offer you reasonably priced and comfortable accommodation situated in a great location, so why not book your holiday now!
