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Dordogne-Périgord...
...The cradle of Art and Humanity
Southwest of France, in the region of Aquitaine, the Dordogne-Périgord is the ideal destination for those attracted by culture and discovery. In this part of France, the landscape is so diverse, it is difficult not to be impressed.
This medley of different shades of nature divides the Périgord into four regional colours:
The Périgord Noir (Black) in the southeast, where the landscape is characterized by the oak forests of the Sarlat region.
The Périgord Vert (Green) in the north, where the "Périgord Limousin Regional National Park" stretches out its green vegetation.
The Périgord Blanc (White), in the central part of the region, is distinguished by its limestone hills and its chalky earth.
And finally, the Périgord Pourpre (Crimson/Purple) in the southwest represents the wine, in this region of the
vineyards.
The Périgord vert
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It is called "Périgord vert" because of its green vegetation. It extends over the northern part of Périgord between the towns of Lanouaille and Roche-Chalais, and counts among its towns Nontron, Brantôme, Bourdeillles and Riberac.
This land is also rich with its rivers La Dronne, Le Bandiat, and the northern parts of the rivers Isle and Auvézère. |
This area is the countryside of "Val de Dronne", and the regional natural park of the Périgord Limousin.
Situated at the south of Limousin region and the north crescent of the Dordogne, this park was created in 1998 for the preservation of landscape and historic environment.
Whether you are on foot, on a bicycle or on horseback, the park offers a unique space of discovery through the high valleys of Isle and Auvézère. With its mild and relaxing atmosphere, this park is the ideal place for lovers of tranquility and relaxation.
It also offers the opportunity to discover many the marvels it contains such as its churches, fortresses, chestnut forests, valleys and the lakes of Bussière-Galant and Saint-Estèphe. The chestnut tree is present everywhere. It is part of the local culture and economy.
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For the nature lovers, there is a lot to do and see on foot or on the back of a horse or on a bike. The rivers offer boat trips, and water sports like canoeing and kayaking, fishing. And for the amateurs of climbing, the cliffs of Paussac-Saint-Vivien in Riberac is the place to be.
Nature and landscape is not the only interests of the region, the castles, churches, grottos and museums are very much part of the heritage.
In Brantôme, "the Venice of Périgord", it is worth seeing the Benedictine Abbey which Charlemagne built to depose the relics of Saint-Sicaire, and in
Verteillac the medieval churches, mostly Romanesque with their famous domes.
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Among the castles, the Château de la Vassaldie in Verteillac, with its exterior intact was built at end of the 17th century by a branch of the Vassal family.
In this town there are also the Château de Jovelle à la Tour Blanche and the Château de Saint Martial de Viveyrols. |
There are a few more interesting castles in Thiviers, such as the Château de Vaucocourt (16th century), Banceuil, La Fifolie and Razac.
Thiviers is also famous for its handicraft of earthenware/crockery. Whereas Nontron is known for its Cutlery, the knives with their boxwood handles. Varaignes however, is the cradle of the "Charentaise" slippers and of weaving.
The Atelier-Musée des Tisserands et de la Charentaise, in a renaissance château, demonstrates the history of the textile activity in the Périgord.
For further information:
| Comité Départemental du Tourisme de la Dordogne |
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25, rue Wilson - BP 2063
F - 24002 PERIGUEUX CEDEX
Tel.:
Tel.:
E-mail: Dordogne-Périgord
Internet: Périgord
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