Find your new life
Dordogne, also known as Périgord, is increasingly attracting French and foreigners in search of a sweeter and more rural life. But what is it that appeals so much about this small region in the southwest of France? Between historical heritage, gastronomy, and the art of living, discover an authentic and charming France.
The name Périgord dates back to Roman times, when France was still divided into counties. Transformed into a department and renamed Dordogne after the French Revolution, this little piece of France still kept the name Périgord, for two reasons: geographically, the department is divided into 4 regions that still bear the name Périgord (Blanc, Noir, Vert, and Pourpre) but above all because this appellation is full of symbolism! The word Périgord now refers to the terroir, fresh truffles, good wine... in short, a way of life specific to the Southwest. It is the word chosen to evoke the "good living" side of the department, which adds to its charm and anchors it in well-established French traditions.
History is essential in Dordogne! One of the major attractions of the region is precisely its medieval villages, hilltop fortified towns, prehistoric caves, streets full of stories, and ancestral castles.
Despite Viking invasions, wars, and time, the region has managed to keep an almost intact heritage, with prehistoric and medieval vestiges that make the region proud.
From a stroll in the village of Sarlat-la-Canéda, the medieval gem, to a visit to the Lascaux caves, a unique prehistoric heritage in the world. From a tour of Limeuil, an ancient trading port, to the discovery of Domme, a bastide perched on top of a cliff, Dordogne delights locals and tourists passionate about history and architecture.
Moving to Dordogne means surrounding oneself with a rich and preserved heritage that plunges us directly into the heart of French history.
If gastronomy and the culture of "good living" are national qualities, in Périgord they take on a special dimension: here, local products are among the most luxurious in the country! Truffles, foie gras, caviar, duck, game, snails, cep mushrooms... are the pride of the local producers, who will not fail to make you discover their exceptional products. Top chefs are increasingly establishing themselves in the region to open renowned gourmet restaurants.
For wine lovers, this is the region to go to! If it's the love of wine and wine culture that attracts you, you will be seduced by Périgord Pourpre, named after the color of the vines in autumn. Apart from the famous Monbazillac, the region offers surprising wines and liqueurs: walnut wine, chestnut liqueur, to be enjoyed without moderation.
Gastronomy here is an institution, an art, that seduces all who venture into the region!
In addition to the numerous museums in the region, towns and villages organize music festivals every year that honor classical music, such as:
If the South of France inspires scorching sun, know that this is not the case in Dordogne. No worries, the sun is more present here than in the North, but rain often visits the region and it's far from being a flaw: it makes the landscapes even more beautiful! When leaving the villages, we are immediately drawn into an omnipresence of green: the hills, the valleys, the forests, the vineyards... From light green to dark green, we are immersed in lush and rich nature.
Between the Dordogne Valley (listed!), the river, the cliffs and their villages, built on crests or slopes, the vineyards as far as the eye can see, the landscapes here are as diverse as they are spectacular.
Cycling, hiking, canoeing, horseback riding, golf... Dordogne offers plenty of activities for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Each trail offers a spectacular view of the green valleys, medieval fortresses, troglodyte villages... If you like water sports, know that the river (which gives its name to the region) is among the purest waters in Europe!
And if you want to mix culture and nature, or nature and gastronomy, don't hesitate to take a bike ride in the valley of the castles of Périgord Noir, or set off on the wine route in Périgord Pourpre!
The landscapes, the towns, the gastronomy... all these qualities specific to Dordogne attract many French people, but also many Europeans in search of sunshine and a better quality of life. There is also a big English-speaking community, the British being particularly fond of this "so French" region where life is good.
Dordogne is particularly accessible for the English, but also for the Belgians and the Dutch, as Bergerac airport regularly offers flights to London, Southampton, Bristol, but also Rotterdam and Brussels. This accessibility also allows those who wish to live and work in Dordogne: between Bergerac airport and the Périgueux TGV station, the region is well served and provides easy access to major cities in France (such as Bordeaux, 1h20 or Paris 3h30!)
In addition to all the aforementioned advantages, Dordogne has a major advantage: unlike the neighboring Bordeaux region, real estate prices here remain very affordable!
Whether you want to live in a stone house, a castle, or even invest in a vineyard, the region offers plenty of options at all price ranges.
Are you looking for where to live in Dordogne? Don't hesitate to look at the listings of houses for sale, it will give you a first glimpse of the local real estate! Why live in Dordogne? It is a department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine that is full of quality, with a peaceful pace of life, sublime landscapes, fine gastronomy, outdoor activities, and a choice of houses at affordable prices. Here, you rediscover the pleasure of hiking, wine and foie gras tastings, family gatherings by the pool or by the fire, all in a calm and secure environment!
