Perigord Touring Tips -
Must see destination
for scenery and gastronomy

Perigord touring should be high on the list for self-driving travellers in France.  Périgord is equal in popularity as the Provence region as a “must see” destination. Many travellers return time and again for the character, food and beauty of the area.





For gastronomes, Périgord (Dordogne region) is synonymous with the truffle, goose and duck foie gras (although the latter is also produced in Alsace) and other duck products such as confit and magret. Perigord is also the origin of the famous Périgord strawberry (once you have smelled and tasted them, you will never forget them!)

For connoisseurs of alcoholic beverages, Périgord includes wines of the Bergerac region such as the famous Monbazillac (an accompaniment which can be enjoyed with local foie gras), Côtes de Bergerac and Montravel.


Find more images of Perigord at Scenic Perigord Touring - Photo Gallery

Périgord region is composed of 4 colour zones:








Périgord noir (Black Périgord)
in the south-east – the name is derived from the predominance of the black truffles and their black oak hosts in the area. Also, refers to the dark forests and walnut and hazelnut trees found here.

The area is rich in examples of prehistory, especially around Les Eyzies-de-Tayac - the capital of prehistory. The famous French town of Sarlat-la-Canéda is found in this region too, as are the caves of Lascaux (the original, Lascaux I, isn't open to the public, but the impressive subterranean replica, Lascaux II, was designed to provide a near authentic experience).

Périgord Vert (Green Périgord) in the North – due to the large number of green fields and meadows and the vast regional forest in this area. The main town of Green Perigord, Nontron, is located here.


Périgord Blanc (White Périgord) in the centre – The “white” relating to the abundance of limestone in the region. The limestone cliffs were carved out by ancient man for troglodyte dwellings. The town of Périgueux is found here as is the famous and interesting example of troglodyte life at La Roque St-Christophe.

Périgord Pourpre (Purple Périgord) in the south-west – The purple and red hues are said to refer to the proliferation of wine that is grown here which is enhanced by the colour of the grapevine leaves in autumn. The famous, juicy, red Périgord strawberries may also have something to do with it. This region includes the town of Bergerac and the famous winery at Château de Montbazillac.



If you are travelling from Paris, Perigord touring is best achieved by catching TGV to Angoulême (Bordeaux line) or Bordeaux, depending on which direction you want to access it from:

From Angoulême (Bordeaux line), hire a car here and experience Perigord via the Vert (Green) north. From this direction you will encounter the town of Perigueux. You can then make your way through to the White centre and then head south on to Toulouse or do a loop and head back towards Bordeaux via Cahors. In Bordeaux you can catch the TGV back to Paris, or

from Bordeaux, hire a car and reach Perigord via Bergerac then loop back to Bordeaux via Montauban or Cahor...




Visit Perigord's gem - the town of Sarlat

Scenic Perigord Touring Images

Return from Perigord Touring to Homepage