Ten Reasons to Buy Property in the Dordogne and Périgord

Named after the river that runs through its heart, the Dordogne is one of France’s most picturesque regions. Part of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, it sits midway between the Loire Valley to the north and the Pyrénées to the south. Its landscape is incredibly varied, featuring everything from lush green valleys to stretches of limestone plateaux.

With its warm year-round climate and laid-back pace of life, it’s easy to see why the Dordogne is popular with British expats, as well as holiday and second-home owners. It has even earned the nickname Dordogneshire because so many Brits live there. 

So here are our top ten reasons why you should consider buying in the Dordogne:

Ten Reasons to Buy a Home in Dordogne

The Dordogne River

Naturally, the Dordogne River is at the heart of this beautiful region, and the views along it are unparalleled. The riverbanks are lined with charming towns, such as Sarlat, Argentat, and Bergerac, steeped in history and surrounded by verdant fields and rolling hills.

Water Sports and Caves

Activities on the River Dordogne are a real draw for tourists and locals alike – and canoeing is undoubtedly the best way to see the beautiful scenery. Among the most popular attractions in the Dordogne are the caves and prehistoric features of the Vezere Valley.

For families, attractions such as the Prehistologia park will provide hours of entertainment, and the perched village of Rocamadour is a must-see.

History and Culture

Périgueux, the prefecture, has the remains of a Roman amphitheatre, villa and temple, along with a stunning cathedral. Visit Duras, the historic commune from which novelist Marguerite Duras took her name, or Eymet, founded in the 13^th century to help the defence strategy against the English.

Ease of Access

On the western fringes of the Dordogne, you’re just a few miles from the vibrant city of Bordeaux with all its cultural attractions, and less than 90 minutes away from the west coast. Access from the UK is easy via Bergerac from several British airports, or fly to the larger and busier Bordeaux.

The Dordogne Climate

The Dordogne department enjoys a temperate climate, shaped by a unique mix of oceanic and continental influences. Sheltered from the Atlantic winds by the Massif Central, the region enjoys warm summers, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, perfect for exploring its lush river valleys, prehistoric caves and medieval villages.

Winters are mild, with temperatures rarely dropping below 0°C, making it ideal for discovering the area’s history and culinary delights, such as truffles and foie gras, year-round.

3-Day Weather Forecast for Périgueux

The weather widget for Périgueux below provides a 3-day outlook with weather icons, temperatures, and wind speeds. This makes it simple to organise your itinerary, whether you are touring the Saint-Front Cathedral, browsing the Marché des Lices, or venturing into the surrounding Périgord countryside.

Food, Drinks, and Specialities

Foodies love the Dordogne: foie gras, duck, goose, cep mushrooms and walnuts are among the area’s most famous products. If you’ve never tried truffles before, this is the perfect place to start, as they’re a Dordogne speciality. Combined with local wines, the cuisine here is quite rich. As with much of France, the best restaurants are off the beaten track.

Old Market Towns

To the north, the ‘Périgord Vert’ region, near the Périgord-Limousin National Park, offers a particularly appealing setting, with towns such as Nontron among its highlights. Ribérac remains a quiet yet inviting destination, and Verteillac, with a population of less than 1,000, offers a range of local amenities.

To the south, Castillonnes is a beautiful, traditional French town, while Figeac is a must-see destination that combines modern convenience with historic buildings dating back to the 9^th century.

Thriving Cultural Life

Beyond its rich history, the Dordogne has a vibrant cultural life, with numerous annual festivals. Celebrate nature in Nontron each March, or enjoy artistic events in Bergerac throughout late spring, including the famous jazz festival in May.

Summer is filled with celebrations of music, performance, and more, and the calendar stays busy through the end of the year, including the high-profile Sarlat Film Festival in November.

Dordogneshire

There’s no better way to appreciate French life than to immerse yourself in it – but sometimes, knowing others who have been there for a while can really help.

The large British population in this area can help newcomers find their way around in the early weeks and months, sharing local knowledge gained over years of living in the community. 

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