During the French Revolution, the province of Périgord became known as the Dordogne after the river which runs through it to join the Atlantic Ocean near Bordeaux. Its capital is Périgueux. Historic villages in the vicinity include Les Eyzies, Montignac (site of the famous Lascaux caves), Domme and La Roque Gageac. It also features the picturesque towns of Sarlat and Rocamadour and a number of castles. The area abounds in excellent restaurants.

The Dordogne region is near enough to the Atlantic Ocean to benefit from its temperate influence in winter without the disadvantage of its fogs. The landscape is varied, with rocks and torrents, lakes, leafy forests, gentle hills and rolling plains, rugged stony ground and lush farmlands in the lower Dordogne.

Bordeaux is a 2 hour drive; Sarlat 45 minutes; Perigueux, 40 minutes; Bergerac 25 minutes; LeBugue, 20 minutes; Lalinde, 15 minutes.