The Dordogne is part of the Aquitaine region. In 1790, the country was divided into departments which usually were named after the main river. This is the reason this department was named D o r d o g n e .
Before that, this area went by the name Périgord, inhabited by the Gauls, then called Petrocorii.
The county of Périgord, originated in the 11th century, was later admitted to the House of Albret. Under Henry IV the Périgord finally became part of the French Crown.
The landscape of the Périgord-Noir offers its visitors many lovely surprises. Forested plateaus are laced with picturesque valleys, numerous trees and walnut groves in which humans, from prehistoric times until now, have left their traces.
A multitude of caves and homesteads, decorated with ancient art and objects of the first inhabitants, to 1001 castles, fortresses, churches and other historic authentic buildings within 30 minutes drive from Le Noyer Residence waiting to be explored.
Only found in this area the characteristic Périgord building style, using local materials as the yellow stone and slate roofing. Indeed a rich heritage of this beautiful part of France.
The Périgord Noir (Black Perigord) with its main rivers, the Dordogne and Vézère, owes its name due to the oak forests with black trunks and dense dark foliage.
The region produces various crops, which are grown on rich silt soils along the rivers on sunny slopes. Sprawling tobacco fields, grains, nut groves, cherry, peach, apple and pear trees. Endless juicy sweet strawberry and raspberry fields. Pheasant-, duck- and goose farms, where you’re always welcome for a visit, information and a bit of tasting.
A tickle for your palates will be a visit to one of the old inns, farms and local restaurants.
Your hosts will gladly assist you in finding the best places to enjoy the local fine kitchen.
In local markets throughout the region you will find deliciously fresh fruits, season’s vegetables, walnuts, mushrooms, truffles, foie gras, cheeses, sausages and pates. Small biological vineyards offer their organically produced wines.
One should not forget to visit one of the numerous antique-, book- and flea markets, to explore the richness of all the mediaval villages or towns such as: Sarlat, Beynac, Domme, Belvès, Perigueux, Monpazier and others.
Even Le Bugue offers various touristic sites: the Caverne Bara Bahau, the oldest discovered cave art, the famous Gouffre de Proumeyssac, known as the Crystal Cave with an impressive sound and light show, a fossil museum, the open-air museum Village Le Bournat, and the beautiful freshwater aquarium, being
one of the best in France.
For athletes, a range of possibilities:
- Numerous and diverse routes for trekking, cycling or mountain biking.
- Golf, tennis, horse riding.
- Motocross, karting, horse riding.
- Balloon or tourist plane flights.
- Fishing, canoeing and boat trips.
- Driving directions to sleepy villages, castles, parks and gardens and attractions.