The department of Dordogne, in the region of Aquitaine is situated in the south west of France. The department lies sandwiched between the Loire Valley and the High Pyrenees and is sometimes referred to by its older name of Perigord. An area with fantastic countryside, amazing food and wine, a rich history and stunning architecture, owning Dordogne property as a holiday home is an honour.

Beautiful landscapes, over a thousand historic castles, charming golden stone built houses, prehistoric cave paintings and ancient forests are just some of the attractions of the Dordogne area.

Although the department has historically seen many battles over the years, Dordogne is a wonderful, peaceful place where visitors and residents enjoy a calm and easy going lifestyle, quiet roads, lots of space and a sense of tranquility. With just 43 people per square kilometre, it’s easy to see why. With mild winters and summer temperatures around 7 degrees centigrade higher than in the UK, Dordogne enjoys 4 clearly defined seasons, but doesn’t suffer any extremes of temperature.

The Dordogne is famous for its food: walnuts, strawberries, the Perigord black truffle, foie gras, pates and duck dishes from the area are highly regarded by French natives.

Dordogne is a diverse department with four areas each with their own defining features, named after colours and the old name of Dordogne, Perigord. The Green Perigord is the first of these. Situated in the northern part of Dordogne, this region is known for its outstanding natural beauty with stunning woodlands and green valleys interlaced by hundreds of small, sparkling streams draining down from the foothills of the Pyrenees. The Perigord-Limousin National Park is here.

In central Dordogne is the White Perigord area, so called because of the limestone plateaus on which it sits. Beautiful countryside with forests, lakes and green valleys form this part of Dordogne. Perigueux, the capital of the department is here, with its historic cathedral and roman fortifications.

The Purple Perigord in the south west is so named due to it being the seat of the area’s wine region. Hundreds of vineyards are scattered through this area, with Bergerac being the hub. Bergerac also hosts one of the department’s airports. The French and English both built many castles and fortified stone built towns in this area during the Hundred Years War.

With its world renowned thirty thousand year old prehistoric cave paintings, breathtaking scenery, hundreds of castles, amazing architecture, ancient forests and deep valleys, the Black Perigord area of south east Dordogne is possibly the most well known and popular part of the department.

Many Europeans buy property in the Dordogne department and the area also attracts almost two million each year. With properties to suit all budgets, with properties ranging from historic castles and houses to wooden holiday homes on dedicated parks. There are several agencies to aid foreign buyers with finding a Dordogne property and going through the process of purchase.

So an amazing location, popular with tourists, with good access from the UK, plenty of outdoor activities and attractions, an unspoilt and tranquil part of Southern France: Dordogne is a perfect place to own a holiday property.

It is very clear that the Dordogne region of France cannot be beaten. Why don’t you have a look at a selection of Dordogne Property and dream about that perfect holiday hideaway? The website of MCM Dordogne Property: www.riberacproperty.com has an extensive selection of properties available just waiting to tempt you into satisfying the dream.