Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions of France, the Dordogne offers spectacular scenery, plenty of visitor attractions and endless opportunity to explore the great outdoors. The rolling countryside is dotted with wonderfully old world towns and villages, pretty fruit and olive groves, historic buildings and delightful cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy delicious traditional cuisine.

A Travel Guide to the Dordogne

Hiring a car makes it easy to explore this verdant region of France and with a wide choice of self-catering accommodation available you can choose your own style of property. You will need more than a week or so to find your way around and explore the region´s many towns and attractions, but whatever time you spend it makes for a wonderfully relaxing holiday.

While temperatures can soar in the height of summer - from July to August - the region is generally pleasantly warm from March through to June and from late September through to early November.

The region is a favourite destination for outdoor types and adventure sports enthusiasts - the many rivers of the Dordogne are perfect terrain for swimming, canoeing and kayaking; while there are caves for exploring and steep rugged rocks for climbing and abseiling. Horse riding, mountain biking are also popular activities among visitors to the Dordogne and there´s no end of opportunity for countryside walks and picnics.

The towns and villages of the Dordogne are a joy to visit and those who visit the region outside of the peak summer season will find a wonderfully slow pace of life in the markets, restaurants and sleepy village squares. One key spot to visit is Domme - a historic walled town that sits high on a riverside. Here visitors will find not only picturesque old cobbled streets and squares, but also dramatic caves and handsome historic buildings.

Foodie types and wine buffs will be in their element during a break in the Dordogne, with copious places to eat delicious local dishes. From smart formal restaurants to rustic countryside cafes, eating out in the Dordogne is always an experience. Truffles, walnuts, duck, goose and even foie gras are widely consumed in the area and the markets are a riot of colourful fruits, vegetables and other local produce.

Wine lovers can enjoy the fruits of Bergerac and Bordeaux vineyards, famous the world over. Tours of the wine growing regions are increasingly popular, although those hiring a car will need to take it easy on the samples!

To begin planning your own trip to the Dordogne, visit