Regional info

 

Dordogne

France

France

The 'Massif Central' is the starting point for two rivers called Dor and Dogne.  These eventually join to become the Dordogne and continue their journey to Bordeaux and, finally, the Atlantic ocean.  The Dordogne river is vast and covers a total surface area of over 24,000 km².  Before the year 1790 this part of France was known as Périgord and was divided into four different regions that were named after colours to highlight the differences in the landscape.  Vert (green) signified the forests; Noir (black) related to dark oak; Blanc (white) came from the white limestone rocks; Pourpre (purple) refered to the wines and vineyards.  Many people still use the old Périgord names today.  There are hundreds of limestone caves, the most popular near Lascaux.  Pre-historic rock paintings were discovered here, one of the oldest signs of civilisation in France. In the Middle Ages the land was conquered and ruled by the British for four centuries.  The Dordogne is now one of the most popular French holiday destinations thanks to its impressive historic cities, caves and beauty. Don't miss out on a canoe ride down the Dordogne, Lot and Vézère rivers as the views are outstanding from this perspective.


 

 

 Camping boeken met zwembad in Frankrijk, Dordogne huur een tent of stacaravan voordelige gezinsvakantie

Typical Dordogne

Coming into Bergerac at the Dordogne river you think about Cyrano de Bergerac, the romantic hero with the pointed nose from the books written by Edmond Rostand. We know Cyrano from the stage play, the musical and the film with Gérard Depardieu in the title role. Though the film story is fake, Hercule Savinien Cyrano de Bergerac was a real person. In the 17th century he wrote science fiction stories about air-travelling and strange adventures. His statue at the Place de la Mirpe in Bergerac is the stage play version. Including the pointed nose.

 

Canoeing is the big top hit here, in a single seated kayak or a family canoe. You can also try a 'Gabare', a replica of the ancient wooden ships that once took freight to Bordeaux. Family trips are the Lascaux and Padirac caves, the artist's village St Cirq-Lapopie and the pilgrims destination Rocamadour which was built up a giant rock. Tip for a weekly market place: the Sarlat one is really cosy.

 

Campsites Dordogne »
Kamperen op camping in Frankrijk, Dordogne betaalbare kampeervakantie in stacaravan of bungalowtent Luxe campingvakantie in Frankrijk, Dordogne huur een stacaravan of bungalowtent bij Vacansoleil