Dordogne & the Lot

The Dordogne takes you by surprise. Green and calm and quiet, at first glance it seems just another corner of rural France designed for good food, fine wine and easy living. Then you notice that it holds humanity's first great works of art, provocative paintings on the walls of its caves that go back over 15,000 years BC. It's been a busy crossroads ever since. The 'land of a thousand castles' has cinematic medieval donjons and turreted Renaissance châteaux to rival those of the Loire.  A dramatic history hasn't kept the Dordogne from polishing the arts of everyday life. There's an inviting cuisine based on duck, foie gras and truffles, and lovely villages of warm golden stone that complement some of France's most civilized landscapes.

If you're heading to the Dordogne, Footprint's full colour travel guide to this beautiful region is an must have. Packed with information to help you plan your visit and insights to ensure you get the most out of your stay. This guide also includes a Popout map, making it the perfect accompaniment for exploring this part of southwest France.

The Dordogne takes you by surprise. Green and calm and quiet, at first glance it seems just another corner of rural France designed for good food, fine wine and easy living. Then you notice that it holds humanity's first great works of art, provocative paintings on the walls of its caves that go back over 15,000 years BC. It's been a busy crossroads ever since. The 'land of a thousand castles' has cinematic medieval donjons and turreted Renaissance châteaux to rival those of the Loire.  A dramatic history hasn't kept the Dordogne from polishing the arts of everyday life. There's an inviting cuisine based on duck, foie gras and truffles, and lovely villages of warm golden stone that complement some of France's most civilized landscapes.