Dordogne departement

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The code number for Dordogne is 24

Located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, the department of Dordogne is situated in the southwest of France. It takes its name from the river that flows through it, the Dordogne.

Some history of the Dordogne

The Gauls fought off the Romans for a number of years, but this southwest region finally fell to the hands of Roman Empire in 51 BC.

Eleanor, the Duchess of Aquitaine and Countess of Poitiers, effectively ruled over an area spanning from the Dordogne to the Pyrénées after her marriage to Henry of Anjou. After Henry of Anjou succeeded as King Henry II of England, the English also gained sovereignty over the Dordogne region. The success of English rule was enormous, maybe as a result of the close distance between the Dordogne and England.

The once famous Perigord region which corresponds to the Dordogne has a distinct and famous style of cuisine. Another well know part of this area is the Beregerac and well worth visiting.

Towns and cities

Périgueux
Capital of the Perigord, home of the troubadours and Oc language.

Places to visit

• Grotte du Sorcier: prehistoric caves and paintings
• Grotte de Tourtoirac
• Roque Saint-Christophe Fort
• Cave of Font-de-Gaume: prehistoric caves and paintings