AROUND THE DORDOGNE HOTELS

THE DORDOGNE – WHY GO?

Famous for their wines and medieval villages clinging to impossibly steep hillsides, the lush valleys of the Dordogne – also known as the Périgord – are arguably some of the loveliest in France.

Châteaux and sleepy towns line the banks of the Dordogne river, while vineyards and fields full of fat white geese dot the hillsides. Start your discoveries in Bergerac's bustling street market (and don't miss the statue of Cyrano de Bergerac in one of the town's leafy squares) before heading up-river to the region's more rural outposts.

Famous Dordogne sights include the Lascaux caves, with their ancient wall paintings (they have been dubbed the Sistine Chapel of prehistoric art), medieval Sarlat and Cahors, – set on the winding River Lot – with its impressive cathedral.

The Dordogne is also tailor-made for gastronomes who love good living. This is foie gras and truffle country, as well as home to some fantastic red and rose wines.