Dordogne: Lascaux, Perigord Gastronomy, and Medieval Towns
Dordogne is the third-largest department in France and one of the richest in prehistoric heritage. The Lascaux cave paintings, discovered in 1940 and closed to the public since 1963 to prevent deterioration, have been replicated in a succession of reproductions (Lascaux IV opened in 2016). The Vezere valley alone contains dozens of prehistoric sites. Perigueux, the prefecture, has Roman ruins and a cathedral modelled on Saint Mark's in Venice.
Sarlat-la-Caneda has one of the most complete medieval and Renaissance town centres in France. The department is a stronghold of Perigord cuisine: foie gras, truffle, walnut oil, and confit de canard. The British have a significant presence, buying and restoring rural properties since the 1970s, and some areas have earned the nickname 'Dordogneshire.' The population is about 416,000.
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Dordogne is the third-largest department in France and one of the richest in prehistoric heritage. The Lascaux cave paintings, discovered in 1940 and closed to the public since 1963 to prevent deterioration, have been replicated in a succession of reproductions (Lascaux IV opened in 2016). The Vezere valley alone contains dozens of prehistoric sites. Perigueux, the prefecture, has Roman ruins and a cathedral modelled on Saint Mark's in Venice.
Sarlat-la-Caneda has one of the most complete medieval and Renaissance town centres in France. The department is a stronghold of Perigord cuisine: foie gras, truffle, walnut oil, and confit de canard. The British have a significant presence, buying and restoring rural properties since the 1970s, and some areas have earned the nickname 'Dordogneshire.' The population is about 416,000.
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