FAQ

By train, you can arrive at Périgueux, Bergerac, Sarlat, and various smaller stations in between. From La Chartreuse des Ormeaux, the nearest station is Trémolat — a charming little stop lost in the middle of nowhere, which is a delight in itself.

By car, it’s about 500 km from Paris, 150 km from Bordeaux, 30 km from Périgueux and Bergerac, and 350 km from Toulouse.

By plane, the closest airports are Bergerac and Brive. Bergerac especially offers many flights from the UK.

Depending on how much time you have, there are must-see spots in the Périgord:

See a cave, a medieval castle, and a charming bastide town. The historic Périgord’s “golden crescent” is around Sarlat. Sarlat itself is a marvel, along with Domme, La Roque Gageac, Beynac — with its ochre stone, ancient houses, and delightful winding streets. The Château de Beynac, perched high above the valley, faces Château de Castelnaud with its medieval arms museum, as well as the Château des Milandes, once home to Josephine Baker, and the beautiful Marqueyssac gardens. One day won’t be enough.

Further east, the Eyzies are perfect for history lovers, with the Cro-Magnon Man and the Prehistory Museum nearby. Close by is Château de Commarque, a unique site showcasing traces of human civilization from cave dwellers to the Renaissance.

To the west, Bergerac and its vineyards welcome lovers of local terroir, vines, and wine. Up north, Brantôme and Bourdeilles are Renaissance gems.

In short, from north to south, east to west, there are always discoveries to be made.

There are plenty of accommodation options in the Périgord. Over the past twenty years, the range of guesthouses and rental homes has grown significantly, catering to all budgets and tastes. Whether you dream of sleeping in a castle, a beautiful manor house, or even under a tent, everything is possible.

Near the Chartreuse des Ormeaux, in Trémolat, the Relais and Château du Vieux Logis offers a peaceful, authentic retreat. Château de la Bourlie is a gem transformed into a contemporary jewel, perfect for large groups and weddings. The Bois de Selve and Maison Bel Estiu are lovingly restored homes with great care and charm.

Whether for a weekend, a week, or longer, charming hotels and guesthouses abound. There’s no shortage of choices here.

Historically, there were three colors for the Périgord: Noir (Black), Vert (Green), and Blanc (White). The Noir refers to the dark and mysterious color of the very dark evergreen oaks around Sarlat, and sometimes to the black truffle. This region, with its dark ochre stones, is rich in about 1000 historical sites.

The Blanc is in the center, around Périgueux, named after the color of its limestone plateaus.

The Vert is in the north, in the Nontronais and Ribéracois areas, known for its lush vegetation and many waterways such as the Dronne, Auvézère, and Isle rivers.

About thirty years ago, a new tourist designation was added: Périgord Pourpre (Purple), which covers the Bergerac area and the bastides near the border with Lot-et-Garonne. This color is linked to the widely developed vineyards in this area, including Pécharmant, Bergerac, and other appellations.

You choose the Périgord Noir because it is the land of both ancient and more recent history. From prehistory with the Eyzies and Lascaux, to the Middle Ages with Sarlat and the Vézère Valley, Domme; from the Renaissance to the present day. The Périgord Noir is full of treasures—remnants of the imagination of the Crusades, caves, legends, and myths. Its charm remains intact.

Wander through the streets of Sarlat as a starting point for a beautiful day. Head up to Domme to admire the viewpoint and stroll through the narrow streets. From there, continue to Beynac and visit the majestic castle for a journey back in time. Canoe down the river from Beynac to Siorac or from Vitrac to Beynac. Fly over this magnificent valley in a hot air balloon. Spend some time at the Sunday morning market in Saint-Cyprien, or the Saturday market in Sarlat. Drive up to Montignac along the winding country roads. Make a stop at the Château de Commarque and be surprised by this unusual site, forgotten in the middle of the woods. Finally, visit Lascaux, the prehistoric cave famous for its mammoth drawings, now open as a fourth identical site to preserve the original cave.

This central part of the Dordogne corresponds to the limestone cliffs of the Saint-Astier region and the stones of the Causse Périgourdin. It also consists of vast meadows, crossed by the rivers Auvézère and Isle. From Hautefort to Montpon, passing through Périgueux, Saint-Astier, and Mussidan, the Périgord Blanc will charm you with its history, greenery, and castles.

You choose the Périgord Blanc because it is central, between the north and the south of this large Dordogne department. You choose the Périgord Blanc because it is home to the capital of Périgord: Périgueux. But also for its forests, hiking trails, and inspiring waterways.