The Most Beautiful Villages of the Dordogne

Four colours - green, white, black and purple designate the four regions of the Dordogne, and symbolise the rich diversity of this magical region, often known by its more strictly French name as 'the Périgord'. Green evokes the lush vegetation of the northern crescent, white the limestone valleys of the central region, black the truffles of the south-east - the famous 'black diamonds' of classic French cuisine - and purple the full-bodied red grape of the Bergerac vineyards. The Dordogne offers splendid scenery, exquisite food and wine, the finest examples of prehistoric art and some of the most enchanting villages of France - celebrated here in wonderful colour photographs and evocative descriptions. On a journey south through the region we discover villages of widely contrasting appeal and interest: in the north are such gems as Brantôme, its fine abbey and ancient houses gracing the banks of the river Dronne. Further south, among the undulating hills and warm limestone valleys of the white Dordogne, we encounter 'grand' villages such as Hautefort, crouching beneath the twin pepperpot towers of its château. Gastronomy and the artefacts of pre-history distinguish the villages of the two southernmost areas. Produced here are delicacies such as foie gras and the fine white wine of Monbazillac. Other sites, such as Les Eyzies, harbour some of the best examples of prehistoric cave paintings in the world, while the ancient fortified towns of Montfort and Monpazier recall the struggles of the Middle Ages. Complete with a travellers gazetteer and further information about the region, this magnificent presentation of the Dordognes small towns and villages leaves us in no doubt of their qualities, which attract so many visitors, year in year out.