 The Dordogne region - best known for its vineyards, bastides and chateaux - is one of the most picturesque parts of France in which to buy French property. It occupies a position in the north-east part of the Aquitaine near the departments of Lot, Gironde and the Limousin, and takes its name from the Dordogne River that flows down from the Massif Central to the east and out into the Atlantic Ocean north of Bordeaux.
The French locals refer to the Dordogne as Perigord, and have in fact divided the region into four distinct sub-areas: Perigord Vert, Perigord Blanc, Perigord Noir and Perigord Pourpre.
Perigord Vert accounts for the most northern area of the Dordogne between Brantome and Nontron. Vert means 'green' in French, and describes the landscape of this area well as here vast expanses of forest dominate the view. This is the most sparsely populated area of Dordogne, and is also where some of the least expensive Dordogne property can be found.
Perigord Blanc - Blanc meaning 'white' in French - is the central area of Dordogne. It is centred on the historic town of Perigueux, the largest settlement in the area, and is so-called because of the white chalk limestone rocks here, some of which have been used as construction material in local buildings. Perigueux has a range of historic buildings, as well as good shopping amenities and restaurants. It is also home to one of the region's two airports, the other one being situated in Bergerac in Perigord Pourpre.
Perigord Pourpre is arguably the most interesting area in Dordogne. Pourpre, which means 'purple' in French, is a colour that has been attached to this south-west corner of Dordogne thanks to the proliferation of vineyards that adorn the hillsides here.
Bergerac is one of the prettiest towns in the region, set as it is on the banks of the Dordogne River. Further afield in Perigord Pourpre, there are many attractive small towns and villages to be found, most of which are fortified. These fortified towns and villages are known as bastides and are a legacy of the Hundred Years War fought by Edward I of England. These now tranquil settlements were the focus of many a bloody battle between the French and English some 450 years ago.
Perigord Noir is the most visited of all the areas in Dordogne, and is the most coveted amongst buyers of Dordogne property. The landscape in this south-eastern part of the Dordogne is magical. Deep valleys, wooded hillsides and idyllic stone villages through which an expansive network of rivers pass are the main attractions here. It is also an area well known for its chateaux, several of which are open for public viewing. If you want to buy a villa in France, or a chateau for that matter, the Perigord Noir is the place in which to start your search for French property.
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