The Périgord remains one of the favorite destinations of the French who find in this region a diversity of landscapes, an authenticity still well preserved and an art of living. Tourism and gastronomy are the key words of the Dordogne , which has the largest number of well-preserved heritage treasures of any age in France. In this gourmet land, Sarlat-la-Canéda honors the truffle every year in January for a weekend (January 15 and 16, 2022 this year). An opportunity to get your feet under the table in this unique region.
The Périgord, visits, culture and hikes
Its past goes back to prehistory as the caves and troglodytic sites testify. If the cave of Lascaux has not been visited for a long time, Lascaux IV, is a complete replica of the original cave. Lovers of old stones and cultural tourism will find the Gallo-Roman remains discovered in Périgueux and Montcaret, the thousand and one castles, the abbeys, the Romanesque churches, the bastides or the nine magnificent "most beautiful villages of France" that the department has to offer. They will take the time to visit gardens, museums, art craftsmen, theme parks and to attend a multitude of festivals, cultural and culinary events.
In addition, taking the numerous hiking trails, including two GR 36 and 64, on foot, by bike or on horseback in a sometimes wild nature, going down the streams and rivers in canoe, kayak or gabarre, are unique experiences, to be shared with the family, and which will delight the strollers, the curious or the sportsmen.
Périgord green, red, black or white a country of four colors
The Périgord has another particularity: it has four colors. A sort of mosaic of individualized countries with very precise characteristics. Each color defines specific terroirs. Green, red, black, white... Green like the numerous rivers of the Limousin fringe, red like the wine of Bergerac, black like the forests of Sarladais, white like the limestone of the Isle valley.
For several centuries, men have cherished this multiple, living and amazing land and have made the best of it. From this land were born trades, perpetuated from generation to generation, and exceptional products which contribute to a generous and greedy gastronomy: Bergerac wines, foie gras, truffles, caviar, strawberries, nuts. The producers, the canners, the tables d'hôtes, the farm inns, the restaurants are the ambassadors of a gastronomic wealth known and recognized worldwide. Périgord necessarily rhymes with good food and simple happiness. If the cuisine of the Périgord was partly invented by the farmers, it was also forged in the castles where one could feast on the game killed during the hunt, the fish that lined the rivers and the wines that the Romans had brought with them. Another phenomenon has appeared for many years and continues to develop: the farm inns. Farmers have seen a way to make ends meet by creating these tables d'hôtes where 70% of the products served must come from the farm. The prices charged are often lower than those of restaurants and the quantities are sometimes gargantuan..
This diversity is accompanied by a large number of accommodations for all budgets and all criteria: hotels, bed and breakfasts, classic or unusual gîtes, vacation villages, vacation homes, etc.
Sarlat-la-Canéda, the capital of the Périgord Noir
The Black Perigord is by far the most visited region of the department because of the numerous world-famous prehistoric sites such as Les Eyzies, capital of prehistory. One of the most beautiful approaches is along the Dordogne River. At the bend of each loop, almost all the castles that make the Périgord famous - Montfort, Beynac, Fayrac, Castelnaud, Les Milandes, Marqueyssac - and the superb sites such as La Roque-Gageac or the bastide of Domme, stand out like sentinels. The Black Perigord has its capital, Sarlat. Sarlat-la-Canéda is a must-see during a visit to the Périgord. Located in the hollow of hills called "pechs", this city of art and history was born in the 9th century and built around a Benedictine abbey. Very quickly the city became rich under the direct authority of the Holy See of Rome. The Hundred Years War (1337 - 1453) and the plague had serious economic and demographic consequences. It is during the reconstruction in the XVth and XVIth centuries that the city is adorned with superb private mansions. Today, Sarlat-la-Canéda is among the first cities in Europe in terms of the number of listed buildings per square meter. It is a real jewel, witness of the medieval and Renaissance periods, with many points of interest. Sarlat-la-Canéda really finds its breath and its splendor out of season, revealing more modestly its narrow streets, its interior courtyards, its private mansions assimilating all the periods (medieval foundations, Renaissance floors, classical roofs)
In Sarlat, thehe truffle festival
A pleasant moment to discover this architectural jewel is the Truffle Festival, organized every year in January. This festival, initiated with the Culinary Academy of Foie Gras and Truffles, gives rise to a large market presenting fresh truffles and truffle-based products, as well as numerous activities: workshops to discover all the subtleties of truffles, tastings, culinary juggling show (Saturday at 9pm at the Cultural Center), cooking classes (Saturday and Sunday in the hotel section of the Pré de Cordy high school), introduction to oenology (Saturday in the Old Bishop's Palace), awarding of the Jean Rougié Trophy, which welcomes eight young talents of French cuisine. Chaired by Thierry Marx for this 2022 edition, it is placed this year again under the control of a prestigious jury composed of the greatest starred or distinguished chefs of the country... In a friendly atmosphere, a dozen chefs play the game in a kitchen set up for the occasion in a room of the Cultural Center. A unique moment planned for next weekend. Notice to visiting gourmets!
Smart info
When can you come? You can go to the Périgord all year round. To take advantage of the 2022 Truffle Festival in Sarlat-la-Canéda, go on January 15 and 16.
How to get there. By car (A20) from Paris (distance Paris-Périgueux: 500 km), by train or by plane, everything is possible.
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Useful. To prepare your stay in the best way.
DEPARTMENTAL TOURIST COMMITTEE - More information on the website
SARLAT TOURIST OFFICE - More information on the site
TRUFFLE FESTIVAL IN SARLAT - More informationon the website
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