With a relaxed pace of life, attractive honey-coloured villages, historic buildings, rich mosaic of habitats and celebrated gastronomy, the Dordogne’s enduring popularity as a holiday destination is easy to understand.
Only 10° latitude south of the UK, Dordogne’s landscape is instantly recognisable to British visitors, while the weather is warmer and sunnier. For the naturalist there is a wonderful range of habitats to explore, including rocky hillsides, arable plains, heathlands and wetlands. The region is dominated by Dordogne oak forest and limestone meadows, and by the great river itself, which cuts through the area creating impressive cliffs. Traditional land use has left many wildlife habitats intact meaning almost any location is of natural history interest.
Many interesting birds which are either rare breeders or vagrants in the UK are common here. Woodland birds include honey buzzard, western Bonelli’s warbler, crested tit, woodlark, middle spotted woodpecker and golden oriole. In the fields and scrub are such species as crested lark, rock sparrow, melodious warbler, Dartford warbler, red-backed shrike, corn bunting and hen harrier, and cirl buntings and turtle doves always seem to be nearby.
Around 120 species of butterfly have been recorded in the Dordogne, twice the number seen in the United Kingdom. June is the peak flowering time for many species such as red and marsh helleborines.
Honey-coloured villages with Romanesque churches dot the picturesque landscape, among castles and châteaux dating from the Hundred Years War when England and France fought over this region. The local Périgord cuisine is renowned, together with the wines of Bergerac and Cahors.
The Dordogne and Vézère Valleys in south-west France have been called ‘an exotic England, steeped in prehistory’. This trip concentrates on the superb range of butterflies, birds and wildflowers to be found in this beautiful region, accompanied by two experts on the region’s wildlife. Find out more about Butterflies, Birds & Wildflowers of the Dordogne
A gentle introduction to the rich wildlife and prehistory of the Dordogne, this tour offers birds, orchids and prehistory in abundance. Resident birds and summer visitors are nesting and there is birdsong everywhere. We’ll also enjoy the region’s huge variety of orchids and other wildflowers. Find out more about Spring Birds, Orchids & Prehistory in Wild Dordogne
Our early spring tour to the Dordogne and Vézère Valleys in south-west France goes in search of an exciting range of resident and migrant birds. From wallcreepers and alpine accentors to woodpeckers and black-winged kites, we visit a variety of habitats with expert local naturalist David Simpson. Find out more about Wallcreepers, Black-winged Kites & Woodpeckers in France
Located in the town of Lalinde east of Bergerac, the wonderful Les Magnolias is a recently renovated mansion situated on the banks of the Dordogne River. The mansion and adjacent warehouse building date back to the 18th century and have been converted to offer comfortable, boutique accommodation. Find Out More about Les Magnolias
