Fun Facts About the Dordogne

The Dordogne is one of France’s most loved holiday destinations—and with good reason. From historic châteaux and world-class food to outdoor adventures and peaceful countryside, here are some fun and fascinating facts that show why the Dordogne is such a special place to stay.

Covering 9,060 km², the Dordogne is one of the largest departments in France, offering endless space to explore during your holiday in Dordogne—perfect for walkers, cyclists, and families looking for room to roam.

• There are 33 officially listed parks and gardens, making the region ideal for relaxed sightseeing and scenic picnics near your Dordogne holiday home.

• Golf lovers are spoilt for choice with 8 accredited golf courses, many set in beautiful countryside close to popular holiday rental locations.

• The Dordogne hosts over 30 festivals each year, celebrating everything from music and folk dancing to food, wine, and medieval history—adding colour and atmosphere to any holiday stay.

• The famous Lascaux Caves contain more than 2,000 prehistoric figures, dating back over 17,000 years—one of the most extraordinary cultural experiences available to visitors staying in holiday rentals in Dordogne.

• Each year, more than 3 million visitors choose the Dordogne for their holidays, drawn by its history, landscapes, and relaxed pace of life.

• Food lovers will be delighted to know there are around 1,338 restaurants across the region, including 9 Michelin-starred establishments—proof that the Dordogne is a dream destination for foodie holidays in France.

• Often called the “Valley of a Thousand Châteaux”, the Dordogne is home to an impressive 615 châteaux, many of which are open to visitors and easily reached from local self-catering holiday homes.

• Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy more than 156 kilometres of dedicated cycling paths, along with countless mountain biking trails through forests that cover 45% of the Dordogne—ideal for active holidays and cycling breaks.

• The Dordogne is part of the historic Aquitaine region, alongside Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Landes, Gironde, and Lot-et-Garonne, placing it at the heart of South-West France.

Even More Reasons to Holiday in the Dordogne

• The region boasts one of the highest concentrations of prehistoric sites in Europe, making it perfect for educational family holidays.

• Weekly outdoor markets take place in villages year-round, offering local produce, cheeses, wines, and regional specialities.

• The Dordogne River and its tributaries provide excellent opportunities for canoeing, swimming, and riverside walks.

• With warm summers, colourful autumns, peaceful winters, and vibrant springs, the Dordogne is ideal for year-round holiday rentals.

At Voilà Villas France, our carefully selected holiday homes in Dordogne place you at the heart of everything this remarkable region has to offer—whether you’re planning a family holiday, a walking break, a foodie escape, or a relaxing countryside retreat.

"Each year, more than 3 million visitors choose the Dordogne for their holidays, drawn by its history, landscapes, and relaxed pace of life."