Rent a villa in Dordogne Périgord, department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Nouvelle-Aquitaine is the largest region in France in terms of surface area. It is also one of the largest regions in Europe. It includes France's three largest départements: Gironde, Landes, and Dordogne. So, there's a huge range of possibilities here, making it a major tourist destination.

Off the coast, the Dordogne is the most popular area. ChicVillas can help you find the perfect pied-à-terre to discover the Périgord's châteaux, forests, picturesque villages, and incredible cuisine. Here's a sneak preview of your stay, whether you're renting a villa near the River Dordogne, a house with panoramic views or a chateau with timeless charm.

Immerse yourself in the history of the Dordogne

The Dordogne, also known as Périgord, is a historic region par excellence. There are many vestiges of the past here, telling you all about the history of France and much more besides.

The history of the Dordogne dates back more than 500,000 years, when prehistoric man first settled here. More than two hundred sites bear witness to this. Les Eyzies is the world capital of prehistory, with its museums, caves, and troglodyte houses. The Combarelles

Combarelles and the Font-de-Gaume caves are home to rock engravings of animals and people. Not far from there, the Lascaux cave remains one of the most important in terms of the number and quality of its works.

There are also 1,001 old mansions and châteaux, giving you plenty of variety on your excursions.

The Dordogne was the scene of many conflicts in the Middle Ages. The 100 Years' War pitted France against England following the marriage of Eleanor of Aquitaine to Henry of Plantagenet, also known as Henry II. The River Dordogne became the border between the Kingdom of France and the Kingdom of England. The castles of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle and Beynac, historic monuments facing each other on either side of the river, will tell you all about it.

In the centuries that followed, the Wars of Religion raged and many fortresses were built. History buffs, the Dordogne - traditionally known as the Périgord - is your destination!

These fortresses are a testament to history, and offer unbeatable views over the French countryside. So why not rent a château to take full advantage of these breathtaking panoramas? You will find all the comforts of a luxury property combined with the charm of the old. The châteaux in the Dordogne-Périgord region have plenty of bedrooms to accommodate all your family during a stay in the countryside.

Or you could simply rent a villa with a private heated swimming pool in a peaceful, leafy setting. Or perhaps you'd prefer a residence with top-of-the-range amenities and sports facilities.

The Dordogne is an ideal sporting destination for lovers of outdoor activities. Renting a villa with a swimming pool near the Dordogne River will give you the chance to go canoeing and kayaking. Tennis, table tennis, badminton, table football, hiking, cycling, fitness, and yoga are just some of the activities you can enjoy in the heart of the wide-open spaces of the Périgord, with a sublime residence as your pied-à-terre. Renting a beautiful villa in the Dordogne for a luxury holiday opens up a whole host of possibilities.

The four colours of Périgord

Périgord is the former name of the Dordogne region. This name, which dates back to Roman times, long referred to a county attached to the Duchy of Guyenne, which was once even larger than the Dordogne of today. Following the French Revolution, which overturned the entire organization of the territory, the region was renamed Dordogne after its main river. But the French continue to use the name ‘Périgord’, which conveys the values of authenticity and tradition cherished by its inhabitants.

To be precise, there are precisely four Périgord regions, which you will discover during your stay in one of our villa or château rentals:

? Périgord Noir, or Sarladais, is the best known of the four. It is a natural region with many dark oak forests. Nature lovers can explore its sublime landscapes of cliffs, rivers, and woods. The Périgord Noir will especially delight heritage enthusiasts, with 9 localities listed among the most beautiful villages in France.

? The Périgord Vert, the lungs of the Dordogne, is the dream destination for nature lovers looking for a breath of fresh air. Located in the northern part of the département, it includes the Périgord-Limousin Regional Nature Park and is distinguished by its landscapes of forests and plains. There are many places of interest to visit, including the Château de Jumilhac, the Villars cave and the magnificent Brantôme abbey.

 ? The Périgord Blanc is the administrative and economic heart of the Dordogne, as Périgueux is located here. Its name comes from its limestone rock, which gives Saint-Front Cathedral its charm. Less wooded than the rest of the region, it has some remarkable sites such as the Château de Hautefort, the MAAP (Musée d'art et d'archéologie du Périgord) and the Prieuré de Merlande.

? Last but not least, Périgord Pourpre takes its name from the vineyards that give it its reputation. It is home to the town of Bergerac and numerous hillsides where thousands of vines flourish. You can visit some very fine bastides of English or French origin, such as Monpazier, Beaumont-du-Périgord and Eymet. It's also a destination of choice for lovers of outdoor activities.

Whether you're drawn to the cathedrals of Périgueux and Sarlat, the wines of Bergerac or the pleasant canals of Brantôme, the four Périgord regions are full of treasures to discover. Explore this sublime region by selecting a top-of-the-range villa at ChicVillas! Our teams will help you choose the property that will let you make the most of your Périgord.

The most beautiful villages in France in Périgord

Périgord alone contains 10 of the most beautiful villages in France, 9 of which are in the heart of Périgord Noir, in the east of the département. To qualify for the label, villages must be home to several historic monuments or protected natural sites, and be picturesque in character. Nearly 30 criteria are considered, relating to the preservation and enhancement of the architectural and natural heritage. When you visit these villages, you're guaranteed to be filled with charm and authenticity, in keeping with quality tourism.

1 - La Roque-Gageac

This village in the Périgord Noir is a small town of character nestling at the foot of limestone cliffs. Take a boat trip along the Dordogne River and fall under the spell of this enchanting, postcard-perfect setting. La Roque-Gageac is notable for its astonishing troglodyte houses built of golden stone, its charming cobbled streets, its gabarres (traditional boats) and its pretty port. To round off your escapade, venture into the exotic gardens, home to palm trees, bougainvilleas, orange and pomegranate trees.

2 - Domme

Perched on a cliff, the charming town of Domme enjoys a breathtaking view over the Dordogne valley from the Belvédère de la Barre. Founded by Louis III, this bastide will transport you back in time, with its stone houses, impressive ramparts, and beautiful tiled roofs. You can also enter the grotto at Domme, an underground gem in the heart of the town.

3 - Beynac-et-Cazenac

Not far from Sarlat, explore the beautiful cliff-top village of Beynac-et-Cazenac. If you are looking for enchanting views over the Périgord, you have come to the right place.

you have come to the right place. Discover its architecture from another era. With its lauze roofs, cobbled streets, fortified gates, and imposing fortress, you are guaranteed a change of scenery!

4 - Belvès

During your stay in the Dordogne, take a stroll through the streets of the town with its seven bell towers. Overlooking the Nauze valley, this village takes its name from the ‘beautiful views’ it affords. This authentic heritage town is full of historic sites, and food lovers can do some shopping at the Belvès market, which is packed with local specialities and crafts.

5 - Monpazier

Monpazier, a village with the astonishing shape of a quadrilateral, has existed since the 12th century. This bastide, one of the best preserved in France, takes you back to the heart of the Middle Ages. Pack a souvenir of Monpazier in your suitcase and browse the many craft stalls dotted around the town.

6 - Saint-Jean-de-Côle

Discover this bucolic medieval town in the heart of the Périgord Vert, not far from Brantôme. It offers a charming change of scenery with its many natural spots, its breathtaking castle, and its unmistakable brown-tiled roofs. Don't miss its beautiful Gothic bridge, colourful houses and cobbled streets.

7 - Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

Castle lovers, make a diversion to Castelnaud! This charming village nestling between two hills is a must for lovers of old stone. Explore its charming little streets on foot, take on the sloping paths and arched passageways, and admire its typical houses.

8 - Saint-Léon sur Vézère

Nestling in the heart of the Vézère valley, this village is a breath of fresh air and nature. This peaceful, unspoilt medieval town offers a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Stroll through its narrow streets, marvel at its stunning architecture and troglodyte site, and get some fresh air on unforgettable walks.

9 - Limeuil

Limeuil lies between Bergerac and Sarlat. This former port is renowned for its authentic charm, its golden stone houses, its lovely steep streets, and its unmissable panoramic gardens. You can also discover the many local craftspeople: potters, glass-blowers and painters await you in their stalls.

10 - Coly-Saint-Amand

Finally, take a stroll through the beautiful town of Coly-Saint-Amand, a little Périgord treasure. This village of 400 souls is well worth a visit, not least for its astonishing fortified church. You can also explore the many ruined historic sites in the surrounding area.

Savour the Périgord truffle

The Périgord region invites you to savour one of France's most precious culinary treasures: the black truffle, also known as the ‘black diamond’. A symbol of luxury and refinement, this exceptional product is at the crossroads of France's natural heritage and haute cuisine.

Start your tour at the Maison de la Truffe in Sorges and Ligueux, where you can discover the history and secrets of truffle-growing. After a captivating visit, let yourself be tempted by a tasting session guided by a Michelin-starred chef. Then make a diversion to local markets, such as the one in Périgueux, where truffle-growers and gourmets come together to share their passion.

For a complete sensory experience, don't hesitate to pass through the doors of prestigious gastronomic establishments, where the menus often feature Périgord truffles. Finally, if the opportunity arises, why not take part in a truffle hunt, accompanied by expert guides and truffle dogs?