About Dordogne Perigord
DORDOGNE-PERIGORD is a land of contrast situated between the sea and the mountains, at the mid-point between the equator and the North Pole. Périgord is a dream-come-true for visitors seeking adventure and discovery in the outdoors. Traditionally, maps of the region have been divided into four distinct parts: green, white, black and crimson.
The four colors represent the distinct realities of life and landscape in each part of Périgord, and they reflect the diversity and nuance that characterize the region.
- Périgord vert (Green) is situated in the north near Nontron, and in the southwest around Châlus en Limousin. Its name speaks to the forests of light oak and chestnut one finds in its humid prairies.
- Périgord blanc (White) stretches from the center to the northwest of Périgord (near de Ribérac and Périgueux). The region’s name references its extensive limestone deposits. Due to its large grain fields, Périgord blanc is nicknamed grenier du Périgord (granary of Périgord).
- Périgord noir (Black) is located in the southeast near Sarlat-la-Canéda. Its name (the oldest of the four) is derived from the region’s dense, dark oak forests.
- Périgord pourpre (Crimson) is located in the southwest near Bergerac. Named most recently (in 1970), Crimson Périgord’s name is linked to the expansion of tourism in the region, and particularly the color of the autumn vine leaves which attract visitors each year.
