Finding property in Dordogne, Aquitaine

Within an area of 9,060 square kilometeres, the Dordogne (also known as Périgord) has no less than 1,001 châteaux, and that gives you a flavour of just how special this department is. With a bit of planning, the process of finding a property to buy in the Dordogne can be a pleasure in itself, as you will meet lots of interesting people and discover new places. For tourism marketing purposes, the department is divided up into Périgords of various colours – Vert and Blanc in the north, Noir to the east and Pourpre to the south. However, from a buyer's point of view, favourite areas are more easily defined by the nearest towns:

Property in and around Périgueux, Vergt & Villamblard

Périgueux and surrounding areas are being opened up by the A89 that cuts across the middle of the Dordogne. The historic centre of Périgueux is a great place to relax in the summer, especially with its open-air restaurants, vibrant street theatre, and a world-renowned mime festival. Unspoilt valleys and forests abound and Vergt and Villamblard deserve mention as pleasant workaday towns.

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Property in and around Bergerac

Nice mix of locals and incomers in a town that is big enough to offer plenty on the practical and cultural fronts, yet small enough to be cosy and accessible. The wine growing area around Bergerac is a fascinating combination of beautiful villages and pristine vineyards, and a great area to start looking for a French home. For people who need to come and go regularly, the proximity of Bergerac airport makes this area a particularly practical choice.

Property in and around Issigeac, Beaumont & Monpazier

Magnificent bastide towns slightly off the beaten track, each with its own architectural gems and local colour.

Property in and around Eymet & Duras

Eymet, a bastide town with enduring popularity. One of the first towns in the Dordogne to be discovered by British buyers where good quality properties can still be found at reasonable prices. Nearby Duras (actually in Lot-et Garonne) is also a favourite ex-pat outpost.

Property in and around Lalinde, Montignac & Sarlat

A very pretty area divided by the Dordogne and Vézère valleys, with remarkable sites such as Lascaux, Beynac, Les Eyzies and La Roque Gageac. This area is extremely popular for French and other European buyers looking to find a second home, or indeed to move permanently.

Property in and around Ribérac, Brantôme, Nontron & Sorges

Ribérac well-known to English buyers and Brantôme, with its riverside abbey is particularly picturesque. Nontron hosts an annual cutlers' festival, where hundreds of offensive weapons are bought and sold with no apparent concern being shown by the local gendarme. Sorges claims to be the world capital of the truffle. All these towns in the north of the department belong to France profonde, and will remain deeply rural for many years to come, so if you're looking for an isolated property, it's not a bad area to try.

Travel in Dordogne

• Air - Bergerac airport offers flights to London Stansted, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Exeter, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool and Southampton
• Motorways - the A89 gives easy access to Bordeaux, Périgueux and Clermont-Ferrand.
• TGV - can be picked up in Libourne or Angoulême for speedy trips to Paris- Montparnasse or Charles de Gaulle Roissy airport
• Corail - Périgueux/Paris-Austerlitz
• TER - Bordeaux/Bergerac/Sarlat ; Bordeaux/Périgueux

Key facts about Dordogne

• Land area: 9,060 km2
• Population: 398,000
• Préfecture: Périgueux
• Sous-préfectures: Bergerac, Nontron, Sarlat.
• Economy: tourism, agriculture, viticulture and métiers de bouche