Dordogne
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Region of southwestern France, including Dordogne, Creuse, Haute
- Vienne, Corrèze, Lot and Lot - et - Garonne. Created chiefly from the
ancient pays (district) of Périgord, and essentially comprises the limestone plateaus
of the Petits Causses that rise gradually to the northeast where they meet the
last outliers of the Massif Central at an elevation of about 1,300 feet (400 m).
The valleys of the rivers flowing out of these highlands widen gradually as they
descend to the west. The seven rivers of Dordogne, including the Isle,and the
Dordogne, which gives it its name, have scenic valleys that support the cultivation
of wheat, corn (maize), potatoes, tobacco, and fruit. Chestnut and oak predominate
in its forests, and walnuts, about one-third of France's output, are grown extensively
for oil. The climate in the valleys is mild and humid but more rigorous in the
east. The valley of the Vézère, in the southeast, is one of the earliest known
cradles of human habitation. Caves at Les Eyzies-de-Tayac and Lascaux contain
some of the world's best prehistoric drawings and paintings, although their preservation
is now in question because of algal growth on the paintings resulting from the
installation of lights for tourists. The number of châteaux--about 1,000--exceeds
that of any other département. Many date from the 13th and 14th centuries, when
the Dordogne was the frontier region in the wars between England and France. Medieval
towns, including Périgueux, the capital, Sarlat, and Brantôme, are among the most
picturesque in France. The area is a centre of tourism and gastronomy (e.g., the
truffles of Périgord, the pâté de foie gras).
