Discovering Dordogne (Department 24)
Updated: Oct 8
Introduction
Dordogne (Department 24), historically known as Périgord, is one of France's most popular departments for British and other English-speaking residents. Located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in south-west France, it is renowned for its beautiful countryside, medieval villages, rivers, prehistoric heritage and exceptional food.
Whether you're considering moving to Dordogne, retiring in Dordogne, buying a holiday home, relocating your business or simply spending several months each year in France, the department offers an attractive combination of rural charm, good infrastructure and a welcoming international community.
While tourism is important, Dordogne remains a working rural department with thriving market towns, farming communities and small businesses. Life moves at a gentler pace than in many parts of Europe, making it particularly appealing to those seeking balance, space and quality of life.
Dordogne At a Glance
Feature | Information |
Region | Nouvelle-Aquitaine |
Historic name | Périgord |
Department number | 24 |
Department capital | Périgueux |
Largest towns | Périgueux, Bergerac, Sarlat-la-Canéda, Coulounieix-Chamiers, Trélissac |
Population | Approximately 425,000 |
Area | Around 9,060 km² |
Climate | Mild oceanic climate with warm summers and relatively mild winters |
Best suited for | Retirees, families, entrepreneurs, second-home owners, outdoor enthusiasts |
Is a car recommended? | Yes — highly recommended |
English-speaking community | Large and well-established |
Lifestyle summary | Relaxed rural living with excellent food, history, markets and strong community spirit |
Why Choose Dordogne?
Dordogne has become one of France's favourite destinations for international buyers—and with good reason.
Lifestyle
Life revolves around markets, cafés, village events and the changing seasons. Many people relocate here specifically to slow down and enjoy a healthier work-life balance.
Community
The department has one of France's largest English-speaking communities, making integration easier while still offering plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in French life. Numerous clubs, associations and volunteer groups welcome newcomers.
Scenery
Rolling hills, vineyards, forests, limestone cliffs and peaceful river valleys create one of France's most picturesque landscapes. The Dordogne, Vézère and Isle rivers all add to the department's appeal.
Accessibility
Although rural, Dordogne is well connected.
Bergerac Airport offers seasonal international flights.
Bordeaux is around two hours away.
Good motorway links connect to Toulouse, Limoges and Paris.
Rail services link major towns with Bordeaux and beyond.
Food
Food is central to life in Dordogne.
The department is famous for:
Foie gras
Duck
Truffles
Walnuts
Strawberries
Goat's cheese
Bergerac wines
Local beers and artisan produce
Weekly markets remain an important part of everyday life.
Culture
History stretches back thousands of years.
From prehistoric cave art to medieval castles and Renaissance architecture, Dordogne offers one of Europe's richest historical landscapes.
Local festivals celebrate food, music, art and village traditions throughout the year.
Property
Property remains comparatively affordable compared with many other desirable parts of France.
Buyers can choose from:
Stone cottages
Farmhouses
Manor houses
Renovation projects
Modern homes
Village properties
Riverside homes
Prices vary significantly depending on proximity to popular tourist areas such as Sarlat.
Pace of Life
Life is noticeably slower than many parts of Britain.
Shops often close for lunch, Sundays are quieter, and people genuinely value family, community and leisure.
Lifestyle | Rating | Why |
Retirees | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent healthcare, relaxed pace, active expat community and beautiful surroundings. |
Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Safe environment, good schools and outdoor lifestyle, though rural transport can be limiting. |
Second-home owners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent holiday appeal with strong rental potential in many areas. |
Entrepreneurs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Growing opportunities in tourism, hospitality, online businesses and local services. |
Remote workers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Increasingly reliable internet and peaceful working environment, though some rural areas still have connectivity challenges. |
Outdoor lifestyle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Walking, cycling, canoeing, fishing and nature are all easily accessible. |
City lifestyle | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | Périgueux offers city amenities, but Dordogne is primarily rural. |
Popular Places to Live
Bergerac
Description
A lively riverside town centred on the Dordogne River with excellent amenities and an international airport.
Ideal for
Retirees
Families
Business owners
Frequent travellers
Advantages
Airport nearby
Excellent shopping
Good healthcare
Strong expat community
Things to consider
Tourist activity increases considerably during summer.
Périgueux
Description
The departmental capital offering a blend of historic charm and modern services.
Ideal for
Professionals
Families
Year-round residents
Advantages
Largest range of services
Hospital
Rail connections
Cultural events
Things to consider
Less "holiday atmosphere" than other parts of Dordogne.
Sarlat-la-Canéda
Description
One of France's best-preserved medieval towns.
Ideal for
Second-home owners
Tourism businesses
History lovers
Advantages
Beautiful architecture
Vibrant markets
Excellent restaurants
Things to consider
Busy during peak tourist season and property prices are generally higher.
Eymet
Description
A picturesque bastide town with one of the department's strongest English-speaking communities.
Ideal for
Retirees
Remote workers
Small business owners
Advantages
Friendly atmosphere
Busy weekly market
Plenty of community activities
Easy access to Bergerac
Things to consider
Smaller selection of services than larger towns.
Nontron
Description
A peaceful northern market town surrounded by forests.
Ideal for
Nature lovers
Artists
Retirees
Advantages
Affordable property
Beautiful countryside
Quiet lifestyle
Things to consider
Fewer employment opportunities.
Montignac-Lascaux
Description
Best known for its prehistoric heritage and riverside setting.
Ideal for
History enthusiasts
Holiday-home owners
Advantages
Attractive centre
Strong tourism economy
Beautiful scenery
Things to consider
Tourism dominates during summer.
Ribérac
Description
A traditional market town serving a large rural area.
Ideal for
Families
Retirees
Advantages
Excellent weekly market
Affordable housing
Good local services
Things to consider
Limited public transport.
Cost of Living
Compared with many areas of southern England and much of western Europe, Dordogne offers good value for money.
Property affordability
Property prices remain attractive, particularly in smaller villages and rural communities. Premium locations such as Sarlat and popular riverside villages command higher prices, but many buyers still find better value than in coastal France.
Shopping
Large supermarkets are available in Bergerac, Périgueux and Sarlat, while local markets provide fresh produce, meats, cheeses and seasonal goods.
Utilities
Energy costs follow national French pricing. Older stone properties may require additional heating during winter unless well insulated.
Eating out
Excellent value can often be found in local cafés and traditional restaurants, especially lunchtime menus.
General value for money
Many residents find everyday living costs manageable, particularly when embracing local produce, markets and seasonal eating.
Healthcare
Healthcare provision is generally very good.
Main hospitals
Centre Hospitalier de Périgueux
Centre Hospitalier de Bergerac
Hospital facilities in Sarlat-la-Canéda
Healthcare availability
Doctors are available throughout the department, although securing a permanent GP can be more difficult in rural areas.
Access to specialists
Most specialists are based in Périgueux, Bergerac and nearby Bordeaux.
Pharmacies
Almost every town has at least one pharmacy, with pharmacists providing valuable first-line healthcare advice.
General healthcare considerations
France's healthcare system is highly regarded. Registering with the French health system and obtaining appropriate health cover is essential for residents.
Education
Schools
Dordogne offers a good network of public primary and secondary schools across the department.
Colleges
Several vocational colleges and sixth-form establishments prepare students for university or employment.
International options
International schools are limited within Dordogne itself, although bilingual education options exist nearby, particularly towards Bordeaux.
Language schools
French language classes for adults are widely available through associations, private tutors and community organisations.
Getting Around
Airports
Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport
Bordeaux Airport (approximately two hours away)
Limoges Airport (northern areas)
Rail
Main stations include:
Périgueux
Bergerac
Mussidan
Connections are available to Bordeaux, Libourne and beyond.
Roads
Excellent road network including:
A89 motorway
N21
D-road network linking villages
Public transport
Bus services exist but are limited in rural areas.
Is a car recommended?
Yes.
For most residents, owning a car is essential for shopping, healthcare and daily life.
Dordogne Weekly Markets
Town | Main Market Day |
Bergerac | Wednesday & Saturday |
Périgueux | Wednesday & Saturday |
Sarlat-la-Canéda | Wednesday & Saturday |
Eymet | Thursday |
Ribérac | Friday |
Nontron | Saturday |
Le Bugue | Tuesday |
Thiviers | Saturday |
Local Food & Drink
Dordogne is one of France's great gastronomic destinations.
Specialities include:
Black truffles
Duck confit
Foie gras
Magret de canard
Walnuts and walnut oil
Périgord strawberries
Cèpes (wild mushrooms)
Goat's cheese
Bergerac wines
Monbazillac sweet wine
Pécharmant red wine
Craft beers
Artisan charcuterie
Things to Do
Historic sites
Medieval castles
Bastide towns
Roman remains
Historic churches
Outdoor activities
Canoeing
Walking
Cycling
Fishing
Horse riding
Hot air ballooning
Museums
Prehistory museums
Military museums
Local heritage museums
Art galleries
Festivals
Food festivals
Music festivals
Night markets
Wine celebrations
Village fêtes
Nature
Dordogne Valley
Vézère Valley
Regional Natural Park Périgord-Limousin
Extensive woodland and river landscapes
Family attractions
Wildlife parks
Adventure parks
River beaches
Canoe centres
Historic attractions
Gardens
Good to Know Before You Move
Language
While English is commonly spoken in tourist areas and within the expat community, learning French will greatly enhance daily life and integration.
Rural living
Many villages are peaceful and beautiful but may have limited shopping, fewer healthcare services and reduced public transport.
Internet
Fibre broadband is expanding rapidly across Dordogne, although speeds still vary depending on location.
Seasonal tourism
Popular destinations become significantly busier between June and September, bringing both opportunities and increased traffic.
Climate
Summers are warm and sunny, occasionally very hot. Winters are generally mild but can be damp, with occasional frost in inland areas.
Community life
Village associations, markets, sports clubs and local events make it relatively easy to become part of the community. Participating in local activities is one of the best ways to meet both French residents and fellow internationals.
Find Trusted English-Speaking Businesses
Whether you're living here, moving here, retiring here or simply spending part of the year here, finding reliable local services can make settling in much easier.
Biz Où? helps you discover trusted English-speaking businesses across France, including property professionals, tradespeople, accountants, healthcare providers, legal services, gardeners, cleaners, holiday services, financial advisers, pet care, marketing specialists and many more.
Every listing is designed to help you connect with businesses that understand the needs of English-speaking residents, making it easier to build your new life in one of France's most popular departments.
Find Places to Visit as recommended by readers
Some of the best places in France aren’t found in guidebooks — they’re discovered by people who live here, love it here and know where the magic is. Explore places recommended by our readers, from hidden gems and beautiful villages to favourite markets, cafés, beaches and unforgettable days out. Who knows what you’ll discover?
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Your next chapter in France could be closer than you think. Explore our Property Hub for homes, holiday properties and opportunities from local property partners across France. Whether you’re dreaming of a permanent move, a place in the sun, an investment or simply somewhere to escape to, go on — have a look. Your French property might be waiting.
Plan Your French Dream
Dreaming of a life in France? Start turning the dream into a plan. Plan Your French Dream brings together practical guides, local insights and useful information to help you explore your options, understand what’s involved and make confident decisions about moving, retiring, buying a home or simply creating a life you’ll love. Start exploring — your French story begins with a plan.
Where Will Your French Story Begin
What if the place you’ve been dreaming about is waiting for you in France? A little village where everyone knows your name, a lively market town, a home surrounded by rolling countryside or somewhere completely unexpected. Explore our guides to France’s regions and departments, discover the character, lifestyle and possibilities of each area, and start finding the place that feels like it could be yours. Where will your French story begin?
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