Four shades of Périgord colours

Located between the Massif Central to the north-east and the plains of the Aquitaine basin to the south-west, watered by the rivers Vézère, Dordogne, Dronne and Isle, the Périgord benefits from favourable and clement climatic and geological conditions which have given rise to a great variety of landscapes, vegetation and reliefs.

This diversity of terroirs has led to the artificial division of the Périgord into 4 colours corresponding to 4 distinct tourist and geographical areas: black, purple, green and white.

Black Périgord is the oldest of the 4 appellations (18th century) whose geographical area corresponds to that of the former diocese of Sarlat; it is also the most popular and the most attractive from a tourist point of view (concentration of prehistoric caves and major archaeological sites of the department classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, such as Lascaux) and the richest, most fertile and most productive land (truffles, mushrooms, wines, etc.).

The Golden Triangle of the Dordogne Valley, whose capital is Sarlat, the Périgord Noir is classified as a major site in Aquitaine.

Did you know that? The Périgord Noir does not owe its name to the black truffle but to the dark colour of the foliage of the holm oaks…

The Périgord Vert refers mainly to the meadows which make this region, criss-crossed by numerous rivers, a real green setting appreciated by lovers of green and rural tourism.

The absence of a large town makes the Périgord Vert the least touristy of the 4 appellations; it is however here that the Abbey of Brantôme, the Venice of the Périgord, is located.

There is also a rich heritage (castles, abbeys, churches…) and beautiful small villages.

White Périgord originally referred to the white limestone plateaux of the Ribéracois (now part of the green Périgord), but also to the colour of the stones of the Causse périgourdin, the lime of the St-Astier quarries, the castle of Hautefort or the domes of the cathedral of St-Front de Périgueux, which is the capital.

These deforested areas for agricultural purposes contrast with the dark, wooded areas characteristic of the Périgord Noir.

Ribérac is an important agricultural market.

Although its tourist appeal does not match that of its neighbour, the Périgord Blanc offers fine examples of Romanesque architecture, abbeys and castles, troglodytic shelters that are well worth a visit, as well as the old town of Périgueux, which is a World Heritage site…

Périgord Pourpre is the most recent appellation (created in 1990) and refers to the colours of the vine, present in the region since Roman times. Closer to Bordeaux than to the Sarladais, this part of the department is notably known for its Montbazillac wines and Bergerac, which is its capital.

Périgord Pourpre is the most recent appellation (created in 1990) and refers to the colours of the vine, present in the region since Roman times. Closer to Bordeaux than to the Sarladais, this part of the department is notably known for its Montbazillac wines and Bergerac, which is its capital.

The natural wealth and built heritage such as Cadouin Abbey, the many bastides that bear witness to the Hundred Years War between France and England, and the many other sites of interest in the region.

Camping le Pech Charmant (Dordogne-Les Eyzies) is a good starting point to explore all these beautiful roads of the Périgord!