Perigord Blanc, Perigueux and central Dordogne

Visit Perigord Blanc

Perigord Blanc is the name given to the central region of the Dordogne, centred around Perigueux. Whilst it is in the Dordogne department it is some distance north of the Dordogne river.

Explore the Perigord Blanc

The name of White Perigord comes from the white chalk of the region which is used in the building of the towns and villages of the area. The white chalk plateau where the stone comes from is a little further north in the Perigord Vert region near Riberac. The Perigord Blanc is split by the River Isle that runs through the centre of the area and passes through Perigueux.

Although less visited than the other regions of the Dordogne, it has several attractions that will interest the visitor.

Perigueux

The capital of the Dordogne department and the most important town in the Perigord Blanc is Perigueux, a beautiful town with an incredible multi-domed cathedral and a lovely medieval centre. It has important Roman remains and an excellent museum of Roman items - the Gallo Roman Vesunna Museum. Its cathedral is UNESCO listed as an important stop on one of the pilgrim routes to Compostela in Spain.

See Perigueux travel guide

Chancelade Abbey

Near to Perigueux the Chancelade Abbey still has some remnants of the original 12th century building and has some 13th century frescoes to admire.

See Chancelade Abbey travel guide

Sorges

East of Perigueux is the town of Sorges, known as the 'gourmet capital' for its coveted black truffles. As well as the pretty village to explore there is an ecomuseum with lots of information about the history and cultivation of truffles.

See Sorges travel guide

Le-Bouquet Garden

On the edge of Sorges is a very individual garden where dozens of patterns have been created using trimmed box and other shrubs.

See the Le-Bouquet garden travel guide

In the west of the Perigord Blanc are a cluster of small towns which are pleasant to explore.

Saint Astier

Saint-Astier sits on the edge of the River Isle and has a pleasant centre with a mix of half-timber and Renaissance houses. On the edge of the village is a network of underground lime quarries that can be visited.

See Saint-Astier travel guide

Neuvic

To the west of Perigueux is the small town of Neuvic which has an attractive chateau and park which can be visited in the summer. There are also some half-timber houses, the Maisons Doublaudes, that have been restored and can be visited.

See Neuvic travel guide

Mussidan

South of Neuvic is the town of Mussidan which is considered to have one of the best markets in the area. Market day is Saturday.

See Mussidan travel guide

Saint Germain du Salembre

In the centre of Saint Germain du Salembre is a beautiful building called the Chateau de Saint Germain du Salembre. It is private but you can admire its beautiful balcony from the street.

See Saint Germain du Salembre travel guide

Montpon-Menesterol

A quiet town whose two churches have fine organs that are the main sights of the town.

See Montpon-Menéstérol travel guide

Attractions to visit in the Perigord Blanc

The Chateau de Montreal

An attractive castle and gardens with a charming church and stable block. One of the past owners of the chateau travelled to the New World and renamed an Indian Settlement Montreal. Little did he know this would grow into the second biggest French speaking city in the World!

See the Chateau of Montreal travel guide

The Chateau of Neuvic in Neuvic is open to the public in the summer as is the Chateau of Puyferrat in Saint-Astier.

This area is heavily forested and the Foret de la Double to the north of the region is very attractive, reminiscent of the forests of story books and much loved by walkers and fishing enthusiast.

For the other parts of the Perigord see: Perigord Pourpre, Perigord Noir and Perigord Vert.