Visit Perigord Pourpre
Purple Perigord, named for the grapes of the region, is to the south-west of the Dordogne and centred around Bergerac. Bergerac is also the most common arrival point for visitors to the region, since the opening of Bergerac airport.
The Perigord Pourpre is probably the second most popular part of the Perigord region after Perigord Noir. It is home to a number of bastide towns and medieval villages
The countryside in the region is one of rolling hills, fields of sunflowers, and ancient farms set in attractive countryside, in addition to the many vineyards in the region. Many well known wines are produced in the Bergerac region. See Bergerac wines.
Explore the Perigord Pourpre
Around Bergerac
Bergerac is the biggest town in the Perigord Pourpre and its medieval old town is delightful. It also has an excellent selection of shops and bars and restaurants.
East of Bergerac
Following the river to the east from Bergerac leads to the market town of Lalinde and on to Le-Buisson-de-Cadouin which is popular for its river beach. Continue a little further and you get to the charming village of Tremolat which sits next to a deep loop in the river called the Cingle de Tremolat. It is also home to one of the most reputed restaurants in the area; the Vieux Logis.
The river then sweeps into another loop as it approaches Limeuil which is one of the Dordogne's "most beautiful villages" and is also the point where the Dordogne river meets the Vezere river. Near to here is the village of Paunat with its abbey-church and the gardens of the Chartreuse-du-Colombier.
The delightful village of Cadouin is near to here and has an important abbey and cloisters and a large stone halle.
Nearby Beaumont is one of the attractive bastide villages of the area and Molieres is another. Saint Avit Senieur is another village with an important abbey and if you are here take a look at the nearby village of Montferrand-du-Perigord which is small but charming.
A little further to the sout east is the village of Monpazier which is classified as one of the "most beautiful villages" of France and in our opinion is one of the best of these! Nearby is the impressive Chateau de Biron which is open to visitors and south of here is the quiet bastide town of Villefranche-du-Perigord.
South of Bergerac
Heading south of Bergerac you will find yourself immediately surrounded by vineyards and the vineyard and Chateau of Monbazillac is one of the most famous of these. Further south is the delightful medieval village of Issigeac which has the air of not having changed for centuries and which has a particularly popular market every Sunday morning.
Also south of Bergerac is the popular bastide village of Eymet.
West of Bergerac
There are also some popular places to visit in the region about 40 km to the west of Bergerac
The castle of Saint-Michel-de-Montaigne which was owned by the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne is part opened to the public and the nearby archaeological site at Montcaret has the ruins of a Gallo-roman villa.
Also in this direction are the beautiful gardens, the Jardins de Sardy.
Outside the Dordogne department but certain to be on your agenda if you are in this region is the stunning UNESCO listed town (and world renowned Bordeaux wine producing region) at Saint Emilion.
For the other parts of the Perigord see: Perigord Noir, Perigord Vert and Perigord Blanc.
Map of Perigord Pourpre and places to visit
Perigord Pourpre places to visit
Beaumont-du-Perigord
Beaumont is an attractive bastide town with an imp...
Beaumont-du-Perigord guide
Bergerac Aqua Park
Bergerac Aqua Park is a water park with four pools set on the edge of the Dordogne river.
Bergerac Aqua Park guide
Cadouin Abbey and Cloister
Cadouin Abbey is a 12th century Cistercian abbey with a beautiful Gothic cloister.
Cadouin Abbey and Cloister guide
Chartreuse du Colombier
The gardens of the Chartreuse du Colombier are very pretty and made even more attractive by their charming setting.
Chartreuse du Colombier guide
Chateau de Bridoire
This chateau is full of medieval-related games and is good fun for visitors with children.
Chateau de Bridoire guide
Chateau de Tiregand
The Chateau de Tiregand is a wine chateau in the Dordogne.
Chateau de Tiregand guide
Le Chateau de Monbazillac
Monbazillac is home to the chateau de Monbazillac and its vineyards.
Le Chateau de Monbazillac guide
Les Grottes de Maxange
The ceilings of the Maxange cave are covered in a tiny and rare from of twisting stalactites.
Les Grottes de Maxange guide
Les Jardins de Planbuisson
The Jardins de Planbuisson is a garden almost entirely planted with bamboo.
Les Jardins de Planbuisson guide
Les Jardins Panoramique de Limeuil
A large park with a stunning view over the river confluence below.
Les Jardins Panoramique de Limeuil guide
Montferrand du Perigord
Montferrand du Perigord is a picturesque village whose church has some medieval frescoes.
Montferrand du Perigord guide
Montpeyroux
Montpeyroux is home to the chateau where Montaigne's younger brother lived.
Montpeyroux guide
Parc en Ciel
Parc en Ciel is an excellent treetop adventure park with a natural swimming pool.
Parc en Ciel guide
Saint Avit Senieur
Saint-Avit-Senieur is an attractive village with a large ruined abbey.
Saint Avit Senieur guide
Saint Michel de Montaigne
Saint Michel de Montaigne is home to the chateau where Michel de Montaigne lived.
Saint Michel de Montaigne guide
Tremolat
Tremolat is a charming village set next to a deep bend in the Dordogne river.
Tremolat guide
Villefranche-de-Lonchat
Villefranche-de-Lonchat is a small bastide village with a gothic church and an impressive mansion on its main square.
Villefranche-de-Lonchat guide
Villefranche-du-Perigord
Villefranche du Perigord is an attractive bastide village.
Villefranche-du-Perigord guide
