Dordogne, department of south-west France, which covers an area of 9,060 sq km (3,500 sq mi). The department is largely made up of limestone plateaux crossed by the Dordogne and six other rivers. Dordogne has a temperate climate, though summers are hot and dry. The higher lands are often covered by forests of oak and chestnut. Picturesque river valleys support a rich variety of local agricultural produce. Particularly famous are Périgord truffles, highly prized subterranean fungi, and a particular gastronomic delight in France. Foie-gras (prepared goose liver) is another sought-after local speciality. Walnuts are one of the main agricultural products of Dordogne and the department is the chief French producer of strawberries and tobacco. The department is part of the region of Aquitaine and is surrounded by the departments of Haute-Vienne, Corrèze, Lot, Lot-et-Garonne, Gironde, Charente-Maritime, and Charente. It is the third largest department of France.
Cave
paintings and engravings at Lascaux and Les
Eyzies-de-Tayac bear witness to a history of human habitation in the
region dating back to prehistoric times. The department's medieval heritage
is especially well represented with the medieval towns of Sarlat
and Brantôme being among the most beautiful in France.
The Dordogne also boasts the greatest number of castles and chateaux, close to 1,000, of all the French departments. A large number date from the 13th and 14th centuries, reminders of the Anglo-French struggles when the Dordogne was the frontier region in the wars between England and France during the 100 years war. Others, however, date from the Renaissance.
The Dordogne is a river born from two streams in Auvergne, the Dore and the Dogne on the flanks of the puy de Sancy. "Dordogne" has become one of the favourite destinations of British immigration to France
The capital of the department, Périgueux, reflects the region's long and diverse history, with an architectural heritage ranging from Roman ruins to Renaissance buildings lining cobbled streets. The history of the church of Saint-Front of Périgueux gave rise to numerous discussions between archæologists. Félix de Verneihl claims that Saint-Front was a copy of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice; Quicherat, that it was copied from the church of the Holy Apostles of Constantinople. M. Brutails is of opinion that if St. Front reveals an imitation of Oriental art, the construction differs altogether from Byzantine methods. The dates 984-1047, often given for the erection of Saint-Front, he considers too early; he thinks that the present church of Saint-Front was built about 1120-1173, in imitation of a foreign monument by a native local school of architecture which erected the other domed buildings in the south-west of France.
The local architect, Paul Abadie 1812-1884)was responsible for radical changes to Saint-Front which are no longer appreciated by architects or local residents who prefer the purer Romanesque church of Saint-Etienne de la Cité, the former Cathedral of Périgueux.
The 20th century in the Dordogne has been characterised by a continual rural exodus with many of the depopulated regions now being dependent upon agriculture and tourism. Nevertheless, a number of light industries such as wood, paper, and shoes continue to exist in the towns of the department.
Population (1982) 377, 356. Population (2004) 671, 229.
Dordogne, department of south-west France, which covers an area of 9,060 sq km (3,500 sq mi). The department is largely made up of limestone plateaux crossed by the Dordogne and six other rivers. Dordogne has a temperate climate, though summers are hot and dry. The higher lands are often covered by forests of oak and chestnut. Picturesque river valleys support a rich variety of local agricultural produce. Particularly famous are Périgord truffles, highly prized subterranean fungi, and a particular gastronomic delight in France. Foie-gras (prepared goose liver) is another sought-after local speciality. Walnuts are one of the main agricultural products of Dordogne and the department is the chief French producer of strawberries and tobacco. The department is part of the region of Aquitaine and is surrounded by the departments of Haute-Vienne, Corrèze, Lot, Lot-et-Garonne, Gironde, Charente-Maritime, and Charente. It is the third largest department of France.
Cave
paintings and engravings at Lascaux and 
