If you love peaceful countryside, scenic views and picturesque market towns, enjoy walking and boating, appreciate good food and wine, then the Dordogne, our region of the month, will delight you.

The first time I saw Dordogne country, I thought I’d discovered The Shire, Tolkein’s idyllic pastoral land that time seems to have forgotten.

The Dordogne is a great holiday area. The climate is warm and sunny and it’s reachable in a day by car from the channel ports. Holiday lets in the Dordogne range from quaint village houses and romantic rural cottages to luxury villas and easy going family farmhouse conversions, most with their own private pool.

Families love to combine days by the pool with nights around the barbecue, along with interesting outings and reasonable meals of fresh local produce and delicious wine in friendly auberges.

Main towns are Perigeux, Bergerac and Brantome, all small and welcoming, with fascinating markets and museums, arts and crafts. Prehistoric painted caves and museums deserve exploration. The countryside is perfect for walking or cycling and the rivers ideal for canoes, kayaks and slow cruises.

Find your Dordogne accommodation and check out our useful guide.