Aquitaine/Dordogne

On the front of the Atlantic Ocean, in the southwest of France it is known from foreigner by its Bordeaux wines (Saint Emillion, Pauillac, Sauterne.) By its forests in the Landes area, with its large sand beaches, by the rich Basque Country and its culture, by its made gastronomy of “ foie gras”, from corn breed poultry, from its young cows fight, its majestic rivers and sometimes impetuous water goes down from the Pyrenees and borders it in its south. Bordeaux is the undeniable capital and its master key exchange with England is always present. The activity of the Internationals fairs is a testimony. The Place of the Quinconces gives an indication of the radiation of this metropolis. But the charm and the accent singing in the campaigns always give attractiveness renovate at this country of good food. It is a memory imperishable to walk in the September morning in the forest from exhales in first the scents of boletus, then the resins under the heat of the sun, tempered by a refreshing marine breeze.

Dordogne takes its name from the river - but it is the wonderful mix of caves, chateaux, medieval towns and villages, rich regional cuisine and countryside that has led to it having such a powerful fan club. The borders of the former province of Perigord are shadowed almost exactly by the present departement.

Brits holidaying in the Dordogne have become almost a cliche (especially among the French) and there are even local cricket clubs, but don't be put off. Good advance planning and a willingness to get off the beaten track means it's possible to avoid the bottlenecks.

Bergerac has always been an important centre and port. The old town has plenty of narrow streets to explore, most with restaurants catering for the huge tourist influx. The Maison du Vin lists all the local chateaux open to the public and has details on the four main types: Pecharment, Rosette, the white and red Cotes de Bergerac and the white Montravel. There is also an increasing number of newer winemakers who produce faux Medoc mimicking their neighbours in Bordeaux. There is also a tobacco museum reflecting the area's other main crop. Top cave for paintings is the replica of Lascaux, Lascaux II at Montignac - the original cave is closed. Don’t bypass it in the mistaken belief that because it’s a replica it will be awful, it isn’t. Ten years in the making and claimed to be within a millimetre of the original, the paintings of bulls, bears, horses and deer are breathtaking.