The departement of Dordogne is a part of the Aquitaine region. With the administrative distribution of 1790 most departements were named after the most important river within their boundaries: the Dordogne river. Before its name had been Périgord, which comes from the Gallic tribe that originally inhabited the area: the PETROCORII. The shire of Périgord was established in the 11th century and later became part of the house of Albret. Under Henry the IV the Périgord became part of the French crown. Many French still refer to the area as Périgord, famous for its particular kitchen and as a favorite holiday destination.
The Périgord-Noir area contains a wide variety of forest and woodlands on the hills with pictoresque valleys and orchards. Mankind has left its marks too from pre historic times till now. Interesting cave paintings, historic castles, walled cities, churches and other buildings are abundant. Many of the architecture is characterized by the typical “lauze” roofing. Together with the excellent wines produced here this all pays tribute to the rich heritage of this part of France. Indeed one more reason to visit the Périgord-Noir.
The Périgord-Noir: the black Périgord with its valleys of the Vezere and Dordogne rivers gets its name from the abundant forests where the different oaks garantee a thick and green cover all year around. In the valleys along the banks wheat, maize and tabacco are cultivated. Many nut bearing trees like the chestnut are present. In all markets you’ll find the fruits of the Périgord-Noir: delicious walnuts, mushrooms, truffles and foie-de-gras. Locally produced wines are on offer and of excellent quality. Did we mention already the cheese and sausages?
So this is where we find Le Bugue village on the banks of the Vezère. A small but friendly village with some beautiful sightseeing that you can easily do by foot, bicycle or car when staying in Le Noyer Résidence. A 17th century mill,
a fossil museum, an outdoor museum and one of France’s most beautiful aquariums. Also the famous cristal cave of Gouffre de Proumeyssac with its sound and light display. The earliest paintings pre historic man are to be admired in Caverne de Bara Bahau.
On the Le Noyer estate you’ll even discover parts of the authentic road pilgrams took when on their way to Santiago de Compstella in Spain.
If activity and sports is what you are looking for, possibilities are countless. To walk and to wander from Le Noyer Résidence is one to begin with. Good maps for a variety of routes through the Périgord-Noir are available. This applies too for (mountain)biking and will lead you through a string of pictoresque villages, forest and end up along rivers and lakes. All other sports like golf, horse riding, karting, fishing, swimming, watersport (canoes), motorracen, sailing etcetera are within 20 minutes reach from Le Noyer Résidence. A family theme- and water park is located near Le Bugue.
