Southwestern France: Dordogne & Lot
Southwestern France is known as la France profonde, or literally, "deep France."
Located far from the coasts and from Paris, the region has experienced long periods of having been forgotten by time and progress. It continues to have an
off-the-beaten path feel that appeals to the independent spirit. And it has a beauty that rivals any other region of France. This is the land of chestnut
trees, thick forests, limestone cliffs rising abruptly from the river banks, and fortified, defensive castles constructed by the French and the English on
their respective sides of the Dordogne River. This is also the land of fois gras, and some of the best, freshest foods in France.
The Dordogne region's long history is everywhere in evidence: from its medieval villages with their looming
castles, to the prehistoric cave dwellings with their 55,000 year old murals. The Dordogne River, long the embattled border between France and England,
continues to separate the castles of the once rival nations.
Adjacent to the Dordogne, the Lot region has a different, wilder feel. Dominated by causses (limestone plateaus), this region
has very little surface water. Where surface water does exist -- in the form of rivers -- it continues to carve deep canyons into the porous limestone. The
result: strange forests of deep-digging trees, white cliffs, mighty canyons watched over by perched medieval villages, caves (many having
hosted prehistoric settlements), underground rivers, and vineyards and orchards planted in every available river valley.
Diverse Directions offers the following itineraries in Southwestern France. Click on the itinerary name for
full details and photos.
Fortified Castles