It’s one of France’s most beautiful areas and offers a warm welcome welcome to international buyers. See where to look and what you’ll pay when buying property in the Dordogne.

The Dordogne, in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, is the third largest department in France. It has long been popular with British expats and second home buyers, to the extent that it is sometimes nicknamed “Dordogneshire”. In recent years, however, the region has also started to attract attention from American buyers, drawn by its rural charm and historic character.

Where is the Dordogne?

The Dordogne lies in south west France and takes its name from the river that flows through it. It is easily accessible not only to buyers from Europe but also to those flying in from the United States via major hubs such as Paris and Bordeaux.

Origins and history

The history of the Dordogne stretches back to the Iron Age, when the area was known as the Périgord. It was divided into four distinct areas: Périgord Vert, known for its green countryside; Périgord Blanc, named after its limestone plateaux; Périgord Pourpre, famous for its vineyards and Périgord Noir, characterised by its dense forests.

La Roque-Gageac, one of France’s prettiest villages

Even today, the name Périgord is often used interchangeably with Dordogne, particularly when referring to its historic and cultural heritage. From prehistoric cave art at Lascaux to medieval castles, history runs through every part of the region.

Why second home buyers choose the Dordogne

Natural beauty and authentic charm

The Dordogne is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of France. It offers everything from perfectly preserved medieval towns and villages to rolling countryside, rivers, vineyards and forests. Historic sites are plentiful, from ancient fortresses to prehistoric caves, and many of the villages have changed little in centuries.

It is also an area where rural life is balanced with lively communities and a strong cultural identity, from local markets to festivals and cultural events throughout the year.

Climate and seasons

The Dordogne enjoys a temperate climate with hot, sunny summers and mild winters. Spring tends to arrive early, with autumn bringing colourful landscapes and pleasant weather well into October.

Unlike some parts of southern France, where winter can bring strong winds, the Dordogne is sheltered and generally calm.

Transport and connections

For British buyers, access to the Dordogne is straightforward. There are direct flights from many UK regional airports to Bergerac, Bordeaux and Brive. Those preferring to drive can take a ferry to Calais, Portsmouth, Poole or Plymouth, followed by a drive of around 870 kilometres from Calais to Bergerac. The route from Saint Malo is shorter, at around 600 kilometres.

For American buyers, the most common route is via Paris or Bordeaux, with flights from the US connecting easily to regional flights to Bergerac or Brive. From Paris, the high-speed train (TGV) reaches Bordeaux in around two hours, with car hire available at the station.

A lively year-round community

While some rural areas of France can feel very quiet in winter, the Dordogne remains active throughout the year. This is partly due to its popularity with both British and other European expats, many of whom live in the area permanently. It also reflects the strong sense of community that characterises many of the towns and villages.

This year-round life is particularly attractive to retirees, who often seek both peace and quiet and the chance to stay active and social throughout the year.

Why the Dordogne appeals to both UK and US buyers

For British buyers, the Dordogne offers a familiar and welcoming expat community, affordable property prices and a relaxed lifestyle within easy reach of home.

Sarlat-la-Canéda, Dordogne (Irina Crick / Shutterstock.com)

For American buyers, the appeal is slightly different. The Dordogne offers a chance to own a home in a historic and culturally rich part of France, often at prices that seem very reasonable by American standards. Many are drawn to the idea of a rural retreat in one of Europe’s most beautiful regions, with the chance to enjoy authentic French life in an area steeped in history.

Whether you are retiring, buying a holiday home or seeking a sound long-term investment, the Dordogne continues to stand out as one of the most attractive parts of France for international buyers.

Where we’re buying property in the Dordogne

The Dordogne is filled with lovely places to live, but here are some of the most appealing towns and villages.

Périgueux

The capital of the Dordogne, Périgueux is a lively and attractive town with a beautifully preserved historic centre. Its twice-weekly market is one of the best in the region, and the town itself is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its location on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela.

Sarlat-la-Caneda

Sarlat is one of the best known towns in the Dordogne and attracts large numbers of visitors each year. Its medieval centre, with cobbled streets and timber framed houses, gives it a storybook quality, while its cultural calendar includes numerous festivals and events throughout the year.

Beynac-et-Cazenac

Beynac et Cazenac

Beynac is one of France’s officially designated “most beautiful villages”, and it is easy to see why. Perched on a cliff overlooking the river Dordogne, it offers extraordinary views across the surrounding countryside. The village was even used as a location for the film Chocolat.

Belvès

Belvès is another village on the official “most beautiful villages” list. It is known for its picturesque main square and covered market, where visitors can sample some of the local specialities such as truffles, duck, honey and cheese.

Brantôme

Sometimes called the Venice of the Périgord, Brantôme is known for its riverside setting, ancient abbey and traditional weekly market. Its location in the northern Dordogne makes it a popular choice for buyers who want to be within reach of both the Dordogne and neighbouring areas such as the Charente.

Types of homes in the Dordogne

The Dordogne offers a wide range of property types to suit different tastes and budgets. There are traditional stone farmhouses with original features, village houses with small gardens or courtyards, cottages perfect for holiday homes and larger rural estates with vineyards or extensive land. For those who prefer modern homes, there are also new builds and contemporary villas, some with swimming pools.

The Dordogne offers a chance to own a home in a historic and culturally rich part of France, often at prices that seem very reasonable

Whether you are looking for a renovation project or a home that is ready to move into, there is no shortage of options.

Property prices and value for money

The Dordogne continues to offer good value for money, especially when compared with popular rural areas in the UK such as Sussex, or scenic regions in the US such as parts of New England.

The average price per square metre in 2024 is around €1,800. A three-bedroom country house with land typically costs between €180,000 and €250,000. Larger properties, such as renovated farmhouses with several acres, start at around €300,000.

Old and beautiful property in the Dordogne

In particularly sought after towns and villages such as Sarlat and Beynac, prices tend to be higher at around €2,500 per square metre.

For American buyers, these prices compare very favourably to equivalent properties in rural Vermont, parts of California or areas of the southern United States, where homes with land often cost significantly more.

Dordogne property prices compared

Here’s a comparison table showing typical property prices in the Dordogne (per square metre and for an average country house) compared to other popular regions in France for second home buyers. The data is sourced from a combination of Notaires de France, various property portals and French government statistics. Prices reflect early 2024 data and focus on properties in rural or village locations rather than larger cities.