Périgord, Historical region in Dordogne, France.
Périgord is a historical region in the Dordogne department of southwestern France, covering wooded hills, river valleys, and limestone plateaus. The landscape alternates between dense oak forests, open fields, and small villages built from ochre stone perched on gentle slopes.
The region takes its name from the Gallic tribe Petrocorii, who settled here before Roman conquest. In 1607 the territory was integrated into the French royal domain after centuries under the control of local noble families.
Residents refer to different parts by color: white for the limestone landscape around the capital, black for the dark forests and castles, green for the wooded hills in the north, and purple for the vineyards in the south. This division helps visitors navigate and shows how closely people connect to the soil and vegetation.
The region experiences mild winters and warm summers, with temperatures often rising above 25 degrees Celsius during the hot season. Visitors reach towns most easily through Périgueux or Bergerac, from where country roads wind through valleys and forests.
Farmers use trained dogs or pigs to locate black truffles in the woods, a practice maintained for centuries. The search usually happens in winter, when the tubers ripen and release their aroma.
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