The Dordogne valley, situated in beautiful South-West France, is a wonderful destination for those looking for culture, a gastronomic adventure, a plethora of sporting activities, or just a holiday filled with lazy days by the pool soaking up the sun.

Reputedly the Dordogne has the earliest record of life on earth and was also the setting for the "Hundred Years War" between the English and the French, which left in its wake a wonderful legacy of historical towns, villages and castles. Step back in time with a visit to one of over 1000 chateaus and forts, or discover one of the beautifully preserved medieval towns, such as Monpazier, still with much of its original walls intact. The main city of Perigieux is home to St Front Cathedral, while the bustling towns of Bergerac and Sarlat are both by the river and have excellent shops and restaurants. While you are there, why not take one of the converted wine barges for a gentle ride down the river?

Meander around one of the thriving local markets where you will be able to sample many local delicacies, such as the famous foie-gras or prized truffles for which the area is famous, or sample some splendid wine at a vineyard which has been in the same family for five generations. With gastronomy so important, this is an area where it is almost impossible to eat badly! There are also innumerable vineyards in the Bergerac area, with the fairy-tale Chateau of Monbazillac being the most famous, but almost everywhere you go you are flanked by vineyards. For the serious wine connoisseur, the historic town of St Emillion is a short 45 minutes from Bergerac.

The world famous caves of Lascaux with their pre-historic cave paintings are in the Dordogne along with many other fascinating caves at Proumeyssac. The magnificent medieval castles of Castelnaud, Baynac and La Roque-Gageac defy gravity as they cling dramatically to the valley’s cliffs. Also not to be missed is the towering 12th Century Biron perched, upon a hill, the elegant Chateau Les Milandes (once the home of Josephine Baker) on the banks of the Dordogne, the Chateau of Lanquais with its boating lake below, or Chateau de La Pommerie which is home to a museum of Napoleon. Visit the beautiful gardens of Marqueyssac, famous for their topiary walk, breathtaking views and award-winning ice-cream in the restaurant, or stroll through the Troglodytiqes fort and city at La Roque St Christophe.

With the Dordogne river running the length of the departement, canoeing and kayaking are popular sports passing through some wonderful scenery and there is also excellent fishing to be had either on the river or lakes. For the adventurous there are hot-air-balloon rides and equestrian activities. The Golf Club of Vigier offers both 18 and 9 hole courses.

There are flights to Bergerac with Ryan Air and Flybe from many regional UK airports.