Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / France / Aquitaine / Dordogne
 |  | Fact File : Dordogne |
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| | | Dordogne | | Did you know?
The densest concentration of prehistoric sites in the world is by the Vezere river in the Dordogne.
Language
French
Visas
Not necessary for European passport holders.
Getting there
The closest airport is Bordeaux. From there take the train or hire a car and drive to Perigueux (120km) or Bergerac (100km). Otherwise, take the Eurostar to Paris, then the TGV (high speed train) to Angouleme or Bordeaux, or a slower train direct to Perigueux. Or drive, crossing by ferry with a stop in Normandy, Champagne or the Loire - it's about 7.5 hours from St Malo to Sarlat, and 8.5 hours from Cherbourg.
Flying time from London
One hour and 40 minutes
Getting around
By car is the easiest and best way to see the sights. There are trains from Sarlat in the north of the Dordogne to Perigueux in the centre and Bergerac in the south-east, as well as buses. Cycling is a good way to get around the Vezere Valley and its many prehistoric sites.
Currency
Euro
Costs
Litre of petrol 70p, moderately-priced restaurant meal with wine from £14, camera film £2.30, pint of beer £2, a four-mile taxi ride £4-6.
Weather
Dordogne enjoys a mild, temperate climate with about 900mm annual rainfall. Average temperature in January is 10C(50F), in April 19.5C(67F), in July 27C (81F) and in October 20C (68F). The southern part tends to be drier and stormier than the north.
Time difference
One hour ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the UK
0033 5
Voltage
220V 50Hz. Plugs are two-pin so adaptors are needed.
Opening hours
Museums may be closed on either Monday or Tuesday. In July and August - France's annual holiday period - many shops and businesses will shut down completely. Shop opening hours vary but most take a long lunch and stay open until 7pm. Few shops open on Sunday.
Health - Before you go
France has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Make sure you have an EHIC health form, available from UK post offices.
Health - When you are there
No major health problems in France. Pharmacies are usually marked by a green cross.
Warnings
Theft is the biggest problem tourists face in France, so use common sense and keep an eye on your possessions. Book in advance to visit prehistoric caves, as numbers permitted are limited to minimise damage.
Emergency
Tel. police 17, fire 18 and ambulance 15. British Consulate-General, 353 Boulevard du President Wilson, 33073 Bordeaux Cedex. Tel. (33) (5) 57 22 21 10.
Customs
A simple "bonjour monsieur/madame/mademoiselle" when entering a shop and "merci...au revoir", on leaving, will endear you to the locals.
Pets
As part of the Pet Travel Scheme you may bring your dog or cat to and from France with the correct documentation. This takes several months to set up - see your vet.
Tipping
There's a 10%-15% service charge in restaurants and hotels. Taxi tip is 3Fr-5Fr whatever the fare.
Tourist office
Maison de la France, 178 Piccadilly, London W1V 0AL, Tel. 09068 244123 (60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Dordogne |
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| |  | | Campagnac Villa, Bergerac.
Luxury villa with own private pool. Total peace and tranquillity, in the heart of the Dordogne.
*** ARRIVE/DEPART ANY DAY ***
Free phone & WiFi high speed internet access.
|  | | Cottage Le Capiol - Dordogne
A detached village house, in a fantastic location a short walk to the River Dordogne, restaurants and shops. *** ARRIVE/DEPART ANY DAY *** Short breaks available.
|  | | Elegant country house, Dordogne.
This 1868 elegant and characterful country house with 2 double, 2 twin bedrooms, Swimming pool and terraces has been sympathetically renovated with all modern conveniences. Great value.
|  | | Lafage, Lanquais, Dordogne
Special OFFER! BOOK by St Patrick's Day for 15% discount !! Three bed detached gite, with large private pool. Superb views, very private but shop, restaurant a walk away.
|  | | 8 pers child friendly wi-fi & satellite tv villa
Luxury cottage & converted barn, private infinity aspect salt water pool. Child & pet friendly, hi-fi, dvd, fully equiped house. ARRIVE/DEPART ANY DAY Discounts available.
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