Welcome to the Dordogne. An ever-so-romantic region in south-west France that you can get to super easily by flying into Bergerac Airport with Jet2.com. In only two hours, you could be right at the heart of honeypot villages and charming riverside towns. Imagine strolling the quaint old towns, perusing petite street markets and stopping for sun-kissed tipples at an idyllic vineyard. Ahh, your French adventure awaits!

Want to learn a bit more about this fabulously French region? Let’s take you through our Dordogne A-Z guide…

Al fresco dining. Because who doesn’t love enjoying lunch while the sun’s beaming down and there’s a slight breeze to keep you cool? Sampling the Dordogne’s exquisite cuisine (more on that later) in the open-air means you’re more than likely going to enjoy a side of stunning views too. And don’t get us started on the evenings. Moonlit meal for two? Yes, please!

Brilliant Bergerac. A pretty town that’s not-to-be-missed while you’re in the area. Think castle, museums and timber houses that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s famed for its wine heritage, so you’d be rude not to swing by one of its cosy wine bars and try a glass.

Châteaux. Magical castles dominate the skyline in nearly every direction you look. There are so many in fact, the region gets referred to as the ‘Land of 1001 Castles’! Many are open to the public too, so you’re free to have a nosy around and see how the other half once lived. One of our favourites is Le Château des Milandes. It’s the former residence of French entertainer Josephine Baker, and you can explore the stunningly feminine rooms and pristine gardens at your leisure.

Duck capital of France. Yep, that’s right, duck is one of the most popular dishes in the Dordogne and it features on most restaurant menus. Most commonly cooked in duck or goose fat, you can expect the meat to melt in your mouth.

Everyone catered for. Visiting as a couple and looking for romantic activities? Or have you got the kids in tow and need days out that keep all ages entertained? The Dordogne has got you well and truly covered. Fast-paced or go-slow, you can do both here.

France’s foodie hub. Forget Paris, hop straight over to the delicious Dordogne if you’re all about trying seasonal produce and locally grown delights. We’re talking strawberries, walnuts, whole varieties of cheese, foie gras and rich truffles!

Gardens galore. There are various public gardens in the area which you can stroll around independently or join an expert guided tour. Some are up in the hills while others are hidden in the valleys below, but each showcases something a little different, from manicured lawns and grand ponds to winding pathways lined with rainbow-coloured flowers.

Hiking and cycling. Up for getting active and burning off some energy? You could follow along the Dordogne River’s edge or head up into the limestone hills if you feel like pushing yourself. When it comes to exploring on two wheels, there are plenty of well-maintained cycle routes that cater to all ages and abilities. You can also expect some seriously stunning scenery to pass you by as you ride along.

It’s up to you. Pick and choose your days to suit you, whether it’s cosy days in, checking out all the best bars and restaurants or action-packed days out, making the most of the lovely weather.

Jardins de Marqueyssac. These fabulous gardens are some of the most popular in the region. You can wander around at your own pace and there’s a park where little ones can blow off some steam. Throughout the summer months, there are weekly music concerts and displays held here. It’s a truly magical setting.

Kayaking and canoeing. With the picturesque Dordogne River flowing right through the region, you couldn’t be better placed for a spot of kayaking or canoeing. Hire from one of the many clubs along the river and set sail for a day to remember.

Lascaux prehistoric cave art. Art fan or history buff? You’ll love seeing the depictions of bison and woolly rhinos at Grotte de Rouffignac. They date back to 11,000 BCE!

Michelin stars. Want that extra-special foodie experience? Reserve a table at one of the region’s Michelin-starred eateries and you’ll be in the best place to sample all the local ingredients.

Night markets. The buzz of one of the Dordogne’s night markets is like no other. They kick off late in the afternoon and go on until early morning sometimes! You can grab a beer, browse the stalls and get a little taste of everything. You’ll mostly find them out in open fields under a string of lights or at the heart of a medieval village.

Off the beaten track. It’s not just all about the tourist hotspots, there are plenty of hidden French treasures to be uncovered across the region. Underground prehistoric sites, ancient monuments up in the hills – why not see what you can find?

Postcard-perfect views. Yes, they really are as beautiful in real life! Don’t forget your camera, you’ll want to capture it all.

Queen for the day! Feel like royalty as you hop from one royal residence to the next. Take Château de Beynac for example. This is the former fortress of Richard the Lionheart!

Rocamadour. Not only is this one of the country’s most-popular tourist attractions, but it also holds UNESCO World Heritage status. It’s a magical site where legend, history and religion meet, and thousands of visitors still flock here today to see the Black Madonna that’s carved into the wood of a walnut tree. Get down early to try and dodge the crowds.

Super seasonal produce. Think bright-white asparagus, mushrooms and strawberries during spring and summer, and walnuts and world-famous white and black truffles during autumn. Whatever time of year you visit, you’re bound to fall in love with the delicious Dordogne cuisine.

Truffle paradise! The Dordogne’s ‘black diamond’ variety brings thousands of truffle hunters to the region every year. For beginners, there are great truffle gathering workshops available alongside cooking and tasting classes.

Underground caves of Gouffre de Padirac. This natural wonder packs in the wow-factor and then some. It’s one of the largest chasms (an underground cave) in Europe and you can walk the 200 steps to reach around 103m below surface level. The best part? You can take a boat ride along the glowing green water at the bottom.

Vineyards. The rich soil and ideal summer climate make grape growing a doddle here. And there’s more than a handful of vineyards to choose from when it comes to sampling the good stuff. From the small and boutique to the larger, more mass-produced. Take a guided tour, enjoy an expert tasting session, before bringing a bottle or two home as a souvenir.

Walnuts. Visitors go nuts for these homegrown treats which have been cultivated in the area since around the 10th century. They’re teamed with Rocamadour goat’s cheese for added crunch on a lot of restaurant menus.

X marks the spot! There are so many hidden treasures in the Dordogne, it’s almost as if you need your own treasure map to find them all. Some are stand-out attractions that you just can’t miss, and some need a little more finding – those are usually the best!

You time. Make time in your sightseeing schedule to relax and unwind. And what better place to do that than at a riverside beach? They come in all shapes and sizes here, from the supervised and well-maintained to the totally wild and hidden-away.

Zzz! Feel refreshed and revitalised after a trip to the Dordogne where you’ve spent days out in the sun-kissed valley and a restful night’s sleep in a beautiful, boutique hotel.