The Dordogne has long been a favourite with the British, drawing visitors with its medieval villages, lively markets and scenic, rolling countryside.  May is one of the best times to visit the region, the weather is warm, the countryside lush and green and the roads are quiet – ideal for a spot of exploring.  This is also the best time to come if you’re interested in cycling or walking.

Strawberry lovers flock to the Fete de la Fraise, held each year in Beaulieu sur Dordogne (13th May 2007).  Fans of French patisserie will find delicious, giant strawberry tarts whilst the colourful markets, street entertainers and live music will entertain the rest of the family.

Sarlat is one of the region’s most famous towns and Spring is the perfect time to wander the medieval streets within the old town.  The cathedral is surrounded by a maze of cobbled streets where there are plenty of art galleries, antique shops and restaurants waiting to be discovered.  The Festival des Arts En Folie is celebrating its 10th birthday in Sarlat this May (21-27 May 2007).  Over 1,000 youngsters will join in the entertainment with a packed schedule of concerts, exhibitions and shows.

Le Bugue is an attractive market town on the banks of the Vezere River.  The town is an important commercial centre for the surrounding countryside and you will find a good selection of shops and restaurants amongst the pretty 18th century buildings as well as a popular Tuesday market.  Nearby attractions include a large aquarium and the Village de Bournat which recreates life and traditional crafts of 1900. The village celebrates Saint Honore, the patron saint of bakers on the 14th May and Mother’s Day on the 25-28th May. There are also a number of pre-historic sites within the district, including the Grotte of Bara-Bahau.  Le Bugue celebrates its Foire aux Fleurs on the 21st and 22nd April 2007 with an appearance by last year’s Miss Aquitaine.

The Pays Bergerac celebrates the Printemps des Bastides from the 3 April to 26 June 2007 with a number of local exhibitions, markets, concerts and fetes including a Paella evening on the 21st April and Spanish market on the 22nd April in the medieval village of Issigeac.  The Bastide villages also host a number of floral events throughout May, including the Foire aux Fleurs in Monpazier and the Fête des Fleurs in Eymet  both on the 20th May, the Flower Market in Issigeac on the 6th May and the Flower Market in Cadouin on the 8th May

The 19th May is the Nuit des Musees across France when museums open their doors free of charge.  There are a number of participating museums within the Dordogne including the Musée du Tabac in Bergerac, the Musée National De Préhistoire in Les Eyzies and the Musée D’Art et D’Archeologie du Périgord in Périgueux.  

Explore the Dordogne with Carhire3000 and make the most of this beautiful département.  Carhire3000 offer competitive car hire throughout France including a number of locations within the Midi-Pyrenees, Limousin and Aquitaine regions including:

Car hire Bergerac
Car hire Toulouse
Car hire Bordeaux
Car hire Cahors
Car hire Agen
Car hire Mont de Marson
Car hire Montauban
Car hire Périgueux
Car hire Carcassone