top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

French property watch: Dordogne is more than just lovely countryside

This hotspot for British people living in France has a nice climate (hotter than the UK but not unbearably so), green space, friendly people, and some bargain properties for sale

Clockwise: views of Périgueux (top left and right), Bergerac and Sarlat Pic: BearFotos; Anton_Ivanov; rui vale sousa; wjarek / Shutterstock

Departmental capital: Périgueux

Main cities/towns: Bergerac, Nontron, Sarlat, Ribérac

Dordogne has been the department of choice for generations of British (and French, Dutch and American) buyers, and its 24 number plates have a certain cachet.

Reasons for its popularity include a lovely climate (hotter than the UK but not unbearably so), space, friendly people, and, even today, some bargain properties on the market. 

For a rural department, there is also a surprisingly active artistic and cultural scene.

History buffs are also spoilt as Dordogne has probably more chateaux per square kilometre than any other department. It also boasts plenty of prehistoric sites, dating back some 40,000 years.

Dordogne is one of France’s largest departments – driving across can easily take two hours or more – and has four distinct regions. These are usually divided by colour (black, white, purple and green), and prefaced by the department’s old name of Périgord. Each area has its own character. Some, like Eymet or Ribérac, have clusters of English speakers, but expats who do not want to mix with their compatriots will still find enough space to avoid them.

Transport links are reasonable, with an international airport at Bergerac and easy access via the A89 Bordeaux/Lyon autoroute to Bordeaux with its airport and TGV station.

Prices of rural properties in Dordogne were hit hard by the 2008 financial crisis, with some areas seeing prices fall by 25%. They have not fully recovered, so there are still bargains out there. Cheap barn conversions are harder to come by these days, but it is still possible to purchase a decent house for an average price of €1,481 per m².

Related articles

French property watch: Drôme - an idyllic ‘gateway to the south’

French property watch: Location makes Eure a prime spot for buyers

French property watch: Why convenient Charente is popular with Britons

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France