France is renowned across the world for its food and its culture. There are still parts of the country, however, that are left out when people are thinking about the best of France.
The Dordogne, Gironde and Charente, located around 8 hours south of Calais, are home to some of France’s most renowned food and beverages. At the same time, the areas have their own diverse mix of history, music and arts.
In France, nature and gastronomy are intrinsically connected. Take the Dordogne and its mix of thick forests, chalk landscapes and rolling hills, or Charente and Gironde, which both have shifting landscapes morphing between fields of sunflowers and rows of ancient vines. This impressive farming land offers a rich array of goods, from black truffles, walnuts, Cabecou goats’ cheese through to foie gras – to be washed down with Cognac, Pineau and fantastic wine.
The food is far from the only reason why this area of France is so inviting. There are ancient caverns and captivating towns to experience, along with more than 1,500 fairy tale castles. When you add this to the farmers’ markets, Romanesque churches, and numerous celebrations, you’ll find there is plenty to fill your time with – at the same time as filling your stomach full of local goods.
If you’re looking to escape the crowds in the Dordogne, visit Hautefort. The ancient town provides a chateau from the Middle Ages, along with farm trips where you can taste and purchase regional fruit and vegetables direct from their local sources. It’s an ideal introduction to simple French town life, with trips available into the caverns of Tourtoirac or Lascaus, canoeing down the Dordogne river available, and the more sedate activity of rummaging through antiques stores in the area.
If great food is your thing, though, you really must visit Sarlat. The marketplace (Wednesdays and Saturdays) brings the very best regional fruit and vegetables to the town, in addition to the outstanding covered market, transformed by Jean Nouvel, accessible throughout the rest of the week. Other stores welcome you to the world of gastronomy by decorating their racks with foie gras and other delicacies.
South West France has something to offer everyone. Find your ideal wine in Saint-Emilion or visit distilleries in Cognac. Whatever you choose to do during your visit, though, don’t miss out on the food.