The limits of the department Dordogne correspond to those of the old province Périgord.
Its south eastern part is known as the Black Périgord, probably due to its thick woods of dark green oaks or maybe because of its black truffles. The landscape owes much of its beauty to the two rivers the Dordogne and the Vézère, whose valleys have yielded so many marvellous treasures : some of the most famous prehistoric painted caves, many small mediaeval towns with colourful markets, castles and churches all nestling in the countryside well known for its exceptional beauty.