Dordogne: A Journey Through Time and Nature in the Heart of France

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwa/day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [ko-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pay-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pay-lay uh may-duh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shtay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell er ay eel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon er]
• Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dees ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

The Dordogne region is home to some of the world's most significant prehistoric art, notably the Lascaux Cave Paintings. Discovered in 1940, these Paleolithic cave paintings date back approximately 17,000 years. The intricate depictions of animals such as horses, aurochs, and deer provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives and beliefs of early humans. The cave complex, often referred to as the 'Sistine Chapel of Prehistory,' is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and represents one of humanity's earliest forays into artistic expression.

The Romans left a lasting imprint on the Dordogne region, particularly in the town of Périgueux, known in antiquity as Vesunna. Established around the 1st century AD, Vesunna was a significant Gallo-Roman city. Visitors can explore the Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum, built around the remains of a grand Roman villa, and view the well-preserved Vesunna Tower. These ancient ruins provide insights into Roman urban planning, architecture, and daily life in the region.

Dordogne is dotted with medieval castles and fortresses, many of which played crucial roles during the Hundred Years' War between England and France (1337-1453). Notable sites include the Château de Beynac, which served as a strategic stronghold for French forces, and the Château de Castelnaud, held by the English. These imposing structures offer a vivid reminder of the region's turbulent past and the strategic importance of the Dordogne River in medieval military campaigns.

The Renaissance period brought architectural and cultural flourishes to the Dordogne region, exemplified by the Château de Hautefort. Originally a medieval fortress, the château was transformed into an elegant Renaissance residence in the 17th century. Set amidst meticulously manicured gardens, the château features grand halls, ornate décor, and an extensive art collection. It stands as a testament to the period's artistic and cultural achievements in the region.

During World War II, the Dordogne region became a hub of resistance activity against the Nazi occupation. The dense forests and rugged terrain provided ideal cover for the Maquis, groups of French Resistance fighters. The village of Oradour-sur-Glane, just north of Dordogne, is a poignant reminder of the war's brutal impact. Destroyed by the SS in 1944, it remains preserved as a memorial to the lives lost and the resilience of the local population.

Dordogne is located in southwestern France, and the nearest international airport is Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport (EGC). It is also accessible from Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD) and Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS). From these airports, you can rent a car or take a train to reach Dordogne. The journey by car from Bordeaux takes approximately 2 hours, while from Toulouse it takes around 2.5 hours. Trains from Paris to Périgueux, the capital of Dordogne, are also available, with high-speed TGV services connecting Paris to Bordeaux, from where you can transfer to a local train.

Public transportation in Dordogne mainly consists of regional trains and buses. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the region, as many attractions are in rural areas not well-served by public transit. Bicycles are also a popular option for getting around, particularly for short distances and scenic routes. Taxis are available but can be expensive. The larger towns like Périgueux, Sarlat-la-Canéda, and Bergerac have local bus services that connect to nearby villages.

The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller towns and rural areas. ATMs are available in most towns, and it is a good idea to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to more remote locations.

Dordogne is generally a very safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and securing personal belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always wise to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112, the European emergency number, for immediate assistance. Local police stations and medical facilities are available throughout Dordogne. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are common and can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but neatly; casual is fine, but avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; when visiting churches, dress modestly and be quiet. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to the elderly or those with disabilities. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with 'Bonjour' and a handshake or cheek kiss, depending on the level of familiarity. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and wines; accepting food and drink offerings graciously is considered polite. Don’t rush meals; dining is a leisurely activity in France.

To experience Dordogne like a local, visit the weekly markets in towns like Sarlat-la-Canéda, Périgueux, and Bergerac, where you can buy fresh produce, cheeses, and other regional specialties. Engage with locals and try to learn a few French phrases; even basic attempts are appreciated. Don’t miss the local festivals and events, which often include traditional music, dance, and food. Explore the lesser-known medieval villages and take advantage of the many hiking and biking trails to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the region.