Dordogne Property Guide & Information

Dordogne Immobilier & Property Market Trends

Dordogne Property Market was highly boosted until 2007 but has tended to slow down since then. This northeast portion of Aquitaine remains the cheapest of the region although it boasts some valuable property styles really sought-after by foreign buyers.

The average housing prices have come down to €1,460/square metre (for ancient apartments, i.e. €150,000 for an ancient traditional house in average). Although Périgueux and Bergerac remain the main cities of the department, second house buyers - and more precisely British people - are much seduced by quaint small towns like Sarlat (or Sarlat-la-Canéda). It is not a surprise then to see property prices rising nearby whilst the property market in areas far afield developed at a slower pace.

Slowed demand and lack of skilled professionals made renovation costs soar so this became quite restrictive.

To get updated info about the housing prices in the Dordogne departement, please browse our French Property Market Reports published in the News Section every month.

5 Reasons to Buy a Property in Dordogne

Given its natural scenery, limestone plateaux and cliffs, Dordogne is nowadays an appealing destination for those who long for enjoying the French art de vivre! Whether for a second home or an investment, Dordogne property is still a good value and not much touristic hitherto - the perfect place to carve out an idyllic life in France.

• Historical heritage: Dordogne is littered with authentic castles or chateaux, small fortified towns, manors and houses with towers, but the best known sight is the Lascaux caves ("Grottes de Lascaux" in French) in the Black Perigord.

• Gourmet food: the Perigord is mainly renowned for its agricultural areas and vineyards. Do not miss the local fine wines (from Purple Perigord), truffles (Black Perigord), cepe mushrooms and terrific duck and goose products!

• Dordogne River: there are 6 waterways across the Dordogne department in total, offering outstanding valleys - such as the Vézère's - as well as sterling conditions for water activities like canoeing, kayaking, sailing or even fishing.

• Lifestyle: it is no accident that Perigord is now foreign buyers' favourites, the local leisurely lifestyle and welcoming people also justify Dordogne's increasing popularity. Do enjoy the region while it is not much filled with tourists!

• Location: sharing border with the Corrèze, Midi Pyrénées and Poitou-Charentes regions, Dordogne has a perfect central position, ideal for touring throughout the French countryside and getting to the sea or to the mountain areas quite quickly.

Local Property Market: 5 Popular Towns

• Bergerac property: despite the damages caused during the wars of religion, this market town retains the charm of the traditional south west France - including a huge, lesser-known chateau of Tiregand. Many cultural events have been organised there since the successful Edmond Rostand's play, Cyrano de Bergerac, was exhibited.

• Brantôme property: retaining the charm of the ancient 15th-century southern towns, Brantôme(close to Périgueux) features former mills, small cobbled streets and a weekly market where you would find all Perigord gourmet products.

• Montignac property: renowned for being a lively place to stay when visiting the famous Lascaux Caves. Close to the Corrèze border, this lovely village also hosts a great weekly market and a popular folk music festival every year in July.

• Périgueux property: capital city of the Dordogne departement, Perigueux offers a lovely pedestrian old quarter - mark of the past Roman history - and an authentic homely atmosphere.

• Sarlat property: great example of the French "bastides", this small town is renowned for its historical buildings, sand-coloured houses with lauze roofs and winding cobblestone streets. The small houses built into the rock at Les Eyzies is a must-visit nearby.