Périgord
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Périgord (pronunciation ) (Occitan: Peiregòrd / Perigòrd) is a former province of France, corresponding to the current Dordogne département, now forming the northern part of the Aquitaine région. Itself divided into four regions; the Périgord(s) Noir, Blanc, Vert and Rouge, its geography and natural resources make it one of the untouched regions of Europe, and the newly-formed Parc Naturel Périgord-Limousin aims to conserve it as such.
The area is noted for its cuisine, more particularly its products related to ducks and geese, such as foie gras. It is one of the truffle areas of France, historically the most famous. Périgourdine wines include the famed Bergerac (rouges and blancs) and Monbazillac.
The préfecture (capital) of Dordogne is Périgueux, a city steeped in history. There are fine Roman ruins which have been restored and the whole area is known as the 'birthplace of mankind' due to its wealth of prehistoric sites, of which the most famous prehistoric site is the painted cave of Lascaux.