Property Dordogne - Buy, Rent & Stay in Dordogne , France

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Village of Sarlat in the Dordogne

The Dordogne Economy

The vineyards and their produce are a major contributor to the finances of the department. Agriculture is another important factor.

43% of the Dordogne is forest or woodland and the Dordogne forestry industry employs more than 2,000 people. A lot of the woodland is commercially grown and approximately 1 million cubic metres of wood is logged each year, with about one-third of this being used in wood stoves.

Other industries include the food industry, paper manufacturing, chemical/rubber and plastic manufacture and shoe making (leather).

Tourism accounts for over 22% of the local economy, with around 2.6 million visitors every year, a turnover of some 780 million euros and employing some 4,000 people in the “official” sites.

There are a large number of local craft companies situated throughout the department.

The Dordogne Valley is equipped with 5 barrages for hydroelectric production, accounting for 1% of French electricity.

Tourism in the Dordogne

Whilst a long time favourite with visitors, the region has escaped much of the over development of some of France's other regions.

Obviously this popularity with international visitors means that gite rental properties can provide a lucrative primary or secondary income source for French property owners,

It’s beauty is unsurpassed - rivers cut through limestone, leaving fantastic cliffs people have built around and into for thousands of years. Castles, chateau, and other important historical museums are sprinkled throughout the region. The stone villages in Dordogne, including Monpazier, Rocamadour, Domme and La Roque Gageac, are unbelievably picturesque. The market of Sarlat-le Caneda is just one of many remarkable markets in the area.

There are more than 1,000 castles and chateau in Dordogne, including the following:

* Beynac

* Biron

* Bourdeilles

* Castelnaud-la-Chapelle

* Commarque

* Herm

* Milandes

* Monbazillac

* Pécany

The famous caves of Lascaux are a major tourist attraction. Périgueux has important Roman ruins, including an arena which is still visible inside a public park located near the town centre.

Cities/Towns:

Périgueux with its Roman remains

Bergerac

Nontron

Sarlat-la-Canéda

Property Dordogne

Featured French Property for Sale

BF563 Private estate in Parc Naturel.

A rare proposition, this estate has two existing houses with much scope for expansion in one, plus two other barns which would make superb letting apartments.All set in lovely countryside half an hour south from Limoges airport, close to a good village.

Haute-Vienne
€493,500

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