The best places to buy property in Dordogne

The french refer to Dordogne as ‘Périgord,’ its historic name. The region is divided into four distinct areas: Périgord Noir (black), known for its oak forests and truffles, Périgord Blanc (white), famous for its limestone plateaus, Périgord Vert (green), with its lush greenery, and Périgord Pourpre (purple), celebrated for its vineyards.

Both tourists and residents are drawn to the region, especially to the areas along the Dordogne river, where outdoor activities abound.

Dordogne is land-locked but has easy access to the Bay of Biscay coastline, perfect if you enjoy spending time at the beach. You’ll find many properties for sale with swimming pools to keep you cool during long and/or hot summer months.

The region has three airports served by several low-cost airlines: Bergerac, Brive-la-Gaillarde, and Bordeaux. From the UK, you can take the eurostar to Paris and then a train to Périgueux, which takes around 4 hours.

The property market in Dordogne is diverse, offering everything from charming village houses and traditional farmhouses to grand chateaux and modern villas. Prices vary significantly depending on the location, size and condition of the property.
However, Dordogne is a sought-after destination, which has helped keep property values fairly stable.

Where you choose to buy a property in Dordogne will depend on your reasons for purchasing. Families should consider the education infrastructure, available activities and the cost of living. For retirees, healthcare access and amenities are key factors. Investors should consider factors such as location, rental yields and nearby tourist attractions if the property is to be used for seasonal rentals.

Here are some  of the main towns in Dordogne and their attractions:

• Périgueux – the capital of the Dordogne, benefits from a blend of history, culture and modern amenities, with good transport links and a vibrant city centre.
• Bergerac – famous for its wine region, Bergerac provides a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful scenery and plenty of leisure activities.
• Sarlat-la-Canéda – a medieval town, Sarlat offers a unique historical setting and bustling markets and attracts many tourists.
• Lalinde – a charming riverside town in peaceful surroundings with a strong sense of community.
• Eymet – with its central square, Eymet is a traditional French village where you can mingle with the locals.
• Montpon-Ménestérol – a market town with a rural feel, offering a slower pace of life and access to the surrounding countryside.
• Montignac – known for its proximity to the famous Lascaux caves with their prehistoric paintings, Montignac provides a mix of history, culture and natural beauty.
• Trélissac – a residential town close to Périgueux is a quiet environment with easy access to city amenities.
• Ribérac – a market town in the north of the Dordogne, boasts a traditional French lifestyle and a strong agricultural heritage.
• Coulounieix-Chamiers Located near Périgueux, this town contains a mix of residential areas and commercial activity, with good access to transport links.

The table below shows the average price per square metre to purchase a house in these towns.

For comparison purposes, the average price in the whole of Dordogne is €1,777/m2.
This is an increase of 2% over the same period last year, showing that Dordogne is still desirable despite overall French property prices declining.

Dordogne offers a diverse range of property options and a slower pace of life in the many small towns and villages. If you prefer city life, the capital Périgueux is a good option as it still has a relaxed feel, unlike the bustle of many UK cities. Whether you’re looking to relocate, invest, buy a holiday home, or retire, our iad Overseas consultants can help you find a property in this beautiful region of France.

3 key points to remember

• The average property price in Dordogne is €1,777/m² in December 2024, with variations depending on the town, ranging from €1,494/m² in Ribérac to €2,210/m² in Sarlat-la-Canéda.
• Attractive areas to buy in Dordogne include Périgueux for its history and amenities, Bergerac for its wine region, Sarlat-la-Canéda for its medieval and touristy atmosphere, and Eymet for its traditional village and central square.
• Dordogne is popular with expatriates, well-connected by transportation, with a stable property market despite the overall decline in prices in France, and is becoming increasingly attractive to digital nomads due to its connections and peaceful environment.