Typical Périgord Houses

Périgord is a historic province of France covering parts of Aquitaine, Midi Pyrenees and Limousin. Today the perigord corresponds more or less to the current Dordogne department.

The Perigord of France was divided in 4 areas, that in fact correspond to the local natural environment surrounding these areas:

• Green Périgord, around the town of Nontron. The name originates from the oak forests and “wet” meadows that can be found all around.
• White Périgord, around Périgueux and the Quercy. The name originates from the calcareous soil of this area.
• Black Périgord, around Sarlat-la-Canéda. The name originates from the dark oaks forests and from many truffles that can be found in the area.

Traditional Perigord House Architecture.

• Purple Périgord, around Bergerac. Its name originates from the tourism since this area is popular. It reflects the local wine production.

There is no particular property type in the Périgord area of France but the local material used to build property varies widely and so do the aspect, character and design of the houses.

The roofs are accordingly made up of different types of materials: slate roofs are common in the Eastern part of the department, Lauze (flat stones) are widespread in the area around Sarlat, whilst tiles are common in the white Périgord, and so on… These materials are predominantly used in these areas but usage of other materials is also common in this area of France.

Many longeres can be found, along with outbuildings like barns, cowsheds or stables. Houses were often modified to be able to welcome two types of inhabitants: the farmer's family and the livestock.