Renaissance Château with Panoramic Dordogne Views

Why Aquitaine, Dordogne, France

The Dordogne, often referred to by its ancient name Périgord, is arguably the world capital of châteaux, boasting a legendary "1,001 castles." For a foreign buyer, the draw is visceral: rolling limestone hills, walnut groves, and prehistoric river valleys dotted with medieval fortresses and Renaissance manors.

Beyond the aesthetics, the Dordogne offers exceptional value compared to the Loire Valley or the Côte d’Azur. It is a region where you can still acquire a substantial historical estate with significant acreage for the price of a modest apartment in London or Paris. It represents a "legacy purchase"—a place for multi-generational gatherings and a slower, more intentional pace of life.

Climate & Lifestyle

The lifestyle is dictated by the terroir. This is the gastronomic heart of France, famous for truffles, foie gras, duck confit, and Bergerac wines. Life revolves around the weekly village markets (like those in Sarlat or Issigeau), which remain vibrant year-round.

The climate is temperate but distinct.

• Spring/Summer: Long, warm days with temperatures often reaching 30°C (86°F), perfect for outdoor dining.
• Autumn: Mild and golden, the peak season for foragers and hunters.
• Winter: Can be damp, grey, and surprisingly chilly. While snow is rare, the humidity from the river valleys can make 5°C feel much colder. Many smaller tourist towns "hibernate" from November to March.

Getting There & Around

The region is well-connected but retains a rural feel.

• Airports: Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport is a hub for low-cost carriers (mainly from the UK/Benelux). For intercontinental flights, Bordeaux-Mérignanc is roughly 1.5 to 2 hours away.
• Rail: The TGV (high-speed train) from Bordeaux to Paris takes just 2 hours, making a day trip to the capital feasible.
• Driving: Roads are generally excellent and scenic, though narrow in the "Black Périgord" area. A car is an absolute necessity; public transport between villages is virtually non-existent.

Practical Living

Living in a rural château sounds romantic, but logistics require planning.

• Healthcare: Excellent. Even small towns like Sarlat or Bergerac have modern hospitals, and the French healthcare system is consistently ranked among the world’s best.
• Schools: While local schools are high-quality, international families often look toward Bordeaux for IB programs.
• Connectivity: France is rolling out fiber-optic internet (Fibre) aggressively. Even many remote châteaux now have high-speed access, though you must verify this site-by-site.
• Language: In popular hubs (Eymet, Sarlat), English is widely spoken. However, for administrative tasks, French is essential.

Property Considerations

Buying a château is more a "stewardship" than a simple purchase.

• Structure: Most are built of honey-colored limestone. Check for "remontée capillaire" (rising damp), which is common in older stone foundations.
• Pests: Termite inspections (diagnostic termite) are mandatory and critical in this wooded region.
• Regulations: Many châteaux are Classé or Inscrit (listed buildings). This means any exterior change—from window frames to roof tiles—must be approved by the Architecte des Bâtiments de France (ABF). This can be a slow, expensive process.
• Maintenance: Heating a 10-bedroom stone castle is a significant expense. Modernizing insulation while preserving heritage features requires specialized (and expensive) artisans (artisans d'art).

Buying as a Foreigner

France has no restrictions on foreign property ownership.

• The Notary: The Notaire is a state-appointed official who handles the transaction. They represent the state, not necessarily your individual interests. It is highly recommended to hire your own independent legal counsel or a surveyor.
• Costs: Budget an additional 7–8% of the purchase price for "notary fees," which are mostly state taxes.
• Pitfalls: Be wary of the "hidden" costs of large estates, such as the taxe foncière (property tax) and the potential requirement for a non-collective sewage system (septic tank) upgrade to meet modern EU standards.

Community & Expat Life

The Dordogne has a historic British and Dutch expat community, particularly around the "Golden Triangle" (Sarlat, Saint-Cyprien, Belvès). You will not be alone, and there are many networks to help with the transition.

However, the most successful foreign buyers are those who integrate. Local mayors (Maires) hold significant power; a polite introduction and participation in village events go a long way. The French in Aquitaine are generally welcoming but value "discretion" and "politesse." Showing an interest in the local history and wine will open doors that money alone cannot.