We were soon to discover that the Perigord region was split into various colours, originally to describe the landscape.Vert for the northern part with its rolling hills and valleys, Blanc for the central area where the landscape changes to the outcrops of limestone and dramatic cliffs. Noir for the area around Sarlat, Les Eyzies, with its National Museum of Prehistory, Beynac, and the troglodyte village of Roque St Christophe, where people have lived for 50,000 years. Then most recently they have introduced Perigord Poupre to denote the Bergerac wine growing area, to the south-west towards Bordeaux.
So here we are, in this region of prehistory, with so many ancient sites to visit. Caves and Chateaux, Plus beaux Villages de France, vinyards, and ancient cities. A bewildering choice to focus on for the seven days at our disposal.
Having travelled through France for a couple of days, visiting Chateaux, and following my "most direct" but tortuous route we were happy to stay around the farm for the Sunday, and as it happened we were to have a visit from some friends from Wales who were staying in the Charente and decided it would be a nice idea for them to visit us for lunch.The day was hot and sunny, the air was warm and full of good conversation, as the food and wine began to cast its spell. Altogether a splendid start to our holiday in the Dordogne. Even better when Madame spotted me early in the morning and enquired if we liked "haricot verte" and invited me to join her and gather a basket full.
But enough of this, we had places to go, visits to make, adventures to enjoy, and much to discover. At this point, I must emphasize, we were still enjoying an innocent holiday in France. The age of innocence was soon to pass!
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