Dordogne & the Lot, 3rd

Four great rivers, the Dordogne, Lot, Garonne and Tarn, rush down from their sources to bring life to this lush, rural corner of France. Since mankind's first art was painted on the caves of Perigord, this region has been rich in life's graces. Its pleasures range from spectacularly carved Romanesque churches and towering chateaux, to mysterious emblems etched ten thousand years ago, to a dinner of foie gras and confits washed down with a fine Bordeaux. This guide offers practical travel advice, over 700 hand-picked places to stay, over 500 restaurants, bars and cafes, wine routes, vintages and chateau visits, as well as the best local markets and food shopping.