Named 'the Land of Waters' by the Romans, Aquitaine blends lush valleys and gentle hills with rows of fruit trees and renowned vineyards. In Spring, the orchards are white with blossom. In Summer, strawberries, cherries, peaches, plums and tomatoes stock the local markets. The far west has long beaches backed by beautiful dunes and scented pine forests. To the south, the forested plains give way to the majestic valleys and peaks of the Pyrénées.

The Dordogne is in the region of Aquitaine, in the lush green heart of France. The upper Dordogne and Lot rivers curl under plunging cliffs. Between the rivers, emerald meadows mingle with forests and rugged limestone plateaux dotted with caves. Below Bergerac and Cahors, the rivers weave blue ribbons through the vineyards, past pastoral landscapes dotted with ancient farmhouses

PRIME ATTRACTIONS:Visit Bordeaux - a sea port 100 km from the Atlantic coast. It is still a most elegant city, devoted to the export of fine wine - with its 18th Century palaces, a vast cathedral and wonderful shops.The medieval streets of St. Emilion are filled with tempting wine stores, and local vineyards offer tours, which hold plenty of tasting opportunities!

The caves of the Vézère valley in the Dordogne contain a wealth of amazing prehistoric animal paintings, up to 20,000 years old. Don't miss the village of La Roque-Gageac, built into a cliff of golden limestone. Take a river trip in a flat-bottomed gabare past some fascinating old châteaux. To see some fine examples of 13th Century 'Bastides' visit the fortified towns built by Eleanor of Aquitaine's son, Richard the Lionheart at Monflanquin and Castillonnès. Be sure to see the spectacular sand dunes, particularly around Hossegor and Pyla. Many are over 300 feet high, and the highest in Europe

FOOD & WINE: Dine on freshly caught salmon, shad and crayfish, steak lovers must try an authentic entrecôte à la bordelaise, grilled on vine cuttings. Try the local oysters whilst enjoying the view across to Cap Ferret from the seaside and boating resort of Arcachon. Prunes or apples form the base of pies known as tourtières. Wines of the region are legendary. The aristocratic clarets of Bordeaux; the noble reds of the Dordogne and Garonne valleys; sweet golden Sauternes and the dryer whites, such as Entre-deux-Mers.

Duck and goose feature prominently in the Dordogne- as rich pâtés and grilled magrets (duck breast fillets). Also look for fragrant cèpes, morels and 'black diamond' truffles. Other specialties include lamb, game, trout and delicate goats' cheese from Rocamadour. Bergerac produces excellent wines - especially red Pécharmant and sweet white Monbazillac. The 'black' wine of Cahors perfectly accompanies the region's rich cuisine, or served in a cocktail with cassis and local walnut eau de vie.The town of Sarlat has one of the best markets in France. Look out in particular for walnuts - walnut oil, walnut eau de vie, walnut cheese, walnut tarts. Hardly surprising really - because the Dordogne produces more walnuts than any other region in France.

HISTORY: During the Hundred Years' War, citadels and castles defended almost every pass and hill in Aquitaine. Later, in the 13th century, the English and French defended their front lines with new towns called 'bastides'. Usually set on hills, bastides have squares with arcades, covered markets and fortified churches.

Under English rule in the Middle Ages, the area was overrun by armies fighting the Hundred Years' War. Their legacies include domed, fortified churches, over a thousand castles and 13th century towns with arcaded squares called bastides. Domme and Monpazier are fine examples.

ACTIVITIES: The rivers of the Dordogne often have safe beaches for bathing, while many towns and large villages have swimming pools or man-made lakes. River ports hire out canoes or kayaks - the most spectacular way to tour the Dordogne. Walking and riding trails wind through the woodlands, and golf courses abound.

The 'Silver Coast', from Pointe de Grave right down to Biarritz, is virtually one long sandy beach - perfect for sailing and windsurfing.The Atlantic breakers are a paradise for surfers, drawing professional competitors from all over the world to Lacanau, Hossegor and Biarritz.

Inland, you will find splendid walking and riding country - plus tennis courts, golf courses and man-made lakes. Hikers have a huge choice of locations, from the gentle Landes inclines and the passes in the Pyrenees ; while fans of rafting and canyoning enjoy the thrills of launching into the mountain streams.

LOCAL EVENTS:

• May Cheese festival, Rocamadour.
• June Springtime in Cahors. Photography/visual arts.
• Mid June-mid July Festival of Pau. Theatre, dance and music.
• July Jazz festival in Soulliac. Blues festival in Cahors. Music festival in Sarlat.
• Mid July Jazz on the ramparts, Bayonne
• Mid July Biarritz Surf Festival.
• Mid July-mid August Summer of music in Bergerac. Various towns.
• August Music in Gourdon.

CLIMATE: Aquitaine enjoys a climate moderated by the Atlantic. Warm days begin in May, while summers are hot with the heat lingering into golden September and October to ripen the grapes. The Dordogne has warm days beginning in mid-April, and by May the meadows are a riot of wild flowers. July and August are hot, whilst in September and October the warm sun melts away the morning mists.