The Dordogne Valley area (technically a "départment") in southwest France is defined by the Dordogne River, which meanders through the Périgord region through a series of deep gorges and steep, spectacular limestone cliffs, alongside old villages and historic castles. It's not hard to see why the area has become so popular. Among the attractions: the beautiful gardens at Marqueyssac, the 17,000-year-old cave drawings at Lascaux (actually it's a duplicate cave to protect the original -- still well worth a visit), the outdoor market at Sarlat, a boat ride or canoe rental on the river itself or simply sipping un café in any one of the region's quaint villages (such as Domme, where this photo was taken).