France’s Dordogne region is loved by Brits, but has largely remained under the radar of American travelers.

Declic & Decolle/Dordogne Departmental Tourism Committee

Ridley Scott has a thing for Monpazier.

As I stand in the middle of Place des Cornieres, the main square, I can understand why.

A historic square with arched stone buildings and people dining outdoors on a terrace under umbrellas

People sitting and enjoying their time in Monpazier’s Place des Cornières or main square.Credit:Déclic & Décolle/Dordogne Departmental Tourism Committee

Streets fan out in perfect geometry: Some, small alleys known ascarreyous, are only two meters wide.

Of them, Monpazier is considered the most beautiful.

Luc Fauret/Dordogne Departmental Tourism Committee

But this othersouth of Franceshould be in your travel plans.

A castle perched on a hill surrounded by a village and forested countryside

Sunset over Château de Biron.Déclic & Décolle/Dordogne Departmental Tourism Committee

The Dordogne is a glorious landscape of winding rivers, centuries-old chateaux, prehistoric caves, and tricolor vineyards.

Overlooking the scene isLa Bruceliere dIssigeac, a 17th-century inn at the entrance to the historic center.

The Honeymans are so inspired by whats on their doorstep that theyve made the region their permanent home.

Aerial view of Monpazier, a historic bastide town in Dordogne, France, showcasing its central square and surrounding architecture

Aerial view showing the Bastide of Monpazier.Déclic & Décolle/Dordogne Departmental Tourism Committee

Ive only been in the Dordogne for a few days, yet I cant help but agree.

Hand holding a truffle from the ground, with a basket visible in the background

Hunting for the regional black Périgord truffles.Luc Fauret/Dordogne Departmental Tourism Committee

Aerial view of a circular village with a dense arrangement of rooftops surrounded by greenery

Aerial view of the village of Issigeac.Dordogne Libre/Dordogne Departmental Tourism Committee

Grapevines with ripe grapes in a vineyard, countryside visible in the background

Grapes hang from the vineyards around Château Feely.Château Feely/Dordogne Departmental Tourism Committee

Château and gardens reflected on a calm river

View of Bourdeilles Castle from the banks of the Dronne.Dan Courtice/Dordogne Departmental Tourism Committee

A peaceful village with a bridge over a river, surrounded by trees and hills, under a clear sky

The scenic village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère in the heart of the Black Périgord region.Déclic & Décolle/Dordogne Departmental Tourism Committee

A historic manor with a garden, featuring two people walking

The grounds at Manoir de la Salle in Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère.Gregory Cassiau/Les Conteurs/Dordogne Departmental Tourism Committee

Entrance to a restaurant named ‘Le Petit Léon’ and a plated scallop dish served in a shell

Exterior of Le Petit Leon and a dish from the newly opened RoBo.Esoler Photographie/Le Petit Leon/RoBo