I agree with this Globe and Mail article (
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/travel/explore-the-frenchmans-paradise/article1784589/ ) that Perigord feels like a Frenchman' paradise especially off season when the crowds of international tourists from the Summer have dwindled. The area is rich in history, the country side is lush with rolling hills and rivers, many quaint villages with medieval castles to explore, and of course the prehistoric caves to stay cool and travel back in time. Lots of accomodation options and great rich food. Spring and Fall are a great time to go as I do mind exploring little villages or Sarlat when the ratio of tourists to locals seems like 10 to 1. This is when we get into a France of the museums I do not like. Last time I was in Dordogne was right after Christmas . If you are OK with colder (and rainy at times) weather and more limited options of places to visit, you will experience a more authentic place, with markets catered to locals and long meals of rich food by the fireplace after some nice walks or explorations of chateaux.
The location of Dordogne/Périgord makes it possible to enjoy a vacation of contrasts in the Southwest of France as you can easily hop to the Bordeaux wine region within 90 minutes and then head south for 2 hours to the Basque coast for the beach, mountains, a touch of Spain and a life loving locals. You can arrive in Bordeaux and explore the area, tour Dordogne, and hop back on a train or plane from Biarritz or Pau after enjoying the Basque country. Yes the South West of France is a Frenchman's paradise of contrasts and good life.
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