Cave paintings and engravings at Lascaux and Les Eyzies-de-Tayac bear witness to a history of human habitation in the region dating back to prehistoric times. The department's medieval heritage is especially well represented with the medieval towns of Sarlat and Brantôme being among the most beautiful in France.

The Dordogne also boasts the greatest number of castles and chateaux, close to 1,000, of all the French departments. A large number date from the 13th and 14th centuries, reminders of the Anglo-French struggles when the Dordogne was the frontier region in the wars between England and France during the 100 years war. Others, however, date from the Renaissance.

The Dordogne is a river born from two streams in Auvergne, the Dore and the Dogne on the flanks of the puy de Sancy. "Dordogne" has become one of the favourite destinations of British immigration to France

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