Four colors - green, white, black and purple - designate the four regions of the Dordogne, and symbolize the rich diversity of this magical region, often known by its more strictly French name as "the Perigord." Green evokes the lush vegetation of the northern crescent, white the limestone valleys of the central region, black the truffles of the south-east - the famous "black diamonds" of classic French cuisine - and purple the full-bodied red grape of the Bergerac vineyards.

The Dordogne offers splendid scenery, exquisite food and wine, the finest examples of prehistoric art and some of the most enchanting villages of France - celebrated here in wonderful color photographs and evocative descriptions.

On a journey south through the region we discover villages of widely contrasting appeal and interest: in the north are such gems as Brantome, its fine abbey and ancient houses gracing the banks of the river Dronne. Further south, among the undulating hills and warm limestone valleys of the white Dordogne are "grand" villages such as Hautefort, crouching beneath the twin pepper-pot towers of its chateau. Gastronomy and the artifacts of prehistory distinguish the villages of the two southernmost areas.

Produced here are delicacies such as foie gras and the fine white wine of Monbazillac. Other sites, such as Les Eyzies, harbor some of the best prehistoric cave paintings in the world, while the ancient fortified towns of Montfort and Monpazier recall the struggles of the Middle Ages. Complete with a traveler's gazetteer and further information about the region, this magnificent presentation of the Dordogne's small towns and villages demonstrates the qualities that attract so many visitors.