10 Reasons to Visit Southwest France

I have to admit I haven't seen all of France, but I have travelled through many parts of this beautiful country, both alone and with another person (and in a group). The north has charms quite distinct from the south, of course. The Loire Valley with its magnificent chateaux are a must-see. The French Riviera ditto. But today I'm going to promote a lesser-known region in the southwest: the Dordogne.

I spent two weeks there just a few years ago, and not only do I gush about its charms every chance I get, when I got home I was inspired to write a trilogy of erotic romance novels set in the region.

The Black Virgin Trilogy is titled after one of the most famous religious sites in France--Rocamadour. For centuries, the walnut figure of the Black Virgin of Rocamadour has drawn Pilgrims and the merely curious alike. When I learned of her story, a lightbulb flashed over my head, and I began to draft my first novel.

I love to travel, and if I wasn't so busy discovering new places I'd be back to the Dordogne in a blink. In the meantime, I'd like to share what I think are the best reasons to put the Dordogne region of France onto your next European itinerary.

1. If you go, you may be the first person on your block to have visited the region. That should give you lots to talk about.

2.  It's cheap. Or, at least, it can be. And its prices are certainly a relief after Paris.

3. The food.  Fois gras, truffles, pastries. Exquisite preparation. The best food I have ever eaten. Anywhere. What more can I say?

4. The wine. 'Nuff said about that, too.

5. Spectacular scenery. Forests, fields, vineyards, rivers, rolling hills. Quaint, often original, houses, streets and villages make you feel you've stepped back in time.

6.  The architecture. Whether you're an enthusiast or not, you can't fail to be blown away by the beauty of the churches, cathedrals, chateaux, and even the lowliest of stone cottages.

7.  The peace and quiet. You're off the beaten path, not jostled by mobs of tourists--even in the summer. Rent a car, toodle around, and relax.

8. The caves. This region is home to the famous Lascaux group of prehistoric cave dwellings. The public isn't permitted inside Lascaux anymore, but a reproduction is available for tours. Many other cave systems are just waiting to be explored.

9. Outdoor activities. Whether you're a hiker, spelunker, mountain biker, canoeist--you'll find a spectacular backdrop for your sports.

10.  Easy to get to from Paris. Of course you could fly into Toulouse but the fast train from Paris will get you into Souillac in comfort. Then Cahors, Rocamadour, St. Sozy, Martel  (among many other charming towns) await.

I hope my argument will sway at least one person enough to visit this perfect little gem of a region.
If you can't make it, you could live vicariously thought the protagonist in my Black Virgin Books.

Much cheaper, and almost as much fun.

Book one: Cult of the Black Virgin

Book One: Cult of the Black Virgin

http://www.amazon.com/Cult-Black-Virgin-ebook/dp/B00C9KWV3S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1377630823&sr=1-1&keywords=Cult+of+the+black+virgin