DORDOGNE

dpartement, Aquitaine rgion, southwestern France, created chiefly from the ancient pays (district) of Prigord. It essentially comprises the limestone plateaus of the Petits Causses that rise gradually to the northeast where they meet the last outliers of the Massif Central at an elevation of about 1,300 feet (400 m). The valleys of the rivers flowing out of these highlands widen gradually as they descend to the west. The seven rivers of Dordogne, including the Isle, which crosses it from northeast to southwest, and the Dordogne, which gives the dpartement its name, have scenic valleys that support the cultivation of wheat, corn (maize), potatoes, tobacco, and fruit. Chestnut and oak predominate in its forests, and walnuts are grown extensively for oil. The climate in the valleys is mild and humid but more rigorous in the east. The valley of the Vzre, in the southeast, is one of the earliest known cradles of human habitation. Caves at Les Eyzies-de-Tayac and Lascaux contain some of the world's best prehistoric drawings and paintings. The number of chteausabout 1,000exceeds that of any other dpartement. Many date from the 13th and 14th centuries, when the Dordogne was the frontier region in the wars between England and France. Medieval towns, including Prigueux (q.v.), the capital, Sarlat-la-Canda, and Brantme, are among the most picturesque in France. The area is a centre of tourism and gastronomy (e.g., the truffles of Prigord and the region's pt de foie gras). There is some light industry (wood, paper, shoes) in the towns. The dpartement is divided into four arrondissements: Prigueux, Bergerac, Nontron, and Sarlat-la-Canda. Area 3,498 square miles (9,060 square km). Pop. (1990) 386,526; (1994 est.) 388,521.