ARGENTAT is the last major town on the Dordogne and the last part of the river accessible by anything other than foot. Beyond Argentat, the Dordogne changes character entirely, due to the series of hydroelectric dams ( barrages ) that turn the river into a succession of grand reservoirs.

Argentat's whitewashed houses and rather sombre grey slate rooftops make a distinct change from the warm yellow stone of the rest of the Dordogne. It's easy enou... [More]