Whatever your thoughts and traditions, each region and family will no doubt have their own take on the celebrations. Dordogne is a department in southwest France, in the region of Nouvelle Aquitaine.Set between the Loire Valley and the Pyrenees mountains, Dordogne is well known for its bucolic natural beauty, some of the most picturesque medieval towns in France, and intriguing prehistoric cave paintings. They do however all contain a bean or a charm of some kind and whoever eats the piece with the bean or charm will be crowned the next king! This is not always a privilege as it can mean that you have to buy the next cake!! Traditionally the cakes are made from a brioche and covered with candied fruit and sugar although this is not always the case. This wonderful tradition dates back to the fourteenth century and is likely in some ways to be related to the Roman tradition dedicated to the god Saturn and celebrating the longer days after the winter solstice.Īcross France during the 'Epiphany', the celebration of the Magi (or Kings) visiting the new baby Jesus, which takes place on the 6th of January, cakes are eaten which are known as 'Gâteau des Rois' or Cake of Kings. Certainly the most beautiful department in France, It contains four major natural regions: in the centre, the Prigord Blanc (Prigueux, Ribrac) In the southeast, the Prigord Noir (Sarladais) The Prigord vert (Nontronnais) at the foot of the Limousin Mountains In the southwest, the Prigord Purple (Bergeracois). or even a selection of small charms to purchase at the counter. The route to visit the village is very well signposted, with. It is located on top of a rocky promontory, ideal for defending against possible attacks. It is an ancient medieval city, which they have managed to preserve to this day. If you pass your local Dordogne bakery in early January you will no doubt find a selection of glazed pastry cakes with golden paper crowns sitting on top of them. Belvs is one of France’s most beautiful villages and one of the most beautiful in the Dordogne Perigord.

January - a time for cake and celebrations.

Perigord region of france