Our best Christmas gift ideas from Périgord!

Christmas is approaching, and you still need to think about Christmas gifts. How about giving the gift of the Périgord region ? We're thinking of gastronomy, of course, but also little pleasures to enjoy there and experiences to share ! Beautiful objects, handcrafted goods —the Périgord is a veritable treasure trove of ideas for Christmas, birthday gifts, and souvenirs to take home… Let our suggestions guide you…

preserves of traditional products

Of course, it's the most popular gift, the one that delights gourmets. Périgord is a champion of foie gras. While traditionally it comes from geese, duck foie gras has gained considerable prestige in recent years. Choose the latter for its rustic and pronounced flavor, which pairs perfectly with toasts of good country bread, a glass of Monbazillac or Rosette salami, and perhaps some jams or chutneys, good salt, and a touch of pepper. Goose foie gras, on the other hand, has a delicate, melting, and light flavor. It's delicious on its own, holds up very well to cooking (when fresh), and will please even the most discerning palates. It comes in jars, which are a lovely gift because of their elegance. Canned foie gras is also an excellent way to preserve the flavor of the food; simply open and cook. Enjoy delicious cooked poultry dishes, such as duck confit, stuffed neck, gizzards, and wings. Discover Enchaud, a Périgord pork specialty, rich sauces made with porcini mushrooms, truffle specialties…

Walnut oil: give the gift of health

Périgord walnut oil is liquid gold that has been a staple of Périgord meals for centuries. Walnut trees are everywhere in Périgord. From this ancient tree, the walnut is harvested at the end of summer. It is then dried and pressed, sometimes on a stone mill, to extract from its fragrant flesh a fragrant, almost roasted, brown/gold oil that enhances and reveals the flavors of even the simplest salad leaf! It is rich in fatty acids (Omega 9, 6, 3), vitamins, and its properties don't stop at oral consumption. Many people, particularly those who enjoy homemade cosmetics, appreciate it as a massage oil (mixed with a more neutral oil), or as a hair and skin mask.

A Nontron knife

Giving a knife as a gift is a beautiful token of friendship and respect. It's said that in return, the recipient should give you a coin, so as not to "break the friendship." Nontron knives are beautiful, simple, and have been made locally since the 15th century; they are quite simply one of the oldest knives in France. In Nontron, in the Périgord Vert region, the artisans craft folding knives with a sabot handle and locking ferrule. You'll find pocket knives, table knives, and paring knives for cooking and cutting, as well as spoons, forks, and nutcrackers—everything you need for a complete set! You can visit the workshop on-site (year-round), or you can purchase a knife or a gift card on the Coutellerie Nontronnaise website, allowing the recipient to choose their preferred blade.

Girault Pastels, to let everyone express their creativity

Are you familiar with pastels ? We know children's wax crayons, but adults often prefer to use real pastel sticks made with natural pigments. They come in soft, hard, dry, oil-based, and other varieties. In the Périgord region, we are fortunate to be home to Pastels Girault, a company recognized for its excellence in French craftsmanship. They have been manufacturing the oldest dry pastels in the world, in the Périgord Noir region, since 1780. Their color range is extensive, with dozens of shades available in various sizes and organized into sets. If you know someone who loves to draw, someone who, whatever medium they're working with, knows how to be creative and appreciates beautiful materials, give them a set of Pastels Girault —it's a wonderful gift!

a gift voucher for a restaurant

Support local businesses and restaurants by giving a gift certificate to a restaurant in the Périgord region. A treasured gift to enjoy a delightful experience in an exceptional setting, whether you're on holiday in Périgord or live there. Restaurants offer various gift certificate options ; simply give them a call to find out more.

an unusual night in Périgord

In a treehouse, a lodge tent in the heart of nature, a nest in the treetops, or a log cabin reminiscent of a trapper's hut: the Périgord region has long been a paradise for this type of getaway. For nature lovers and adventure seekers (sometimes there's no running water or electricity, and that's all the better!), unusual accommodation in the Périgord makes a perfect gift. The best part is, you can even include yourself in the gift and enjoy it too!

Wool and paper from Périgord, handcrafted

In Périgord, you can visit the Moulin de la Rouzique and the Filature de Belvès. These two ecomuseums immerse you in the past of Périgord, at the heart of the machines and techniques used to produce these two raw materials.

You can also place an order on the Moulin's online shop : paper, notebooks, paper crafts, creative hobbies… For enthusiasts, it's a very beautiful, original and authentic gift.

You can visit the spinning mill. You can also place orders by phone. There you can buy wool, ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, bags, socks, all made with beautiful , soft wool from the Périgord region …

Bergerac Duras wine

In Périgord, we have a great many wine appellations, the most famous of which are Monbazillac, Pécharmant, and Montravel, but there are all sorts of wines for every occasion. Bergerac Duras wine has character; its winemaking benefits from 2,000 years of experience and expertise. It's a gift of boldness and quality that will please connoisseurs.

a wellness stay in Périgord

How about a spa break to start the year? It's the perfect gift to offer pampering and some quality time. In the spas of the Périgord region, you can relax and also take the opportunity to explore cultural and heritage sites, as well as enjoy gourmet experiences – a promise of a restful and invigorating stay !

Craft beer from Périgord

This will delight beer lovers. There are many craft breweries in Périgord, each different and unique, offering brews to please every palate. Do you prefer stout? IPA? Light English-style? Strong and brewed with character? Give the gift of tasting sets to discover this side of Périgord!

Here you have plenty of fresh and exciting ideas for the holidays, enough to find new and original gifts that are sure to please. The Périgord region is a place to share and discover with loved ones; it's a destination that will continue to surprise you…

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