The walnut tree is to the banks of the Dordogne as the olive tree is to Provence: an unmistakable symbol, part of the heritage of the landscape, and a source of wealth since the 10th century, when peasant farmers used to pay their debts in bushels of walnuts. In the Dordogne Valley, walnut trees form a leafy, comfortable cushion between the river and the cliffs. In their neat rows, they seem to be enjoying the honour of having recently acquired AOC status (2002) under the name "Noix du Périgord" which includes parts of the Dordogne, the Corrèze and the Charente.

Marbot, Corne, Grandjean and Franquette, some very crunchy, some with an aftertaste of hazelnut, are the four varieties which share the AOC, as "primeur" walnuts, dried walnuts or kernels. Walnuts also provide oil and liqueurs. To sample all the possible variations, you should follow the "walnut road" along the winding Dordogne Valley. Restaurants, walnut farms, oil mills, distilleries and local markets are dotted along this route set up by the Syndicat de Défense de la Noix du Périgord. Itinerary leaflets are available free from the Tourist Offices in Souillac, Martel, Bretenoux and St.Céré.