Spring and Autumn in The Dordogne are best for families or groups of friends travelling without children. Spring brings warmth, bags of fresh market produce and beautiful flowers. Or plump for September or October instead when crowds and searing heat mellow, and the grape harvest begins. For food lovers it is a time of tranquil relaxation in many of the Dordogne's wonderful restaurants that are not as busy as they are in summer. Accommodation and flight costs are much lower and the pace of life in the area returns to normal.