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Our Touch, your Travels…

This is a preview of the full content of our Dordogne’s Best app.

Please consider downloading this app to support small independent publishing and because:

  • All content is designed for mobile devices and works best there.
  • Detailed in-app maps will help you find sites using your device’s GPS.
  • The app works offline (one time upgrade required on Android versions).
  • All advertising (only present on Android versions) can be removed.

The app will also allow you to:

  • Add custom locations to the app map (your hotel…).
  • Create your own list of favourites as you browse.
  • Search the entire contents using a fast and simple text-search tool.
  • Make one-click phone calls (on phones).
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The Provençal Dialect

The Langue d'Oc or the Language of Yes!

Occitan language is the old language of southern France, Catalonia, Monaco and parts of Liguria and Piedmont in Italy. It has several dialects including Provençal and Catalan.

Derived from Vulgar Latin, Oc is the southern French word for ‘yes’, hence the term Languedoc (language of Oc) for the southern French Region. Interestingly, the modern French word for ‘yes’ is Oui and the French language used to be referred to as the ‘Langue d’Oui’ (language of yes) although originally it was spoken only in Northern France.

During the Middle Ages the Northern French gradually took control of the south and the ‘Langue d’Oui’ became the official tongue of the whole country.

In 19th Century Oc re-established itself thanks mainly to the poet Fréderic Mistral and something of a revival took place. Throughout the south you will notice several dual language street signs and occasionally some graffiti defacing those which are not dual language!

Art & Culture

Text © Paul Shawcross

Image by © Paul Shawcross