bev88

I would like opinions on which is the most scenic and also easiest drive to Sarlat from either Bordeaux or Toulouse. I'm Australian so will be driving on the "other" side of the road. Thanks.

StCirq

Neither is scenic if you take the autoroute. Toulouse is closer to Sarlat by about 45 minutes or so.

Michael

Scenic and easiest are not the same. The easiest is via the autoroute. More scenic implies narrower roads with sharper curves.

Carlux

Toulouse definitely, and in fact most of the autoroute is quite scenic. Once you are north of Montauban it's a very good road, interesting scenery.

FROM TOULOUSE, the easiest way is to take the AutoRoute, A62 to Montauban, and then A20 to Cahors/Limoges. It is a fast and a pleasant road. Signs will be in blue (indicating autoroute).
• Leaving Toulouse follow blue coloured signs to Bordeaux –AutoRoute A62.
• Exit at Montauban, following signs for Brive/Limoges/Cahors.
• At the north end of Montauban, join Autoroute A20 – still marked in blue – Brive /Limoges/ Cahors
• Leave the autoroute at exit for Gourdon/Sarlat (exit no. 56)and follow signs to Sarlat - well marked.

bev88

Thanks so much. Toulouse it is! I think I'll hire the car from the airport instead of the city centre to avoid any traffic dramas trying to get out of town.

TPAYT

Jet lagged, we chose to take a cab from the airport to the city center (about 40 Euros) and stay in Toulouse fro 2 nights. We were very glad we did. It was a delightful, interesting place and we wished we had booked another night.
Then we took a cab to the train station and picked up a car there. Yes, it was in the middle of the city, but with very good directions from the car rental place it was quite easy to get on the road to Sarlat.

Maybe you are arriving from a city closer, so no jet lag, but if you are arriving after a long flight I suggest you enjoy Toulouse for a day or two.

StuDudley

>> it was in the middle of the city, but with very good directions from the car rental place it was quite easy to get on the road to Sarlat.<<

The train station really isn't in the middle of the city. It's about a 15-20 min walk from the edge of the "old city". It is, indeed, easy to navigate in & out. We've picked up a car in Toulouse, and returned two at the train station. We've stayed 3 times in hotels that were within a 10 min walk of the station & outside of old city. Toulouse, along with Dijon, are tied as our second favorite cities in France.

Stu Dudley

bev88

Thanks for your help. I'll definitely collect the car from near the railway station. I won't be jet-lagged so confident I'll cope with the drive out of town (even though I'll be driving on the other side of the road which I've done before). Looking forward to my travels.

kerouac

Most certainly Toulouse.

http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com.../toulouse-2013

bev88

Thanks so much for your wonderful help.