Momliz

Hi,
We are trying to decide on some different tours in April 2006. One that we really like is around the Limousin, starting in Limoges and traveling through the chateaux and countryside in Rochechouart, then Montbron, La Rochefoucauld, the Perigord-Limousin National Park, Bourdeilles and Brantome, Villars, Montbrun, and back to Limoges (somewhat following the route of Richard the Lion Hearted). Or, there are other tours set further south in and around Sarlat. I guess we are trying to decide between le Perigord vert et blanc and le Perigord noir.

Any thoughts? We are looking for good food for the parents and cool chateaux for the kids.

StuDudley

As far as I'm concerned - this is a "no brainer". The Perigord Noire is one of the most interesting sections of France. We recently returned from a 4 week visit there (been there 4 weeks on several prior trips) - with a few jaunts up into the Limousin area for some day/overnight trips. There is a much larger concentration of things to see around Sarlat, and the region is also much prettier.

Stu Dudley

Michael

The area along the Dordogne is more popular than the area between Limoges and Périgueux. You might want to split your touring in two. One for Limoges (not surprisingly, there is an excellent porcelain museum there), Bourdeilles, Brantôme, Périgueux and the surrounding area; and the other for the Dordogne valley. You might find this report and photos interesting:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...p;tid=34610102

Langcraft

Dear Mom:

While the Dordogne has become one of the hottest destinations in Europe, there is much to be said for meandering thru Limousin. The countryside east of Limoges heading toward Aubusson, Argentan sur Cruese and other villages is delightful. Be aware that the elevation in Aubusson, the tapestry capital of the world, is about 1100 ft above sea level, which makes for cool days and nights. Limousin is one of those unsung heroes of France; a lovely region that does not get it's due. The area does have regional specialties; brejaude (a type of bacon and cabbage soup), Clafoutis (cherries and variations thereof), and some decent Vin du Table and Vin du Pays. If you are looking just to kick back and relax, Limousin might be what you are looking for, it is very picturesque. BUT be advised that there except for Limoges in the west and perhaps Clermont-Ferrand, there is NOT much to do in the region, except to take in the natural beauty..

Regards
Luis

StCirq

Are you talking about an organized tour or a tour on your own? I don't know anything about organized tours in those regions, but I can tell you from decades of experience that the Limousin, while attractive and relatively undiscovered, doesn't hold a candle to the Périgord Noir. Just driving from the Périgord Vert down into the Périgord Noir you can't help but notice how much more beautiful everything becomes as you head south. Not to mention how many more châteaux there are. And caves and prehistoric sites, and rivers to canoe and kayak on, and amazing foodstuffs to gorge on, and so forth.

Limoges is a very dull town, IMO. Bourdeilles and Brantôme are worth a visit. So is Hautefort. But really, apart from that, that region doesn't have all that much to offer except some tranquil countryside.

As Stu says, it's pretty much a no-brainer.