Train to Dordogne - what city do you go to?
Oct 15th, 2009, 11:33 AM
#1
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Train to Dordogne - what city do you go to?
I am currently in Paris - just arrived this morning. For anyone that is on their way here, bring a good coat - it was very cold today in the 30s in the morning.
Anyway, I am getting varying information, so I would like to confirm. I would like to take the TVG train from Paris to Dordogne region (going to go to Sarlat, Baynac, and any other town that you guys think is a must to see Paris. I would like to take the train and then rent a car for a couple of days. What town would I go take the train to and then drive (I don't want to do too much driving). Thanks!
Anyway, I am getting varying information, so I would like to confirm. I would like to take the TVG train from Paris to Dordogne region (going to go to Sarlat, Baynac, and any other town that you guys think is a must to see Paris. I would like to take the train and then rent a car for a couple of days. What town would I go take the train to and then drive (I don't want to do too much driving). Thanks!
Oct 15th, 2009, 12:21 PM
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You can take the train from the Gare Montparnasse to Brive or Bordeaux or Libourne. From Bordeaux and Libourne you can continue on to Périgueux. Or you can take the pokey train from Gare d'Austerlitz that goes through Limoges (where you sometimes have to switch trains). No matter how you do it, it will take you six hours from door to door.
You absolutely must have a car to get around the Dordogne. It's too bad you didn't rent one in advance from the USA, as it would have been cheaper. Same for train tickets.
Might be good truffles at the Sarlat market right about now!
You absolutely must have a car to get around the Dordogne. It's too bad you didn't rent one in advance from the USA, as it would have been cheaper. Same for train tickets.
Might be good truffles at the Sarlat market right about now!
Oct 16th, 2009, 04:55 AM
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I have never seen a train from Montparnasse to Brive. All those listed on the SNCF site go from Austerlitz. Four hours to Brive usually. Not so poky.
No truffles yet, it's usually around January. Not even very many (any) cepes this year, as it was so dry in the summer. This morning frost or close to it in much of the area, although it's now sunny and 15.
No truffles yet, it's usually around January. Not even very many (any) cepes this year, as it was so dry in the summer. This morning frost or close to it in much of the area, although it's now sunny and 15.
Oct 17th, 2009, 03:44 AM
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I also vote for Brive-La Gaillarde from Gare d'Austerlitz. Don't know of a train from Montparnasse. There's now a TGV that runs from CDG (airport) to Brive, maybe it stops in Montparnasse????? But it doesn't arrive in Brive until after midnight; not helpful.
Yes, the train from Austerlitz to Brive is perhaps "poky," but it's not bad at all, and it ends up taking the same amount of time -- a little over four hours, plus picking up the car and then driving into the heart of the Dordogne Valley. Have a great visit...and keep that jacket on! The birds were ice-skating in the bird bath this morning here near Castelnaud!
Yes, the train from Austerlitz to Brive is perhaps "poky," but it's not bad at all, and it ends up taking the same amount of time -- a little over four hours, plus picking up the car and then driving into the heart of the Dordogne Valley. Have a great visit...and keep that jacket on! The birds were ice-skating in the bird bath this morning here near Castelnaud!
