jenninwv

I will staying in Bayeux for 2 nights this fall, then leaving after a day at Mont St Michel, heading toward Sarlat, where we will stay for 8 nights. My question is: where would be a good place to stay along the way, and are there sites worth seeing? I had thought of taking a longer trip down the coast so we could see Carnac, but after visiting Stonehenge and Avebury in England, I'm not sure this would be worth the detour. I have also thought of stopping near Chenonceau, but am not sure if it will be worth it, considering all the other castles and abbeys we will be seeing during the trip (several in England and the Dordogne). Another option is to stay someplace along the route, just for the purpose of sleeping without trying to add more sites...but I thought if we're passing close to something worthwhile, we should check it out. Any suggestions? The kids are 8 and 10, and the timeframe is early November.

StCirq

I'm not sure you want to hear this, but are you sure you want to go to Normandy and the Dordogne in November? Normandy is likely to be cold, rainy, and blustery. The Dordogne will likely be bleak, cold (average Nov. temps 5C-12C), and lots of things will be shuttered up for the season.

But if you must do this, I'd stop in La Rochelle.

Carlux

Actual weather for Bergerac, Dordogne for first two weeks of November
http://www.wunderground.com/history/...atename=France

Last year November weather was extremely good here, but it can certainly be cool and damp.

Although many things do start closing down in November, this year school holidays for Toussaint will go from 27 October to 12 November, and the Festival du Film is on from 13th to 17th November, all reasons for people to keep restaurants, etc. open. You may have to call to check availabilty, opening hours, but should find enough to do here.

I too would probably stop in La Rochelle, good accessible city with something for everyone.

StCirq

Good to know, but I was thinking more about the things that kids that age generally love doing in the Dordogne - canoeing, those ropes courses, the trébuchet and other outdoor happenings at the castles, the quirky little village festivals with games for kids, etc. Good for the parents that restaurants will be open and films will be showing...not so much fun for kids 8 and 10 for a full 8 days. If they like prehistory, there should be plenty to do.

Rastaguytoday

Heading south to Sarlat...how about La Rochelle?

Milder weather than in most of France. Low precipitation. The city is historic, going back to the 10th Century.

It's about 2/3 of the way to Sarlat.

http://www.ville-larochelle.fr/en.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Rochelle

jenninwv

I checked out La Rochelle and it looks great! Thanks everyone for the tip. I'm not sure how long to expect to spend at MSM and I don't want to drive after dark since I'm not familiar with driving in France, but it seems that I should be able to make it that far. As for the weather in the Dordogne...I expect it won't be perfect but we will be traveling for 11 weeks and unfortunately can't see everything at its best. Just getting the taste and feel for the areas and their history/culture will be wonderful. We don't want to sight see for 8 days but I thought I'd spend a few extra nights there anticipating that we might be cozied up inside on a few! Thanks again.

StuDudley

La Rochelle would get my vote also.

However, note that it is a 4 1/2 hr drive from MSM to La Rochelle. So if you leave MSM "after a day", you certainly would be driving in the dark and perhaps get to La Rochelle too late to see much of anything. If you leave La Rochelle "after a day" there, you'll drive 4 1/2 hrs to Sarlat and be driving the non-autoroute section after dark.

La Rochelle has some interesting stuff aimed at "kids" - especially the Musee des Automates (only open in the afternoon in Nov. Read about it - we really enjoyed this musee).

I would suggest that you stay in La Rochelle for 2 nights so you won't have to short-change it or get into Sarlat after dark.

Stu Dudley

jenninwv

Thank you Stu. That is very helpful! Perhaps I should take out the extra night I was going to allow in Sarlat (staying 7 instead of 8). La Rochelle does look worth the visit, and I totally agree with your point about getting there but not having time for it, or having to drive at night to Sarlat. I will also definitely check out the Musee des Automates. Thanks!