21 day France trip booked w lodging. Now what do I need to focus on?
Oct 1st, 2015, 12:09 PM
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21 day France trip booked w lodging. Now what do I need to focus on?
Hi. Trip next June and July. Flight and lodgings booked. 5 nights Paris, a week in Sarlat and then a week in Goult in Provence. Rental car booked. Last night in Paris booked. Trying to reach Michael Osman for a Paris tour since this is kids first trip to Europe. DD will be 14 and DS 12.
DH and I have been to Paris 5x and Provence once. Kids have never been.
Can I start reserving caves? What do I need to focus on now? Usually I am researching dining options but think I need to find more family friendly options as DS has no desire to sit for 3 hours eating dinner.
Thanks all...
DH and I have been to Paris 5x and Provence once. Kids have never been.
Can I start reserving caves? What do I need to focus on now? Usually I am researching dining options but think I need to find more family friendly options as DS has no desire to sit for 3 hours eating dinner.
Thanks all...
Oct 1st, 2015, 12:38 PM
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Prebook Font-de-Gaume (and Combarelles) now if you can. It takes months to get a reservation. The others can wait until you get here or soon before.
There are absolutely no requirements in the Dordogne to have fancy meals, although you can of course. Family-friendly places are everywhere. If you want specific suggestions, let me know. Or anything else. I live here now so can put you in touch with lots of local resources. Feel free to email me at StCirq at aol dot com.
There are absolutely no requirements in the Dordogne to have fancy meals, although you can of course. Family-friendly places are everywhere. If you want specific suggestions, let me know. Or anything else. I live here now so can put you in touch with lots of local resources. Feel free to email me at StCirq at aol dot com.
Oct 1st, 2015, 01:51 PM
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StCirq, thanks for the generous offer. I will email you. I will try to book these caves now.
Willl kids want to see both caves? Are these the 2 to do?
I am more concerned w the fancy meals in Paris. I think we should be ok in the Dordogne and Provence.
I won't overplaln and have learned when traveling with kids that there will be alot of compromise but want to book the necessities if i can now.
Willl kids want to see both caves? Are these the 2 to do?
I am more concerned w the fancy meals in Paris. I think we should be ok in the Dordogne and Provence.
I won't overplaln and have learned when traveling with kids that there will be alot of compromise but want to book the necessities if i can now.
Oct 1st, 2015, 04:42 PM
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My young son and me really enjoyed the Gouffre de Padirac which I believe in not too far - going down the large chasm and boarding punts propelled by tour guides going thru the caverns, etc. At that time the 'guide' was a plump old guy smoking a cigarette!- now hopefully more professional but a great adventure and awesome sight. Goes along well with the caves of the Dordogne. But sure where Goult is however to know how far it is.
Oct 1st, 2015, 05:07 PM
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Seems as though me and my son drive via the Gouffre de Padirac on the way to Provence so maybe can hit it in transit. Kids will love it and adults too. Kind of the Carlsbad of France in a less awesome scale.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Gouf...FUuODQodp18DZQ
Rocamadour was another place we loved and may be on the way between Provence and Sarlat.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Gouf...FUuODQodp18DZQ
Rocamadour was another place we loved and may be on the way between Provence and Sarlat.
Oct 1st, 2015, 07:53 PM
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We went to the Gouffre de Padirac during the April French school holidays, saw the two hour line, and went back to our hotel to book internet tickets for the following day. I don’t know how many days in advance are necessary to get them, but highly recommend doing this online, and also going earlier in the day. After you get down to the caves you still need to wait for the boats, so the lines would be shorter, earlier.
From there you can drive to Rocamadour (though you’re arriving from the top/back of the town, not the valley view side).
I would highly recommend La Roque St. Christof, not far from Sarlat, for a family. It’s a troglodyte city that was really cool; easy to picture people sheltering there over the ages.
From there you can drive to Rocamadour (though you’re arriving from the top/back of the town, not the valley view side).
I would highly recommend La Roque St. Christof, not far from Sarlat, for a family. It’s a troglodyte city that was really cool; easy to picture people sheltering there over the ages.
Oct 2nd, 2015, 04:07 AM
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I'm surprised about the post asking if children would like the caves.
Why would they not ?
At that age they should not be afraid of the dark anymore and caves are spectacular. Never seen a teen who didn't like it, except totally spoilt ones (which I didn't meet).
Why would they not ?
At that age they should not be afraid of the dark anymore and caves are spectacular. Never seen a teen who didn't like it, except totally spoilt ones (which I didn't meet).
Oct 2nd, 2015, 04:10 AM
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St Cirq, I may very well come to your area !
It sounds like a piece of heaven, and now that we have no big trip planned it might be a very good idea to come back to the Périgord, the quiet, the walks, the castles, the food, the wine...
We were there last 15 years ago, too long ! We were in a b&b, for me the best way to visit the region.
mvg
It sounds like a piece of heaven, and now that we have no big trip planned it might be a very good idea to come back to the Périgord, the quiet, the walks, the castles, the food, the wine...
We were there last 15 years ago, too long ! We were in a b&b, for me the best way to visit the region.
mvg
Oct 2nd, 2015, 05:57 AM
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Palenq, thanks for those photos-now I am really excited and will see how to book the tickets now.
Pariswat, I know there are alot of caves so just wondering which ones to focus on-think 2.
thanks again all.
Pariswat, I know there are alot of caves so just wondering which ones to focus on-think 2.
thanks again all.
Oct 2nd, 2015, 07:24 AM
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I was in the Dordogne region last summer. There are places where you can rent kayaks/canoes and go down the river. It's a very relaxed journey- no rapids or such, and really nice to do if the weather gets hot.
Oct 2nd, 2015, 01:00 PM
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ParisWat, you know you are always welcome. And we'll see you in Paris this winter, no doubt.
The kids will love Font-de-Gaume and Les Combarelles, I imagine. It's hard not to be transported by the magic of these places. The reason I mention those two is that they are sort of a pair of caves, part of a major cave complex around Les Eyzies. Let me know by email if youhave problems getting a reservation.
It wouldn't hurt to visit Lascaux II also, which even though it's a replica is goose-bump gorgeous. Take the kids to the Pôle in Les Eyzies also - there is never a day there that they don't have the most amazing exhibits. I'm just 4 kms away and go about once every two weeks - can never get enough. ANd the Musée de la Préhistoire in Les Eyzies is well worth a visit also. Also, at Le Grand Roc cave. just across the bridge in Les Eyzies on the route to Périgueux (but really, 2 minutes out of Les Eyzies), they do spear-throwing and other hands-on exhibitions that most kids love.
The Gouffre de Padirac is certainly something your kids would like, but it's 1.5-2 hours away from Les Eyzies, depending on time of year and traffic. You could get pretty much the same experience at the Gouffre de Proumeyssac outside Le Bugue without all that travel (though you can combine the Gouffre de Padirac with visits to Martel [la ville de sept tours] and Collonges-la-Rouge to make a full day of it).
Whether or not canoeing or kayaking down the river (which river? there are two) is relaxing or not depends entirely on the weather. Rivers are temperamental and can be dangerous after major rains. And yes, there are rapids here and there - depends entirely on which route you choose.
La Roque St-Christophe is absolutely worthy of a visit.
hello, swandav and thanks for the greetings. We coudn't be more happy here. It's absolute heaven this time of year, with fresh chestnuts and cèpes to forage and cerfs cavorting in the fields and warm days and chilly nights and just such calm everywhere. Love it, as I always knew I would.
The kids will love Font-de-Gaume and Les Combarelles, I imagine. It's hard not to be transported by the magic of these places. The reason I mention those two is that they are sort of a pair of caves, part of a major cave complex around Les Eyzies. Let me know by email if youhave problems getting a reservation.
It wouldn't hurt to visit Lascaux II also, which even though it's a replica is goose-bump gorgeous. Take the kids to the Pôle in Les Eyzies also - there is never a day there that they don't have the most amazing exhibits. I'm just 4 kms away and go about once every two weeks - can never get enough. ANd the Musée de la Préhistoire in Les Eyzies is well worth a visit also. Also, at Le Grand Roc cave. just across the bridge in Les Eyzies on the route to Périgueux (but really, 2 minutes out of Les Eyzies), they do spear-throwing and other hands-on exhibitions that most kids love.
The Gouffre de Padirac is certainly something your kids would like, but it's 1.5-2 hours away from Les Eyzies, depending on time of year and traffic. You could get pretty much the same experience at the Gouffre de Proumeyssac outside Le Bugue without all that travel (though you can combine the Gouffre de Padirac with visits to Martel [la ville de sept tours] and Collonges-la-Rouge to make a full day of it).
Whether or not canoeing or kayaking down the river (which river? there are two) is relaxing or not depends entirely on the weather. Rivers are temperamental and can be dangerous after major rains. And yes, there are rapids here and there - depends entirely on which route you choose.
La Roque St-Christophe is absolutely worthy of a visit.
hello, swandav and thanks for the greetings. We coudn't be more happy here. It's absolute heaven this time of year, with fresh chestnuts and cèpes to forage and cerfs cavorting in the fields and warm days and chilly nights and just such calm everywhere. Love it, as I always knew I would.
Oct 2nd, 2015, 01:19 PM
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Again, thanks all. I have been reading about this area for ages (most likely from all of you!) and it was on my bucket list.
We will be there June 25-July 2 so we hope for good weather. Definitely want to canoe. I don't have a sense of direction so thanks for the warning of a long drive-that is too long so I will stick to your recommendations. I want to visit Lascaux II also. My son just told me he learned about it is 6th grade SS so now he is pumped! I just fear 3 are too many.
Thoughts?
We are renting a fabulous home w pool too so do want to relax, bike etc.
My dream is to rent a home for a year when we retire-perhaps I will love it here enough!! St Cirq, you are very fortunate indeed!
We will be there June 25-July 2 so we hope for good weather. Definitely want to canoe. I don't have a sense of direction so thanks for the warning of a long drive-that is too long so I will stick to your recommendations. I want to visit Lascaux II also. My son just told me he learned about it is 6th grade SS so now he is pumped! I just fear 3 are too many.
Thoughts?
We are renting a fabulous home w pool too so do want to relax, bike etc.
My dream is to rent a home for a year when we retire-perhaps I will love it here enough!! St Cirq, you are very fortunate indeed!
Oct 2nd, 2015, 01:20 PM
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We just came back from these areas, included a few more cities for 26 days --
Yes, since you know what days you will be staying in Sarlat, see what cave reservations you can get. We picked Font-du-Gaume first as they offered an English tour on the day we preferred. We rode up through Les Eyzies beforehand and had time to take in Rouffignac in the morning via the little electric train 1 km into the cave. They close for lunch around 11:30. Had to be back in Font-du-Gaume by 1:45,had ordered tickets months before online. Had the weather been more inclement, we might have opted for more caves including Lascaux. And we really intended to see Peche Merle to the south, but after Figeac and St. Cirq Lapopie, there was not enough time on that day, as we were also en route to Albi. Long days along the river.
Check the sites you want to most see for their closed days (for me, one was the Toulouse Lautrec Musee in Albi) and wanted to be in Sarlat for Saturday market. We did not want to lock in too many 'musts' so only reserved and paid for F-d-G cave, and for Mouton Rothschild tour in Paulliac (where we went from Bordeaux). We missed our tour at Chateau Margaux because of a lengthy lunch. It's ok, remember, it's vacation. Once you have these taken care of, you can look at dining options. After walking miles each day, we like to stay close for dinner and although I had thought we get over to Rue St. Dominique for dinner (is it really known as Restaurant Row?), but did not.
You know your kids best and having been in Paris 5X, probably know what they'd enjoy. Lots of hot bistros were filled up every weekday we were in town (Les Papilles, Semilla, Comptoir du Relais among others), but now with the www.lafourchette.com website, you can reserve ahead of time at many places. We did have to switch off nights at popular spots in Sarlat too -- at Presidial, L'Instant Delice and Chez de Gaulois, a rustic, fun spot. Likewise, we thought we'd dine in afternoon-trip towns in Provence other than in St. Remy (such as Avignon, Arles and over in the Luberon) but found ourselves done in by 5:00 and needed to relax for a couple hours before heading out to dinner. It's much easier to cancel reservations though, than make them. I prepared a dining short list when all our other items were taken care of, and must say, it was very handy. For Paris probably had 20 spots, Sarlat 7, Toulouse, Bordeaux, all of it. Downloaded it onto phone (along with everything else, and voila, if we wanted to go there, then it was handy to use a few days in advance. The only guide we took along was Cadogan and it offers good recommendations too (for Dordogne, Lot, Bordeaux, Toulouse).
Now that we're home, what shall I do?? The planning was a good part of the fun of a magnificent trip.
Yes, since you know what days you will be staying in Sarlat, see what cave reservations you can get. We picked Font-du-Gaume first as they offered an English tour on the day we preferred. We rode up through Les Eyzies beforehand and had time to take in Rouffignac in the morning via the little electric train 1 km into the cave. They close for lunch around 11:30. Had to be back in Font-du-Gaume by 1:45,had ordered tickets months before online. Had the weather been more inclement, we might have opted for more caves including Lascaux. And we really intended to see Peche Merle to the south, but after Figeac and St. Cirq Lapopie, there was not enough time on that day, as we were also en route to Albi. Long days along the river.
Check the sites you want to most see for their closed days (for me, one was the Toulouse Lautrec Musee in Albi) and wanted to be in Sarlat for Saturday market. We did not want to lock in too many 'musts' so only reserved and paid for F-d-G cave, and for Mouton Rothschild tour in Paulliac (where we went from Bordeaux). We missed our tour at Chateau Margaux because of a lengthy lunch. It's ok, remember, it's vacation. Once you have these taken care of, you can look at dining options. After walking miles each day, we like to stay close for dinner and although I had thought we get over to Rue St. Dominique for dinner (is it really known as Restaurant Row?), but did not.
You know your kids best and having been in Paris 5X, probably know what they'd enjoy. Lots of hot bistros were filled up every weekday we were in town (Les Papilles, Semilla, Comptoir du Relais among others), but now with the www.lafourchette.com website, you can reserve ahead of time at many places. We did have to switch off nights at popular spots in Sarlat too -- at Presidial, L'Instant Delice and Chez de Gaulois, a rustic, fun spot. Likewise, we thought we'd dine in afternoon-trip towns in Provence other than in St. Remy (such as Avignon, Arles and over in the Luberon) but found ourselves done in by 5:00 and needed to relax for a couple hours before heading out to dinner. It's much easier to cancel reservations though, than make them. I prepared a dining short list when all our other items were taken care of, and must say, it was very handy. For Paris probably had 20 spots, Sarlat 7, Toulouse, Bordeaux, all of it. Downloaded it onto phone (along with everything else, and voila, if we wanted to go there, then it was handy to use a few days in advance. The only guide we took along was Cadogan and it offers good recommendations too (for Dordogne, Lot, Bordeaux, Toulouse).
Now that we're home, what shall I do?? The planning was a good part of the fun of a magnificent trip.
Oct 2nd, 2015, 02:12 PM
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My husband and I will also be visiting the Dordogne in May, 2016. StCirq, I took your advice about booking the caves ahead, but it looks like you can only get tickets the day of the tour rather than making reservations. Am I missing something?
