collioure or ceret
 

My husband and I are planning a trip this summer to Paris, the Dordogne, and ending in Barcelona. My total trip is 2 1/2 weeks, and I'm planning to spend 3 days in either Ceret or Collioure. Yes, it will be in the later half of July, and the timing is not changeable; I know it may be hot and that it's summer crowd time. However, knowing all that, which will be a better place to spend 3 days to explore the area? I will visit the other town while I'm there, but which will be a better "home"?

Many thanks!

Well, you seem pretty definite in your plans, so given your plans, Colliioure would be better.

I'd be interested in your Dordogne plans, since I am there every summer and your trip is 2 1/2 weeks - what do you plan to see?

Hi

I know your planning is well advanced.

But why not stay in Perpignan ?

Peter
The Languedoc Page
http://tlp.netfirms.com

Thanks for the suggestions.

I had planned this trip for last summer, and had to cancel . I'm determined to do it this year!

We are spending 5 days in Paris, 4-5 days in the Dordogne region, then the 3 above-mentioned days in (probably) Collioure, ending in Barcelona (4 days). I already have my frequent flyer tickets booked into Paris and leaving From Barcelona.

I had already planned the trip last summer, originally intending to stay in a B&B outside of Ceret; however, I've been mulling it over, and even with the summer crowds, I thought spending time in Collioure would be more pleasant, particularly in the evenings, which is when we'd be spending the most time there. Peter, about Perpignan-- it sounds like an interesting city, but still, a large enough city; we're beginning and ending in cities, and I thought the smaller places would be a good contrast in between. I would consider staying there, though, if there are better reasons to stay there than in a smaller place like Collioure.

About the Dordogne: I am planning on rebooking the B&B outside of Sarlat (les Granges Hautes, I believe). I hope to see 2 caves (Lascaux & Fonte-de-Gaume), the castle towns, and the many sites around. I've done the research and have a good idea of what's to see, but am trying to keep it loose enough that we don't overwhelm ourselves, either. I'm planning to stay either 4 or 5 nights in Sarlat; the only question is whether we use the last night to stay somewhere like Albi for one night to see the museum and explore the city before we go to Collioure.

Of course, we could eliminate one of those nights in Collioure, but I wanted to see the Catalan region of France; it sounds interesting, I love the art that comes from that region, and thought it would be a good contrast to the Dordogne region. St. Cirq, do you think that the area around Ceret and Collioure not as interesting?

Many thanks for all your ideas, this year AND last year!

I recommend Casa Pairal, if you do stay in Collioure. I don't know anything about Ceret, but Collioure is a charming little town. Granted, I was there in May a few years ago, and July may be very different in terms of crowds. I agree with your thoughts about not staying in Perpignan, since it does have a bigger city feel to it.

Thanks, for your suggestion,Grandmere.
I like the look of Casa Pairal, and it doesn't seem too expensive for a charming hotel with a/c!

I'm definitely leaning toward Collioure, and will see if the above hotel is available then.