ElendilPickle

I just read about that place in Lonely Planet's guidebook; it sounds fascinating and sobering.

ElendilPickle

As I mentioned in a previous post in this thread, we changed our travel dates once we realized how many things in the Dordogne are closed in March. We also dropped Mont St. Michel from our itinerary.

We leave the States on March 30 and arrive in Paris on the 31st for five nights. We're planning most of the things first-time visitors want to see, but no more than two big sites per day with time to just walk around, sit at a cafe, etc.

We'll take the train to Limoges on the 5th, rent a car, and head toward the Dordogne. I think our first night will be spent in Rocamadour; there's somewhere between Limoges and there that Mr. Pickle wants to explore but I'm drawing a blank on the name.

We plan to spend the next few days in the Dordogne, gradually making our way to Bordeaux, where we'll drop off the car and spend the night. The next afternoon, we'll take the TGV back to Paris for our final night before heading home on the 11th.

Maitaitom, thanks for the trip report! I know we'll enjoy reading it. Any other tips, things you all think are must-sees, lodging, restaurants, etc. are greatly appreciated. Our challenge is narrowing everything down so we can enjoy ourselves without spending all day in the car.

Lee Ann

Gardyloo

Some years ago we visited the Dordogne for a couple of days in late March/early April and encountered a lot of flooded roads. Happily, one forced detour led us to a hotel in Sarlat where we had one of the most memorable meals of all our time in France. Sometimes it's best to leave things unplanned.

joannyc

I just sent it to you.

ElendilPickle

Thank you so much!

Lee Ann

ElendilPickle

Aside from that first night in Rocamadour, we're trying to leave the time between there and Bordeaux fairly unplanned. I'll check out the restaurant you mentioned, thanks!

Lee Ann

AlessandraZoe

Just being a cheerleader here. You are on the right track. When I saw your initial travel plans, my reaction was, "Oh no--half the things aren't open!" But it sounds as though you are listening to the experts here and to your husband's wishes beautifully. It's exhausting but exciting, right?
AZ

StuDudley

"""I can picture Castlenaudary being about 5 miles to the left of maitaitom's above photo.""

I think you are confusing Castelnaudry with Castelneau la Chapelle, and also spelling castel incorrectly. Castelnaudry is a town southeast of Toulouse and known for their cassoulet (food). Castelneau la Chapelle is a castle across the river from Beynac et Cazenac and known for their medieval warfare museum.

See attached Dordogne itinerary

Stu Dudley

ElendilPickle

Hurray! I hoped you might add to this thread.

Lee Ann