Dordogne itinerary
 

I'm planning a trip with my husband to the Dordogne region for a week in mid-October. We will have a car but plan to spend time discovering the the area by walking, canoeing and biking rather than driving to tourist spots each day. (We visited the area a number of years ago and hit the tourist highlights Rocamadour, Lascaux, etc.) I'm planning 3 days at l'esplanade in Domme and am trying to decide on a second location-- east or west of Domme?

A gite (or apt or cottage with a kitchen) in small village or town with a great market nearby would be ideal. I can't decide whether to look towards Souilac or the bastide villages near Bergerac. I understand there are great walking trails in both locations.

Any suggestions? Thank you!

Santa Fe:

http://picasaweb.google.com/stuartto...eAndLotRegion#

These selected pix may help you. The Autoire hiking trail is recommended and shown. Canoeing down the river is available at many locations. Unless you "git a gite" you would like the Domain de la Rhue (shown)..there is about a 45 minute walk to the top level at Rocamadour from the Domain, also pictured.
Lunch or dinner at Domme's L'Esplanade is a good choice...and the Dordogne view from their back terrace is unmatched.

The pics are all scanned from prior visits...not professional by any means. Just snap and shoot. But they can serve as a familiarization tool. Enjoy your trip,

L'Esplanade is such a wonderful hotel -- enjoy! And if you want to try dining somewhere else while in Domme, you might consider Cabanoix et Chataignes....

Thank you Stu. Your photos are delightful. I will explore the Autoire area and Domaine de la Rhue. I am also considering a few days In Perigeaux to get a taste of the Lot Valley. Based on trip reports and comments I expect we will have a great trip without the pressure of the summer holiday crowds.

Thanks KJA, I appreciate the recommendation. I am walking to eat ( walking is nice but the eating is even better, especially in the Dordogne) .

???
Cabanoix et Chataignes is just a few minutes' walk from L'Esplanade.
http://www.restaurantcabanoix.com

SantaFe

We've traveled the Dordogne and Lot in October, also. Great weather, enough chill for a sweater and sparse crowds. FYI, the Lot Valley is south of the Dordogne, around Villaneuve-sur- Lot, Cahors, Figeac and Entrayques-sur-Truyere. Perigeaux region is North of Sarlat and the Dordogne.
Happy Traveling!