I am starting the plans for a three week stay in the Dordogne next June. There will just be two of us and I can't seem to find just the right place to rent. An apartment in Sarlot, a country cottage? The places I see on various rental sites appear to cater mostly to larger groups. I would like to find something with natural light, a comfortable bed, a decent kitchen and French ambiance. Perhaps a house or apartment in a village would be best as I already live in the country here in California and would like the opportunity to speak French as much as possible instead of being isolated. Do any of you know of such a place or a rental agency I can contact?

How about
http://www.yourfriendsinfrance.org

I can't recommend a specific property as we were a group of 6 when we rented in Dordogne but we were happy using Simply Perigord. I'm sure they can be found by googling.

hi maile,

we have rented both in cities [rome, florence, venice] and in the countryside [dordogne].

I much preferred the stays in the cities, as it's so ice to be able to walk to bars and restauraants. so i would go for somewhere like Sarlat. it's small enough that you can get out of the town on excursions, but large enough to have things to do and plenty of choice of places to eat and drink. also shopping is a lot easier.

maile -
I highly recommend "La Bouquerie" found on the yourfriendsinfrance site above. We have stayed there several times - it has all of the qualities you mention, especially the kitchen - much more than decent - beautifully designed and equipped. We love the village - Sarlat - and find it a perefect site for exploring the area.
Susan and Harry, who manage the property, live in a nearby village and are very friendly and helpful. I will envy you if you stay there, but we will return in the spring of 2010.

I just tried these two suggestions: one is for buying property and the other only has one large rental in the area. Has anyone used Luxury vacation rentals. There is one apartment advertised in Sarlot but I can't find any track record or recommendations and for a three week stay I am a little hesitant. But many thanks for your replies.

OK, Sorry. I neglected to put a "s" on "friendsinfrance". Have tried it now and Roamer you are right!!! These look like just what I want, either La Bouquerie or La Vigne. Have you seen La Vigne at all and if so, do you still prefer the other? Thanks SO MUCH for the tip.

Have you tried Gites de France?

http://www.gites-de-france.com/gites/fr/gites_ruraux#

Aren't gites more in the rural areas? I am thinking that being in a village would be better for me as most of the year I live very much out in the country ... the idea of fresh bread and pastries being baked nearby is irresistable as would practically make the vacation.

Chances are that you would be within 10 minutes of a bakery, and you can always choose your gite according the its proximity to the next town by locating on Mappy or viaMichelin.

maile, it's Sarlat, not Sarlot. If you're using the internet to look for places, it will help to spell it right.

I would contact Simply Périgord as mentioned. They have properties all over the Périgord. I wouldn't stay right in Sarlat in June because it will be overrun with tourists, particularly on market days (Wednesdays, Saturdays) and even the rest of the time will be crowded. Getting in and out of town will be a hassle. Look for places in St-Cyprien, Le Bugue, Domme (also hard to get in and out of, but close by to Sarlat), Beynac, La Roque-Gageac, Castelnaud, St-Alvère...gîtes aren't only in rural areas. These are towns with plenty of fresh bread and pastries being baked nearby.

maile,
We stayed in La Vigne the first time we were in Satlat. It is right across the street (not really a street - just a little passagewway) - from La Bouquerie. It is larger - two bedrooms and a larger livingroom. Equally well-equipped kitchen and a little outside balcony. We would be happy with either!
I agree with StCirq - Sarlat will be crowded in June, but that never really bothered us. The little passageway where both properties are located is very quiet and far from the madding crowd. We rather enjoy the bustle of the market days, and the food available on those days is amazing! The properties have parking in a private garage just a few blocks away. Yes, getting in and out of town is a bit of a hassle, but once you learn the way, it's OK. We have been in each of the other villages StCirq mentioned, and each of them is charming. You have many choices, but I am certain you will enjoy the area!

Hi Maile,

I have the perfect place for you! It's 10km from Sarlat in a beautiful little medieval village called Marquay...
http://www.lafleurie.co.uk/