It may be 28 miles as the crow flies, but it's more like 50+ on the road (you have to south to Gourdon or north to Souillac, then get on the N20 (going north or south, depending which route you've chosen), then turn off onto the amazingly tiny and twisty D673 to get there. Sorry - done it a dozen times or more and I've NEVER made it in summer in less than 2.25 hours from my house, which is a half-hour the other side of Sarlat. No way it can be done in an hour, not even in the dead of winter when there's no traffic.<BR><BR>Paule: You can visit Cahors easily from Domaine de la Rhue. Figeac is also do-able, though it would be a longer trip (well worth it, though).<BR><BR>If you wanted to base yourself in Cahors, the H&ocirc;tel Terminus would be my choice. The restaurant is one of the best I've ever eaten in.

We absolutely loved Moulin Neuf. It is gorgeous - well located- Run by a very personable team - and a fabulous bargain! It is exactly as described in Karen Brown's guide. Be sure to ask them for restaurant suggestions. They certainly made some great ones for us!

Thanks for all the great information, everyone. My general plan would be to do 3 days outside of Sarlat (but nearby) and then 3 days in Domaine de la Rhue, at least for the moment. And with that kind of time, I should be able to manage many, though not all, of the sights and sites that are highlighted in the area. <BR>Thanks for the clarification about the driving distance from Sarlat to Rocamadour. I don't want to have to schlep back 2+ hours on a crowded July evening, but would like to get there. Domaine de la Rhue sounds perfect for the location, too. We can visit it at night, after the crowds have diminished.<BR>Again, thanks.

St. Cirq may I suggest that you tell the Michelin Map people that their maps are wrong because Rocamadour to Sarlat IS 28.3 MILES and ALONG THE ROAD. I have just driven it today. I don't know which way you are driving to and from.

I would certainly check out the logis de france site as well as the gites de france (they also list some b&b's)<BR><BR>logis was recommended to me years ago by a francophile english couple. I have used them ever since and have never been disappointed

Paul; Definately look into Logis de France hotels. (Logisdefrance.fr) They are low priced, and well located. I have found the food in their restaurants to be very good also. For the small difference in price, go for the ones with three symbols. If you are in the area, try the Hotel Chabrol in Brantome.

Paule,<BR>My husband and I spent a fantastic two weeks in St Martin le Redon, near the Castle Bonaguil. We stayed in a Villa called Cubertou for 450 dollars a week.<BR>The villa was huge and had every thing one could possibly need. Having the kitchen made scouting out the markets all the more fun since we then ate our breakfast and any dinners at the villa.<BR>It was 20 miles from Cahors traveling along the Lot, about 30 mintues travel time. From there we saw all the sights mentioned, though Carcassone was quite a drive it was easily done in a day along with a side trip to the ocean. I wouldn't allow much time in Carcassone, it is beautiful but absolutely over run with tourists (May). The entire area is unlike any other in France, the food and wine are divine of course, but the people are what make the area. They are warm, down to earth, and incredibly friendly. This is a very special place and you will have a great trip!

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Dan,<BR>I'm planning to go there next summer, too:<BR>I'm topping this thread for you.<BR>Paule

Here's a suggestion on the way to Spain. From Cahors, go to Najac (just south of Villefranche de Rouergue), and then to Cordes s-Ciel, on to Albi (don't miss the Cathedral and the Bishop's Palace with its Toulouse-Lautrec museum), and then on to Carcassone. From Carcassone, I would consider going to Barcelona by crossing the Pyr&eacute;n&eacute;es via Mirepoix, Foix and over the Col de Puymorens.