Yes Ira. the town we are staying in is Cenac et St. Julien.

Thank you all for your help with my itinerary. Tower, we decided to stay at Domaine de la Rhue outside Rocamadour. It looks lovely and is very centrally located. We intend to go up to Rocamadour for dinner and spend some time walking around without the crowds. Our plans now are to drive from Cenac et St Julian directly to Pech merle and take a morning tour ou the caves. Then I would like to take the drive down the Cele valley that Stu Dudley recommends. i can't figure out how long that may take as both Michelin and mappy only send you via the main road. If we have enough time we will poke around Figeac for a short time. Then drive to the hotel and have dinner in Rocamadour. The next day I think we will just leisurely visit all the wonderful villages - Autoire, Loubressac, ST Cere, Bretenau, and Carennac. i wanted to see Padirac in the morning but I'm afraid that might make our village tour too rushed. We will then head back to our gite in Cenac at the end of the day. Any recommendations on the best route back - D803 along the river through Soulliac or on the southern side of the river? Again mappy and michelin aren't very helpful. i can't believe we are leaving in a week! Peg

Domaine de la Rhue is a great choice! Enjoy!

The latest edition of France magazine has a feature on the Cele Valley. I think the Cele & Lot will take about the same time from where the roads break off south of Cabrerets.

I would try real hard to visit Padirac - it's quite different from most caves you might visit. If you get to Pech Merle early in the AM and take an early tour, you should be able to fit in Padirac in the afternoon before you get to Rocamadour. Rocamadour is very touristy - we always make a special effort when walking down the main street, to never look at the shops on the street level - we always look one story up to really enjoy the beautiful architecture of Rocamadour (or any touristy village, for that matter). If this was my trip, I'de get to Rocamadour at 7:30, tour the town, then have dinner at 8:30, and enjoy the town again after dinner.

Stu Dudley

be sure to try out the wonderful hiking trail (signposted in the back of the Domaine de la Rhue..takes you onto the top level of Rocamadour in about an hour or less...lovely trail through the forst and farmland...at the top level, you can go down two levels..or as Stu D. says, get off at the second level, less crowded.
Also, fo a memorable splurge, try the Chateau Roumegouse that I suggested. Your Domain hosts will make the reservation for you.
Padirac is very close to the Domaine and is a mind blower of a chasm...a boat ride through the vaerns is part of the admission...wonderful photo ops of the stalagtite formations.
Stu T.

Peg; meant "caverns", above....also if you're in Cahors down in the Lot Region, there is a marvelous little "Resistance" Museum off the main square..worth a visit. Two actual Resistance members opened it and are there daily!
Stu T.

May I second/third the OPs urging you to fit in Padirac somehow? We went to this area about 3 years ago, and along with Lascaux 11 it was the highlight of our trip. THe villages you mention, though lovely, are quite similar to each other, whereas Padirac is quite unique. You ask for "must sees" - this is one!

Thanks for all your helpful hints! I will reconsider and try to fit in Padirac. Do you need reservations there or would a call the day before be enough? I can't believe we are leaving Friday!

We went to Padirac in May,[3 years ago so my info might be a bit out of date] and though there were queues, there was no need to book. going on Friday, you will be out of school holidays, so you should be OK. Ther wre a couple of nice cafes there I remember, but I don't know what they are like now. Have a great trip, and don't forget to tell us all about it when you come back!

Good Afternoon Peg. I am looking at renting a Gite near Cenac next May. I know that some people are very guarded about giving the names of the places they rent. I have tried to contact the owner for Gite Laurier in Cenac and have not gotten a response. I was looking at the Cottage de Capiol but it may be a little smaller than what we would like. Outdoor space such as a nice patio is a real must for us. I wonder if I could ask where you are renting.

CRAZY4TRAVEL, did you ever get a copy of Stu's Dordogne tips? I've been cruising these boards preparing for my first trip to France (and first trip to the boards!) and saw him mention it a few times. I emailed him but I believe he's in France already and looks like Peg may be the same. If you do happen to have a copy can you please send to [email protected]? MANY THANKS IN ADVANCE! -Sabsong