My wife, three children and I are planning a couple of weeks in France in early June of 2006. We hope to spend a week or eight days of that time cycling around the Dordogne.

What weather conditions are typical of that region during that season?

My bride and I did a week cycling around Provence and Languedoc in 2004, so we're not completely new to France...it will be to our three teenagers, though. That trip was organized by an agency, but this time, in the interests of economy and the sheer fun of the experience, I'm considering setting everything up myself. Any words of wisdom from the experienced on this forum about train travel from Paris, bicycle rentals, places to see and to stay? We plan a circular tour of eight days, overnighting in several different towns, starting and ending in Bergerac.

TIA

Jeff
Scottsdale, Arizona USA

I was in the Dordogne in mid-June this year. The weather varied a lot in the five days I was there. It ranged from very hot (35 celsius) to pleasant (upper 20s). There was one day when it rained briefly, but fortunately that was while we were on a cave tour. However, I understand that one should always be prepared for rain there -- after all, that's what keeps the region so green. Best things to do in the area -- medieval castles, caves with pre-historic art, cliff dwellings, and lovely medieval towns. I hope you have strong legs for biking -- it's a very hilly region. It's not easy to get to the Dordogne by train. Sorry, I have no info on bike rentals.

Any new thoughts?

We were in the Dordogne from June 9-16 this year. It was very warm - highs in the low 30s C - and the first raindrops we saw were on the morning we left. Evenings were very pleasant. I gathered from speaking with locals that it was unusually hot and dry for that time of year.

We will be there for those exact dates next summer! I hope we can look forward to a little cooler weather than you...I enjoyed your trip report, ms_go.