When exactly in spring will you be there? The shop openings and closely are fairly whimsical, but generally speaking after Easter they'll close at noon for at least two hours. Before Easter, many will be closed, and those that are open will have more limited hours.

It is almost impossible to get lunch anywhere in the area after 2 pm - or before noon.

All the towns have fabulous markets. There's no "best" IMO. I adore the Le Bugue market, but that's just because it's *my* town, and I know the vendors. I love the Sunday market in St-Cyprien as well, and the Wedneday market in Sarlat. The one in Périgueux is excellent. But don't fret about which market to go to. You can't/won't have a bad market experience (unless maybe in August in Sarlat, where it's so crowded you can't move or see).

HI, We are going at the end of April...so we will be there from April 27 to May 5. We get in at noon on that Wed. so that is why I am wondering about eating...it sounds like we need to find lunch by 1:30 then. I would like to see alot without rushing. I am not sure how much distance we can cover the first day anyway.

I was just looking on BnB france website and saw a bnb called 'La Maison'... "'La Maison' is just opposite the old town walls of Cordes-sur-Ciel, magnificent and famous medieval citadel. Nadia and Philippe, are a singer and flautist respectively. This house dating from the 13th century has a wonderful half-timbered interior courtyard, and you reach the bedrooms via a superb spiral staircase." Has anyone heard of this place or stayed there? Thanks

Don't know the B&B but can recommend the Hostellerie du Vieux Cordes, which also has rooms around an interior courtyard. It was one of the most spacious rooms we've ever had in France.