Everytime I read a note on here..I get more confused. But let me ask you.

If we spend 5 or 6 days or so in Beynac...would it make sense then to move to St. Cirq La Popie to stay overnite or two and leave from there to go to Albi..stay overnight and then to Carcassone? Or should we stay in Beynac the whole time?

Would we cut out Toulouse?

Loisco, I am no expert having not visited yet. However, we will be driving from Spain in July and are staying overnight in St. Cirq Lapopie. Two reasons for this, one the town looks lovely but by all accounts it is much better to see it late in the day, or evening, sans tourists. Secondly, we intend to visit Grotte du Pech Merle the next morning on our way to Beynac. You could possibly do the reverse, an afternoon visit to Pech Merle then overnight in St Cirq Lapopie. Two nights might be overkill.

One night is plenty in St-Cirq-Lapopie IMO, but I'm not a big fan of that place except for the topography. Toni's idea is good, though - you don't want to be that close to Cabrerets and miss Pech-Merle.

Do make time for Albi, though. Maybe that could be your second night's stop.

If you're going to visit these places anyway, I certainly wouldn't do it from Beynac.

loisco, last May we spent a week in Le Bugue and found it a wonderful location from which to daytrip and a great spot for walking to restaurants most evenings. There are more picturesque Dordogne villages, but this one certainly met our needs quite well.

I think I'm repeating myself, but I'll go ahead anyway.

I'm pretty much saying what St Cirq said. Leave Beynac & head towards Figeac on the N140. Stop & see Rocamadour and visit Padirac if you have not already done so. Continue on to Figeac on the N140. Visit Figeac, but time things so you either get there before 11:00, or after 2:30, so you will be there when stores are open. Take the walk in the Michelin Guide or get an outline from the tourist office.

Leave Figeac towards St Cirq Lapopie on the D41 following the beautiful Cele River gorge. You will pass right by Pech Merle. Call several days in advance to reserve a tour in English. Either take it now, or in the morning.

Proceed on to St Cirq & stay overnight. We did this exact same route in '03. We left our Gite near Beynac at 10:15, got gas, did not visit Figeac (done it before), dawdeled along the Cele, & got to St Cirq about 2:30 or so. This was late Sept & it was not crowded.

Next morning, head west towards Cahors & drive through Cahors till you exit on the south side over a bridge, Once across the river, turn left & circle Cahors counter clockwise for some great views if the old city. Shortly, turn around & retrace your route till you hit the bridge again (don't go over it), but instead head south (turn left) on the N20 towards Caussade. From here, follow the itinerary through St Antonin, Pennes, Bruniquel, Castelnau de Montmiral, that I posted on a previous thread you had.

Stay overnight in Albi. No need to get to Albi before 3:00 (everything will be closed, like Figeac). If you are ahead of schedule (which you might be if you did not visit Pech Merle today) after you visit Castelnau on foot (don't miss), head northeast on the D115A/D922 to Cordes for a visit. This perched town is the "biggie" in this area. Then go on to Albi & stay overnight.

Next morning follow St Cirq's route that I described, and go on to Carcassone.

No need to be confused !!!!! Follow this plan. It's very doable, and you will cover some beautiful territory & see some wonderful sights. Albi is an A+ town, Figeac is very nice, & lots of people really like St Cirq & Cordes (I do), and under not circumstances should you miss Peche Merle - it's the best "original" you will see in this area.

Stu Dudley