Already planning next year's trip. We're spending a week in the Basque area, both mountains and by the ocean.

Planning to go next to Sarlat via A63/N10, skirting Bordeaux, then heading east.

Does anyone have suggestions for a small town, pretty village, or other recommendations for a one night stay in between those two places. Due to health reasons, non-smoking and air-conditioned room is a necessity.

We were in St Emilion last year and would not plan to return.

Would prefer not to spend Relais-Chateaux type price - but for one night we could handle it.

Any favorites you can share?

First of all you might want to rethink the itinerary, as the N10 is not a very attractive road, and quite dangerous - there are often reports of accidents there.

When we come back from Biarritz to Sarlat,we usually take the route going through Mont de Marsan, Marmande, Villeneuve sur Lot, etc. If you want to stop somewhere, consider Nerac, or go over further to Moissac, with some of the most beautiful cloisters in the world. Or if you want to go further, to Monpazier, a perfect bastide town.

Forgot to mention that we don't have any hotel recommendations in these places because we always just drive straight through.

I've always driven straight through, and you might consider that, because to me at least an extra night in Biarritz or Sarlat would be better than a night in just about anyplace in between.

Do avoid the N10 - it's a dreary drive. If you must stop, I'd stop in Nérac. Monpazier is lovely, but it's just about all the way to Sarlat and you can make it a day trip from there.

Thanks Carlux. Picked route thru N10 because Mappy suggested it, and it is a "big thick red line" on my map.

Will get out the green guide and look to the east of N10 - Mont de-Marsan, Nerac, etc.

Thanks again.