We have planned a 3 week trip to France in September and we have one area with some debate as to where to stay. We will be leaving from St. Emilion and plan to stay either in the Perigueux or Sarlat area for two days. From there we will be going to Albi. Any suggestions as to which might be the better choice.

Anybody out there that has been to both of these areas? Would love some input. Thanks!

For a first-time visitor, Sarlat, hands-down. Only two days? Such a shame....

Perigueux is an interesting city, and there are some worthwhile things to see in the vicinity, but the top attractions of Périgord are closer to Sarlat in the Périgord Noir region.

With only two days, I would certainly choose Sarlat.

Hi NK,

We stayed in Beynac, near Sarlat after visiting Figeac.

Details in my trip report:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34676645

Nancy,

We just returned from two weeks in the Dordogne, renting a house in Sarlat, and would definitely recommend staying there or nearby rather than Perigeux. Perigeux is interesting enought for half a day but there is so much more to see and do in and near Sarlat and the town itself is much more beautiful.

Our very favourite thing to do was a canoe trip down the Dordogne from Ceynac to Beyrac watching the chateaux glide by overhead. Go first thing in the morning so the sun is at your back and take along a picque-nique lunch. We rented our canoe from le Sioux which opens at 9am for only 10 euros per person. They allow three hours which is enough for a half hour stop. But you can ask to be picked up later if you'd like to pause longer along the way.