Wow! I can't believe all of the responses! Thank you for all of your advice. I think you convinced us to spend most of our time in and near Sarlat!! I appreciate all of your tips and websites! Now I have some research to do!

a pleasure, jedsite. you have had some good advice here.

have a great trip!

We are staying in Sarlat for 5 days(early June) then stopping overnight in Carcassonne (on way to Provence) at this b and b just outside the city walls--easily walkable. It has a pool. Only three rooms, so not sure big enough for your group, but worth checking?


http://www.lejardindelacite.fr/home.htm

A gite (B&B) is a great idea. We stayed in one in the South of France and loved it. We had a very entertaining host and the property was clean and had a great pool. It cost about 70 euros per room and that included a very nice, filling breakfast. It's not near where you are staying but just an example of what to expect.

One more vote for Sarlat - from someone who lives 15 minutes away - much more interesting than the Carcassonne area. I probably wouldn't even stop in Carcassonne, as it's so touristy, but that's just my opinion. And please understand that going in July means that everywhere will be busy. Sarlat of course, and Carcassonne probably even more. A good reason to look for something out of town, especially if you want a pool.

If you're looking for a gite, it's NOT a B&B - that is a chambre d'hotes in French. A gite is a rental property, which can range from very basic to very luxurious. We like www.gite.com, but there are lots of other sites listing gites/rental properties.

If you are traveling in July and want a pool, I would rent a place close to, but not in, Sarlat. Traffic can be horrendous getting into and out of the city at that time of year, especially on Saturday and Wednesday, which are market days, and you could lose precious vacation time sitting in gridlock just to commence your day of sightseeing. I would certainly plan to spend time in Sarlat, but I think being based outside it in some relaxing place with a pool is a better idea.

Thanks St. Cirq. Sounds like good advice. Are there any towns that you would recommend? I have been looking into the places that others have suggested. Ideally, I think we would like to find something for 5 days (and a pool is a must). Many places, mainly gites, want a minimum of 7 nights.

Carlux, you are right of course, I wasn't thinking. It was a B&B that we stayed in and I would gladly do it again.

One to consider. www.vrbo.com/72430 They advertise one week min, but the first week in August seems to be a five night rental. http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals...ance/aquitaine also try www.homeaway.com/vacation-rentals/europe/france http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-ren...aquitaine/r336

If you are interested in something 20 minutes outside Sarlat, we have stayed at the Hotel du Chateau in Beynac.

http://www.hotelduchateau-dordogne.com/EN/index.html

One year we were offered their gîte, as there were no more hotel rooms available. It is a traditional 3 storied house just to the left and up the main street from the hotel, towards the castle (just out of view in the homepage photo). I do not see it mentioned on their web site, but you certainly could inquire as to its availability. Maybe they still offer it.

The house was their residence before they built a modern house and it is well equipped with oven, stove, dishwasher, micro, fridge, full dining room with fireplace on the main floor. Bath and toilet (separated) are on the landing above and bedrooms and tv room, which can double as a double bedroom are above. Access to the pool is reached from the second floor via your own personal terrace with bbq grill. We were only 4, so I didn't pay attention to how many the house actually sleeps.

The cheateau at Beynac is one of the most fascinating we have visited, and we've visited a lot! But do keep close grip on little ones if you climb up the ramparts/dungeon...it is also one of the highest and rather scary/dangerous if you have one of those imps that explores, climbs, shimmies or just plain acts on impulse faster than you can react.

If you don't want to cook any or all of the nights, the hotel's restaurant is fantastic!

Jedsite, there are dozens and dozens of perfectly wonderful towns and villages to stay in. Just draw yourself a 3/4 circle to the north, west, and south of Sarlat with a radius of about 25 kms and look in there. I would stay away from Beynac, La Roque Gageac, and Domme in July, as traffic will be awful getting in and out of those as well. Get the yellow Michelin map - I think it's # 379 or 279 - and look for Le Bugue, St-Cyprien, Montignac, Tursac, Tamniès, Castelnaud, Vitrac, really, anywhere. I believe the owner of Les Milandes has cottages to rent - that might be very cool, though I don't know if they have pools (there are municipal pools you can use, though, all over the place).

Thanks again for the wonderful information.

Iris1745, I have looked at the place you recommended in Rocamadour (www.domainedelarhue.com). Would this be a good spot to base ourselves for the five days?

>>>Rocamadour (www.domainedelarhue.com). Would this be a good spot to base ourselves for the five days?<<<

Nope - you'll be doing too much driving to get to the other top sites in the Dordogne. Stay within a 20K radius of Sarlat.

Stu Dudley

No, Rocamadour isn't even in the Dordogne. Domaine de la Rhue is a lovely property, but it's way too far away.

Jed; I agree, not in a great location. But don't miss visiting Rocamadour.

Please take a minute to look at the following site: www.5dordognecottages.com. The location is sensational.
Jon and Sue Long are splendid people with an enormous sense generosity.
My husband and I stayed there for one week in late June 2009 and have remained close friends since... Skyping often.

OMG Curious, that place looks fabulous, and perfect fora family group or two!!

There is everything near and simple to get to from this Gite. I researched for weeks until I discovered Jon and Sue Long's retreat. The village in which it is "hidden" has a mere 23 residence...a few artists of renown and a sprinkling of almost invisible others.
Sue and Jon have a walnut grove, fruit trees, and field game equipment all for your fun and stuff.

Wow, that place (5dordognecottages.com) looks great! I guess it has made a name for itself as it is already booked for most of July! Thanks for passing it on!

Actually, the population of Meyrals is about 475, though you wouldn't necessarily note it. And there's hardly any commerce there except for the antique store owned by wacky Robert, the bar/restaurant owned by the Hungarian, and a bunch of artists. It's a nice little village, but I think I'd want to be somewhere where I could stroll around and have some choices of cafés and things in the evening, and not have to drive for groceries.