Sarlat-Bergerac rail link under constuction
 

For those planning to take the train between Bordeaux or Bergeraca and Sarlat:
Rail operator SNCF is undertaking extensive renovation of the line between Bergerac and Sarlat, which means the tracks will be closed until July 1. During this time they are running 'autocars' - buses/coaches. So you will be able to get between the two towns, but not always very quickly. You can still check schedules and buy tickets on the SNCF site - http://www.voyages-sncf.com/

During July and August they will reopen the line, when trains will run again, and then close it again on September 1 when work will resume. They are removing all rails, some of which date back to 1800, and replacing them, and renovating all the bridges on the line.

The renovation program is expected to be finished in February 2012, when the line will re-open, with trains now expected to travel at 90 Km/hr, rather than the present 50 km/hr. There is also a possibility that more trains will be added, 'if passenger demand warrants.'

This is actually good news, as a few years ago it was not clear that they would continue to operate this line - presumably if they are willing to spend 44 million Euros on re-construction, SNCF intends to keep it open.

ttt in case people missed this

ttt Thanks for this important info, Carlux. Coming from Bergerac towards Sarlat, I believe the train does go as far as Le Buisson, where one can hop aboard a waiting SNCF bus which will carry you the rest of the way to Sarlat. Can you confirm this? That's what they were doing last year.

Sorry, I don't really know. I read this in the local newspaper, but haven't experienced the journey. My experience last year was that the SNCF site was fairly clear about changing to a bus.

Thanks, I figured that's what they are doing when I bought the ticket.
Does anyone know if I can get off just before Sarlat station, a bit closer to the village?

Which village do you mean? Sarlat is a town, and the station is in the centre. A very short walk to the historic part of town - hardly 5 minutes.