Hi again, Stu -

I’m very pleased to say that I’ll be staying at L’Esplanade for 2 nights and am definitely going to have dinner there one night. Stu Dudley mentioned it in his Dordogne itinerary, and as soon as I saw the web site, I knew it would be one of my splurges!

The Chateau Roumegouse looks wonderful – I’ll check it out!

Thanks for letting me know of your grandson-in-law’s upcoming performance. I don’t promise to be able to attend, but I’ve put it on my calendar.

And thanks so much for sharing your wonderful pictures of the Dordogne – you have a wonderful eye! I can’t wait to see these places for myself.


For anyone who is following this thread and is interested in the Carnac alignments:

I have just received confirmation that one may now visit the alignments of Carnac without a guide. Outstanding!

Hi again Stu Tower - I wanted to thank you again for letting me know about Syd's performance. I had hoped to attend, but the unexpected death of a coworker has forced me to adjust my plans.

<i>I have just received confirmation that one may now visit the alignments of Carnac without a guide. Outstanding!</i>

I was not aware that a guide is necessary. The alignments are in fenced but open fields. One may walk around them but not enter the fenced area. I do not recall if we had to pay for the megaliths, but again, no guide was necessary.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57624616164661

Micheal - I love your photographs! The megalith you show is Locmariaquer, isn't it? I can't wait to see these things for myself! Most of my guidebooks say that from April through September, the Carnac alignments can be visited only with a guided tour. I was glad to learn that I could roam around on my own.

The alignments are on a public road. I can't imagine that anyone can stop you from seeing them. Yes, the megalith is in Locmariaquer.

Thanks again, Michael, and sorry for misspelling your name.

BTW, most of the photos are geo-tagged, so that they can be located on a map.

Very cool, Michael! I never cease to be amazed by today's technology.

Diverse experiences found! I have returned from an amazing journey, enriched by a treasure trove of wonderful memories.

My final itinerary was quite similar to the one I posted on 1 March, an itinerary that – with your help – incorporated a delightfully wide variety of experiences in multiple domains, including (but not limited to) art, architecture, natural scenery, cuisine, and history. What a feast! It was not a relaxing trip, but it wasn’t stressful either. Instead, it was energizing and exhilarating. And the timing – May into June – was perfect: the weather was great, days were long, and there were flowers blooming just about everywhere.

One of the last things I did was to visit the truly lovely Lady and the Unicorn tapestries at the Cluny museum in Paris. I was struck by the unintended metaphor: Like the tapestries, my journey had been one of sight and sound and taste and scent and touch - and also of something else, I’m not sure what, but something special that seemed beyond or in addition to those five senses. And like those lovely tapestries, my trip provided enduringly vivid images set against a background of a million flowers.

I can’t thank you all enough!

bookmarking--thank you!

@ cybertraveler -- I'm glad to know you found value in this thread! :-) It was NOT a trip that would suit just anyone -- FAR too fast paced for that! -- but it was, for me, a complete delight.

kja,

What a pleasure it was to read through this thread! I have taken copious notes to help us revise our itinerary. I'm glad that you enjoyed the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries in the Cluny as a lovely endpoint to your trip. They are incredible!

Happy travels,
Carolyn

Hi, Stu.

Yes, I was a DC'er, but have been living in St-Cirq for the past year, so no DC concerts for me.

I never tire of the Unicorn tapestries at the Cluny. Must take DH by there on our next trip to Paris. Don't think he's ever seen them.

Thanks, Carolyn! Those tapestries are remarkable, and they provided a perfect summation of my experiences in France. Happy travels to you, too!

@ joannyc: My trip to SE France was wonderful, thank you! I’m just back, and will post about it when I can.

I’m glad you found this old information about my time in western France useful! Despite its age, I think this thread holds a wealth of information from Fodorites who know and treasure some of the most intriguing and enjoyable parts of western France. I’m sure your trip will be memorable and full of delights.

@ joannyc: Thanks! And I know that you are going to have a wonderful trip and look forward to seeing your pictures. :)