We are planning a trip to the Dordogne in mid-late September. We prefer to rent a place to stay. Usually we enjoy being out in the countryside when we do this type of trip. However for this trip I'm thinking we might like to stay in a small town and do day trips. That way we can walk about the town at night and don't have to drive anywhere for dinner. I'm interested in staying in Sarlat and wondering what it's like in the evenings after the daytrippers are gone.

It's lovely at that time of year. Most things are open, the crowds have dispersed, and the weather is normally great. Market days will still be busy, but they shut down by 1pm at the latest normally. It's a big enough town that there are always things going on. We avoid Sarlat like the plague all summer, but enjoy it immensely when fall comes.

We stayed in the area for a week in mid-late Sept this year. We went into Sarlat about 2PM on Sat (market day) to obtain Patrimoine information from the tourist office. The crowds were huge - shoulder to shoulder. We later went into Sarlat around 9:30am and wandered around before it got too crowded - but the crowds were nowhere near what they were on market day. In the evening (we went in for dinner too) there were very few people around.

Stu Dudley

Thanks, StCirq -- you have mail

Didnt see your response, Stu -- thanks!

One of our favorite places we have ever stayed is in Sarlat...La Villa des Consuls...Great location and a wonderful host, David. Highly, highly recommended as a great base to see that part of the country. Loved Sarlat!!! See Chapters Three thru Seven.

<B>http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/france-2012/</B>

<B>http://www.villaconsuls.fr/en/accueil/</B>

We stayed in Sarlat for four days beginning of July a few years ago and loved it. Early morning and evenings was not crowded even then ('high season'). We did day trips most days so were not in town during the middle of the day. The one day we did stay in town was market day so probably more crowded than usual.

Photos of the region - http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/france_-_dordogne

We stayed in Sarlat in May and adored it. We loved La Lanterne B&B, which was situated right in the small city. Walking the small alleys and cobblestone lanes was magical at night. We used Sarlat as a base for exploring the small towns in the region. It was wonderful to return to the inn and just walk to dinner and stroll around after.

Be sure to rent a canoe (assuming good weather) and paddle the Dordogne River. Easy, lovely small towns on the surrounding hillsides, a real highlight.

I have a trip report under my name and you can scroll the the section on Sarlat if you're interested.

I loved sarlat. I would recommend staying - as we did - 10-15 min from sarlat. The countryside is gorgeous.

We rent kayaks instead of canoes. LOADS easier to maneuver around in.

Its delightful in the evening -- a great place to walk around. Enjoy!

BTW: I stayed at the Hotel Montaigne, which still seems to get very good (but not top-notch) ratings. If I'm lucky enough to visit Sarlat again, I'll happily stay there again.

We visited the Dordogne this past September and used Sarlat as a base for 4 days before moving on to Rousillon. We thought Sarlat was an excellent base for seeing Lascaux II, Dordogne towns, etc. Pleasant by day, not horribly crowded on market day, and evocative at night. I highly recommend it.

Hi yestravel, I will be in Sarlat the last week of September. Maybe we can have a mini gtg.

We rented this place in May 2016 for two weeks and would rent it again.The parking spot that comes with the apartment is located a 10 minute walk from the centre which made it easier to get in and out for day trips and was located near shops so picking up supplies on the way back was easy. The apartment was clean and well equipped and the owners are a nice couple who own a restaurant in Sarlat. We did a lot of day trips but spending time in Sarlat was also wonderful and it does get quieter in the evening.



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Thanks, everyone! Sarlat sounds good for us.

JerseySusan-that would be fun. Let's touch base closer to the time.

MrsW - nice apt, but it's not available on our dates.

We stayed a week in Sarlat in September 2015. Absolutely loved it and the location of the apartment was terrific.

( http://www.abritel.fr/location-vacan...m_medium=email )

Great location for day trips around the area and lots of places to eat out....I hope you like duck !!!

yestravel, I wanted to warn you that rooms and apartments are scarce for the end of September. I spent the afternoon booking accommodations and it was a stressful experience.

Jersey- I was looking at apts and didn't have any trouble. If anything too many choices. What sites are you using?

yestravel I was on booking.com as I was trying for a room in a b&b.