We are planning to Drive from Paris to the Dordogne. <BR>We will appreciate any advice, suggestions and tips concerning EVERYTHING (sites, villages, places to stay, places to eat etc.) <BR>Yhank you for your help! <BR>Ada

Ok, I'm not being snotty, but you're question is really too broad. That part of France is loaded with stuff - there are whole books written about the various bastides, fortified churches, caves, prehistoric sites, etc. found in this area. I spent 6 months researching the area and narrowing it down to 8 days of touring.

We spent a wonderful week in the Dordogne a year ago. It's one of our favorite areas of France. There are many previous posts about the area - do a search to find out what has been written previously, and then we can answer more specific questions. <BR>Happy plannng!

The Dordogne is a beautiful area - the most scenic part (I thought) was around Beynac, La Roque and Domme. We stayed at the Hotel Bonnet at Beynac, which was noisy as our room was on the highway side and it was warm enough that we had to have the windows open. Our friends were on the back side and enjoyed it more. It was the only place we encountered only French - no one spoke English but we managed to communicate enough. I thought Domme might have been a better place to stay as we enjoyed an outdoor lunch on a high hill overlooking the river. Don't miss the caves at Lascaux. We were only there three nights and wished we had planned to be there longer as we didn't get to see all we wanted. You'll enjoy this area.

Ada <BR> <BR>We spent a week in the Dordogne last year, which was dreadful but for reasons that need not concern you. <BR> <BR>The big issue about the place is the food. Eat well; buy at the markets and marvel at the choice. We self catered so I have little to say about restaurants. <BR> <BR>We loved Lascaux, and we visited Le Roque St Christophe, which is a pre-historic to mediaeval village carved into a cliff face. Definitely worth a trip. You buy your ticket for Lascaux in Montignac, which is very nice if a bit touristy because of the caves. We ate lunch in Le Soleil D'Or which was excellent. <BR> <BR>Lots of great castles. If you see a truffle museum you will see dozens. If you buy a truffle slicer could yuo send me an e-mail telling me how to use it!!! <BR> <BR>We also visited some caves which I think were the Grottes du Grand Roc, but I'm not sure. They have the most amazing rok formations and I think I liked them better than Lascaux. <BR> <BR>Apart from that there are some lovely villages - St-Jean-de-Cole was probably our favourite- and lots of castles. Hope you like it.

Thank you to Anne, Marilou and Sheila, <BR>Your advice and insights are very much appreciated. <BR>And... Elvira, you are a bit snotty... <BR>The whole point is to get small tips from the experiences of others. We are VERY experienced world travellers, and always are happy to help and advise. This is also the reason that we are quick on travel decisions (decided this week to go next week). Unlike you, I don't enjoy months of planning ahead. Next month I'll be, anyway, on yet another trip to a different part of the world... <BR>Enjoy the planning of your next trip! <BR>Ada

Stayed at a small hotel, Hotel Ric*** <BR>in Saint Cere. A short distance from <BR>Rocamadour, Padirac, Albi and the other <BR>interesting places in the Dordogne. Very small, five room, outstanding res- <BR>tuarant run by the owner Jean-Pierre Ric, only five rooms, clean, very quiet <BR>and wished we would have been able to stay a day or two longer. <BR>Interesting area, Have a wonderful time.

We loved Domme and stayed at the Hotel Esplanade (don't stay in the annex). We had comfort, charm and a beautiful view. Their dining room was particularly lovely and the food was terrific. <BR>BTW, you really shouldn't put down "Planners". They have provided us with invaluable information and insights.

Thanks a million Bill and Leslie. Your tips are very useful, and I am sure that we will use them! <BR>Leslie, I am not disregarding travel guides and planners. I use them regularly and have a HUGE collection. <BR>I just think that "real" travellers encounter a lot of small details that are never mentioned in them. Just like the ones I just got the two of you. <BR>Thanks again. <BR>Ada