Travelling from Cordes-sur-Ciel to Sarlat - what to stop and see?
Mar 16th, 2015, 04:17 PM
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Travelling from Cordes-sur-Ciel to Sarlat - what to stop and see?
Hi. We will be travelling from Cordes-sur-Ciel to Sarlat on Sunday 19th July. The plan is to arrive in Sarlat early evening that day. We would like to stop and see St-Cirq-Lapopie on the way. My question is - what route should we take to get there, and then from St-Cirq to Sarlat? I read that Stu recommended (to another Fodorite) Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val when their Sunday market is on, so that would tie in nicely. Is this a good plan? What is the road like between these places? And are there any recommendations of places to see between St-Cirq and Sarlat? Thanks for your help in helping us plan our day.
Jun 8th, 2015, 12:57 PM
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Things between Cordes & Sarlat & east of the A20. I'll give my rating (same as Michelin - 0,1,2,3 stars)
- St Antonin Noble Val*
- Caylus
- Gorge de l'Aveyron* - Penne, Bruniquel*, etc
- St Cirq Lapopie**
- Pech Merle Cave***
- Figeac**
- Cele River*, houses built into the cliffs along the Cele, and several interesting villages
- Rocamadour**
- Gouffre de Padirac**
- Loubressac*
- Autoire*
- St Cere*
- Carennac**
- Martel*
- Grottes de Lacave*
- Ch La Treyne
Stu Dudley
- St Antonin Noble Val*
- Caylus
- Gorge de l'Aveyron* - Penne, Bruniquel*, etc
- St Cirq Lapopie**
- Pech Merle Cave***
- Figeac**
- Cele River*, houses built into the cliffs along the Cele, and several interesting villages
- Rocamadour**
- Gouffre de Padirac**
- Loubressac*
- Autoire*
- St Cere*
- Carennac**
- Martel*
- Grottes de Lacave*
- Ch La Treyne
Stu Dudley
Jun 8th, 2015, 01:38 PM
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Thanks so much Stu. I will investigate all of these. Very keen on Pech Merle. Did you see the post I did today about where to see the flamingos at the Camargue? Wondered if you had any suggestions for us.
Jun 8th, 2015, 03:40 PM
#6
There are Perche stops in the Camargue. Wood steps that lead to a platform for observation. I prefer watching the wild white horses and black bulls. My late husband thought it was because of all the ugly faux flamingos on lawns.
Jun 9th, 2015, 06:09 PM
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Just remember, July can be busy on the roads in that area. I also think there are plenty of great markets in various villages, so I wouldn't make it a priority to go to that market in St Antonin Noble Val when there are more impressive things to see on your drive. But as Stu says, if you can pre-book tickets online now for Pech Merle caves, that's definitely worth a stop, after a bit of time wandering around St Cirq Lapopie. On your way to Sarlat, you could also make a small detour to Chateau de Fenelon, which is less-known than some of the other Dordogne chateaux, but has a really interesting history and is beautifully maintained inside and out. That would still leave enough time to arrive in Sarlat by around 6.30ish, which is still bright sunshine in summer.
Jun 11th, 2015, 08:42 PM
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Thanks everyone for your comments. Very excited about our holiday - less than 2 weeks away now!
Yes rosemaryoz, that is one thing I am not looking forward to - from all accounts it is a very busy time of year and I have not experienced that yet in France. I think the key is not to try and do too much in one day otherwise it just ends up being stressful. Lots to see and so little time!
Yes rosemaryoz, that is one thing I am not looking forward to - from all accounts it is a very busy time of year and I have not experienced that yet in France. I think the key is not to try and do too much in one day otherwise it just ends up being stressful. Lots to see and so little time!
