Where to go before Bordeaux?
 

I've gained invaluable information for trip planning from Fodor's forums, and now I have a question to ask.

My husband and I are going to France next summer, in August. This would not be a time we would normally choose to go, but the invitation to come and share a chateau in St. Emilion with friends, one of whom is a French (the chateau belongs to a relative) was too good to refuse.

So, we're a week mid-August in Bordeaux, followed by a week in a Paris apartment we've booked already. We've got a week to fill in on arrival. Where to go? Husband likes to be active. I've thought about the Loire Valley and/or somewhere Dordogne, but can't decide. From what I have read, everyone in France is on holiday in August, so I better get organized.

I think I'm suffering from analysis paralysis. Your advice would be very much appreciated.

Well the Loire is lovely in August, good wine, good chateau and enjoyable food.

You might like Fauntevraud Abbey which is where King John of England is buried

Is the "week in Bordeaux" the time you're spending in St-Emilion? I hope so. I love Bordeaux, but a week there would make me batty.

At any rate, it's obvious: the Périgord is right at your footsteps, and it's irresistible. The Loire valley doesn't hold a candle. There's plenty to keep you busy there for a week, even if you find yourself gravitating there (and you will) from St-Emilion for daytrips.

That should be "right at your fingertips."

Yes StCirq, we'll be in Lussac, which is about 8km from St. Emilion. So your vote is for the Perigord. Thanks!

Hi FB,

Lucky you.

Another vote for the Perigord.

Take StC's advice seriously. She has a home there.

Also see Ira Does France (Bordeaux, Dordogne, Paris) 2005
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...2&tid=34676645

((I))

And I live here! It's a beautiful place the Perigord. After 15 years we still love it, and find it has infinitely more to see and do than the Loire.

Have a romantic dinner about 7:30-8:00 in Cordes sur Ciel one night.

Cordes-sure-Ciel, though a lovely place for a romantic dinner, isn't in the Dordogne, not even close enough for dinner.

If the choice is between the Dordogne and the Loire valley, there is no contest, in my opinion.

The Dordogne has everything, the best that France has to offer -- food, scenery, culture.

If you base yourselves in Sarlat. you have the choice of castles, villages, caves, hills, valleys, monasteries ... France's best.

By contrast, the Loire has castles and ... a lot of flat landscape.

Focus on the Dordogne and breeze through the Loire on your way back to Paris.

I am having such fun planning this trip. I have read "Ira Does France" and enjoyed it immensely.
I think I've decided on 5 nights at "Les Granges Hautes", in Saint Crépin et Carlucet. From there we can drive around at our leisure to see all the beauty of the Perigord.
StCirq, you are so helpful - your advise is appreciated. I think you should write a book - I'd buy it!

We stayed at Les Granges Hautes on our trip to the Dordogne. You'll not regret your choice. It's wonderful.