susan001

I've decided against traveling this summer, so am here trying to make decisions about my trip in June '13. I've seen much of France but have never been to the Dordogne. I was in Yorkshire in '88 and have wanted to return, and also see parts of England I haven't seen, including Bath and the Cotswolds.

Would it be impractical to consider both? One way flights from Toulouse to Manchester or Leeds are inexpensive and it's like flying from LA to San Francisco.

Any thoughts about this? I was planning to see England this summer but decided against it due to Olympics crowds (I was going to be traveling by train). Next summer, I'm considering renting a car (I've never driven in Europe).

susan001

I will sketch out a couple of alternative itineraries in the next few days for your feedback.

Judy

susan001, if you've never driven in Europe, depending on where you're from, you'll need to be driving on the "wrong side of the road" in one of these locations.....and both locations really require a car to fully explore the area.

I'm not certain if you are traveling solo but that might make me rethink a destination. I'm not an adventurous driver though.....might not be an issue for you at all.

susan001

Hi Judy -- Driving has been an issue for me, as I'm usually traveling solo. But for these areas, I do think I'd be better off with a car & GPS than attempting any sort of public transit. I'm from California so the UK part will be a challenge. I will try to get automatic trans.

Which area do you think will be more of challenge for a solo driver? I'm not familiar with the roads in either destination.

Judy

For me, the UK would be more of a challenge just because I'd be so focused on staying on the correct side of the road I'd miss something. I've driven standard transmission in Ireland and it was not as hard as I was afraid it would be, just not something I ever became comfortable with. I did not have a GPS, though, and that would make a big difference.
Dordogne is not at all difficult for driving.

susan001

Judy, Thanks so much. I'm also thinking about the weather. I can just imagine getting caught in a torrential downpour on a country road in the Yorkshire Dales, and feeling a little threatened and overwhelmed by it all. Still, the beauty of the terrain there beckons.

Lexma90

Re visiting both destinations, if you have the time to do so, then consider that.

Otherwise, between the two, I would suggest the Dordogne. I will admit that I'm biased, because I love the Dordogne, and haven't spent much time in England. The Dordogne area is gorgeous, has great food, and very interesting prehistoric sites and medieval castles.

The driving, part, though, is the decision-maker. If you haven't driven in Europe before, driving on the other side of the road, even if you can guarantee an automatic, is stressful. We visited Scotland earlier this summer. I'm comfortable driving in Europe, with a manual. DH is the navigator, because I'm rather directionally-challenged, and the better driver. Even so, driving in Scotland was stressful - I felt that I always had to be on my guard, in case I'd forget, and pull into the wrong lane. I trained the kids to chant "left, left," as I pulled out of parking lots! I would not have wanted to do that alone.

And I agree, the Dordogne is not difficult to drive in.

susan001

Maybe I should consider a week in the Dordogne, driving, and 10 days in England by train/bus. That will mean hiring a private driver for the Cotswolds, which might be a nice experience (just sit back and enjoy). It's possible to get to remote Haworth in Yorkshire by train, but I don't know about the Dales. I really appreciate this advice. Without a navigator in the car, England could be a challenge. I want to be able to relax!

Another question about the Dordogne: I'm considering basing in Domme, but am wondering if getting in and out is a problem (or even dangerous). Seems I've read it's a narrow road leading up there. My other choice for lodging is in La Roque-Gageac.

susan001

I meant to say Thank you, Lexma90. Your feedback has helped immensely. I don't think I'm going to drive in UK.

Carlux

Driving in the Dordogne is not difficult - although the road up to Domme is steep, it is not narrow. La Roque Gageac is a village built between teh river and the cliff, with a (reasonably) busy road in between. You might actually find it more difficult driving there, depending where you stay.

One thing I think you should consider if you do decide to visit both the Dordogne and Yorkshire, is the difficulty of getting to your locations. Or more exactly, the time it will take. It can take time to get here (Dordogne) - have a look at flights to Bergerac from Stansted, or from London to Brive which would put you in the area reasonably quickly.

annhig

honestly susan, the weather in the UK has been so awful this year [and at the moment there seems little indication of a change] that i would go to the Dordogne.

THat will give you the chance to practice doing some european driving on the RIGHT side of the road before you tackle the UK.

susan001

Carlux, thanks so much for the feedback. I will consider what you say. I may want the avoid the hassle of dealing with an extra airport experience and just focus on France. Thanks also for the information about the steep road to Domme. They may be challenging (for me) in a manual trans car. Any other ideas for a base?

susan001

Annhig, thanks for your feedback regarding UK weather. I guess that's why it's so beautiful and green! I'm considering France only.

annhig

good choice - at least for this year!

susan001

I'll be taking this trip next June. Your weather might improve by then! Another possibility is taking the Eurostar from Paris to London; then from London to Derbyshire or Yorkshire (lots of train time, though).

hetismij2

Do you speak French?
If you don't you may find the UK easier - it will just be so much easier to make casual conversation which you may find welcome as a solo traveller.

The Dordogne can have horrible weather too - when we were there a couple of years ago, in June, it was cold and wet most of the time. Not that it stopped us enjoying it, but don't be fooled into thinking you are guaranteed good weather there.

Hire an automatic so you don't have to worry about gear changing, remember you are always nearest the centre of the road and go explore Britain!

susan001

Thanks, Hetismij2. I hadn't thought that weather would be an issue in the Dordogne (in June). Much to consider. I would like to book my flight early (next month) as I can get a much better rate. I will let you know what I decide. I was in Germany last summer and while many spoke English I did feel a bit isolated at times by the language barrier. I know enough French to issue a polite greeting. That's it.

Carlux

Weather of course is an issue everywhere - we were in Namibia in December, and our balloon ride was cancelled because of rain - in the middle of summer in the Namib desert.

It's usually nice here in June, although this year we had a wonderful March (when most people would tell you not to come) and much less wonderful weather since.

But of course you are not guaranteed good weather anywhere.

susan001

Thank you, Carlux. I appreciate insight from a local. I'm still considering Domme as a base, just because the hotel there gets good reviews. I may base a few nights in the Lot, as well. I would like to visit Carennac and Les Arques. I will probably skip Rocamadour as it sounds touristy, but would like to photograph it from a distance.

susan001

Every time I make up an itinerary with both countries, it makes me tired. So I have about ruled that option out. It's one or the other, and right now I'm leaning toward Dordogne/Lot.