Annecy to Bordeaux

If you do end up driving (you'll need a car in the Dordogne anyway), and enjoy hiking, the Puy de Sancy region is worth a 2-night stop, in my opinion. Le Mont Dore would be a good base.
Otherwise, Annecy to Sarlat is about a 6-hour drive, so I am not sure that it worth breaking the drive just for one night. But if you really want to, the village of Charroux is a minor detour and is really worth a few hours.

Thank you so much! Has anyone taken the train from Annecy to Bordeaux?

Are you flying out of Bordeaux?

How much time are you spending in Paris?

How much time in Annecy?

How much time in the Dordogne?

There may be a better route!

You can't get from east to west in France by train without going through Paris -- this is a bit of an exaggeration but not much of one. We wanted to do Bordeaux to Annecy this fall and finally gave up on it because the train travel would be so indirect and arduous and involve lots of changes. The best route we found went down the riviera and then up to Annecy -- not a good route. If you want to do this you should definitely drive and you need a car in the Dordogne anyway.

I did two long trips to France recently. I decided to split the country vertically after I looked at rail routes. My French-born hairdresser concurred with my strategy. I'm a huge train fan and have never rented a car in Europe, but in this case, I think you should drive. Or maybe hold off on Annecy for another trip and take the train from Paris. There's lots to enjoy in the Dordogne; are you allowing yourselves enough time there?

Thank you so much! A lot to think about. It sounds like the Train is not a great idea.

We will spend 5 days in Paris (not more since Paris is pricey), then 5ish in Dordogne at an Air BnB with 4 or so days elsewhere. Flying out of Bordeaux!

Thank you for sharing your route!
Annecy is gorgeous indeed. But it also very, very touristy, and there are beautiful mountainous locations that are much closer to Dordogne. Gas is extremely expensive at present and tolls don't help either, so if you are budget-conscious there is a strong case to reduce the total distance you travel.

Therefore, to have your hiking/mountain fix, I would look into the Pyrénées. Barèges or Cauterets would make great bases for 4 nights, to hike the Cirque de Gavarnie, take the cable car up Pic du Midi de Bigorre, or travel to Pont d'Espagne and lac de Gaube. All of this is more "rustic" than Annecy, but no less beautiful, in my opinion.

Thank you! That sounds awesome! I really appreciate all of you taking the time to help. So generous of you!

I would leave Annecy for another time because of how out of the way it is located.

You can spend five days in Paris and take a TGV train to Bordeaux. It is only a 2 hr. train trip. In the Bordeaux train station are a number of car rental agencies. You can drive to Dordogne in about 2:15. You say you are spending 5 days there, but I can assure you an extra 2 will be worth it. So much to see, especially sights your boys will enjoy.

Head back to Bordeaux. About 45 minutes from Bordeaux is a place called Hostens. There are hiking trails around some lakes. I have listed one of them. This will be a nice day trip. Also, spend some time in the city of Bordeaux. Nice city to explore. Enjoy your trip.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/france/gironde/lac-du-bourg-et-lac-de-lamothe?u=i

All these places look gorgeous - and much closer to La Dordogne. Thank you!

We have spent a week in the Dordogne twice in cottages -- once 20 years ago and once 5 years ago -- both were just heavenly trips. WE have also stopped for 2 or 3 times in transit back when we drove and always enjoyed the region. It is my favorite in France. Focussing on one area for the time you have cuts down on logistics and will be time well spent

Here are a few snapshots from our last trip which show a chateau ruin, a market, a night market and a glimpse of our cottage. https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2017/07/25/perfect-place-for-murder-commarque-chateau/

Beautiful pix, Jane. Thanks for the inspiration!