After Carcassonne, we drove to Sarlat, stayed 4 nights, then moved to La Roque-Gageac for 3 nights. We loved the area. We followed Rick's driving tour of the area but in our own order. We toured Lascaux II and Font de Gaume. I recommend these two cave sites as a minimum. We were at Sarlat on market day; very fun. Great restaurants in this town. We stayed at La Madeleine Hotel, of of Rick's hotels, and the staff was very helpful; hotel a bit pricey but location was convenient.
La Roque-Gageac was a favorite place. We stayed at La Belle Etoile hotel and very much enjoyed the hotel and the owners. Excellent restaurant. Location of the town is great for visiting other small towns and castles as Rick's book says...Domme, Bergerac, Beynac. We did not do the canoe float but wanted to; ran out of time. A beautiful river. Beautiful area. Were were there as the leaves were just turning color.