Driving from Sarlat to Bordeaux

Make sure you have specific instructions on where to return the car in Bordeaux -- we spent an excessive amount of time trying to find the Europacar return center "near" the train station. Ended up parking in the train station underground garage and walking in to the station -- and told the rental staff they would have to pick up the car where we left it.

Aside from that, it was a pretty quick drive. If you have time, the cathedral is supposed to be worthwhile.

Thanks for the warning, Laura. We've had similar problems with locating where to return a car, but since we'll be picking up the car at the train station, I hope that will make the return easier!

And because it does appear to be a short drive--I think around two hours?--that's why I was looking for thoughts about what we could see on the way. Other than wine, as we'll be driving, and will have done that already--but thanks, Andrew. We will be seeing caves while in Sarlat. Maybe just plan on staying in Sarlat through early afternoon and heading to Bordeaux then, if it will likely be a straight drive.

Andrew, I wish we could see Font de Gaume, but when I tried to assure entry by booking a private tour that included it for the first week in October, and doing the booking in February (8 months ahead!), the few reserved places were all filled. Our group of four was not inclined to get there a few hours ahead to hope we were early enough to get in, so we will have to content ourselves with Lascaux 4 and Cougnac. But we will definitely enjoy the food!

St-Emilion is very picturesque. I enjoyed wandering around the town for several hours even though I have zero interest in wine. I suspect parking would be easier on weekdays (possibly excluding Friday afternoon). I'd research the parking situation ahead of time.

The town is very hilly. I was happy I paid the 4-euro cost of a tuk-tuk ride from the train station (way out in the country), because it dropped me off near the top of the town, around the corner from the tourist office.

If you have extra time, you might enjoy either of these two sites:

Chateau Commarque, a romantic castle ruin. One of Martin Walker;s Bruno books uses it as a setting.

Abbey Avit Senieur, a ruined abbey which gets few visitors. It is a few miles past Cadouin Abbey.

Andrew, thanks for the reassuring words. I was quite disappointed that we were going to miss Font de Gaume.

And I have put St. Emilion, Chateau Commarque, andl the Abbey on my list of places for the return drive. Many thanks, and any other suggestions most welcome!

My favorite was St. Emilion. It starts as a beautiful small town then you're surprised by the number of things to see.

After returning your rental car in Bordeaux, it is a bit of a schlep over the bridge to the station with some stairs involved. You might consider a drop off of people and bags at the station before returning the car.

Thanks for the warning about the station--that's good to know. But since we're planning on returning the car late afternoon, spending the night in Bordeaux, and heading to the airport in the morning, we'll probably take a taxi to the hotel, which is supposed to be in the center, near the opera house. Thought it would be nice to walk around on our last night!