We will be starting in Bordeaux and heading towards Sarlat, spending a few days driving around, and returning to Bordeaux. I found a good Michelin map of Correze and Dordogne, but it stops just short of Bordeaux. There's a regional one that does include Bordeaux and areas in the Dordogne, but it's so small I can barely read the route numbers. We will have downloaded Google maps for the area, but I'd love to have a map that shows the area in a format I can actually see. Any suggestions for what may work better that what I've located would be welcomed!
Posted by
Pleasant Hill, CA, USA
473 posts
I had Dordogne map and the Bordeaux region map and never used them last summer. The Via Michelin app and google maps both worked great.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
For those who know how to use them, good maps are useful both on the ground and in the planning stages.
Lois, the map should suite the use. If you want this primarily for driving, I would recommend the Michelin maps hands down, probably their 300 series for the places you are interested in around the Dordogne.
For Bordeaux, you might be best off with a city map, if you mean the city. Otherwise the Michelin 126 might suit your needs.
If this is for a walking or cycling tour, you might consider the IGN topo maps.
Posted by
OP
281 posts
I have the Google app, and will look into the Michelin one. And while I have found a GPS really helpful, I do like a real map since it does give a better idea of the general area. The Dordogne map I have is in the 300 series, and the regional one with tiny print was the 126 one. Not sure if I'll get that, since we really need just to get from the Bordeaux train station where the rental car offices are towards Sarlet, and I'm sure we can pick up a map when we rent the car that will point us in the right direction if Google doesn't. So it looks like what I have is the best option. Too bad the 126 map is so hard to read!
Thanks for the responses!
Posted by
Pleasant Hill, CA, USA
473 posts
We returned a car rental to the Bordeaux station. The rental car agency’s are in the bottom level of the station. The return is at the top of the garage. Tricky to find if i didn’t do some investigation. Getting in/out of Bordeaux is easy if you have a good copilot. I did. Plus the google maps app is great. Look at street view before you leave. What agency are you using?
Posted by
613 posts
For driving, Michelin 1:200,000 maps are essential. Mine is a book more than inch thick that covers all of France. I bet Amazon offers all. Don't even think of using anything except Michelin.
GPS, Google maps, viaMichelin will help you get to where you want to go, but the paper maps can't be touched for figuring out where you should go.
Posted by
Guernsey
741 posts
On the back of your map will be an outline of France and you will be able to see the number of the map you need. There are no areas of France uncovered by Michelin in all the sizes. I love paper maps😀
Posted by
OP
281 posts
I do like paper maps--they give you an idea of the whole area better than what you can see on the GPS small screen, and you can see how places relate to each other for planning. Thanks for the tip about the information on the back of the map I have--now I know the number of the one with Bordeaux if I want it.
As for rental agency, Richard, we haven't done that yet as our trip isn't until October. But it will likely be Europcar.
Posted by
Guernsey
741 posts
No problem at all, paper maps are so enjoyable to read and i regularly find things on them that arent in the guide books.