We are now just over 3 weeks into our 4 weeks in France. First, Merci a tous for ideas, thoughts and recommendations. Some names that stand out are Bets, Acraven, Simon, Tocard, Balso, and janet 44 - though others also answered questions and contributed to our learning and planning over the past 15 months.
Later after we get back home, I may give a trip review and some reviews of hotels and restaurants, but for now, suffice to say that two weeks of biking (Dordogne and Loire) and several days visiting smaller cities (Bordeaux, Nantes) have made for a wonderful journey.
Best meal so far, Le Grand Bleu - in Sarlat, NOT in the medieval city, but very near the train station.
-fred
now in Chartres, on way to Versailles. Giverny and Paris