If you had 2 days to drive from Sarlat to Avignon, where would you overnight and why ? I know this is purely subjective, but that's what I need ! Opinions !
I am looking at a slower pace and stopping in Espalion or Conques, but this trip is in mid November. I wondered if the smaller villages would be a good stop and if this route is worth driving the smaller roads versus taking another route recommended by Google.....
I haven't done this drive in awhile, but I would encourage you to overnight in Carcassonne. It is a beautiful walled city with lots of interesting sites to see. I would probably swing down to the sea from there and drive the coastal road almost all the way to Avignon. If I recall, the drive from Sarlat to Carcassonne is much slower than the Carcassonne to Avignon leg because of the smaller roads. If you take the A road to Avignon, it is pretty fast. The actual coastal road would be prettier but much slower. Have fun in Avignon! It is one of my favorite French cities. I spent about a month there 3 years ago. If you go to Avignon, be sure and dine at Numero 75, it's a great restaurant.
Thank you for the restaurant tip !
So, are we crazy to want to "cut" through and drive into Conques ? Is that an insanely slow drive on these smaller roads ?
Should we follow the highway as you suggested ?
We intend to do this drive (in the opposite direction) early next fall. We haven't been there yet, but a friend raves about Minerve, which is a bit east of Carcassonne.
Good tip !
A friend noted that going into Figeac and Conques was one gorgeous area of France as you head southeast....it just looks slower ? Maybe that's okay !
ViaMichelin.com is good for checking estimated driving times for various routes, though users here say it tends to be a bit optimistic overall. VM uses green to mark especially scenic roads.
I will look right now ! Thanks !
If you want a slower pace then by all means head to Conques. It is a very special place, quiet and lovely, the pilgrimage church of St. Foy is amazingly well preserved. Be aware that there is a dearth of t-shirt shops.
Espalion is nice but imho Figeac is more appealing. You could spend weeks wandering around the bastide towns of the Lot.
Brad
I wanted to go to Conques for many years and finally was able to do so a few summers ago. It isn't a very big place. It has a wonderful Romanesque church. The church's treasury is amazing, full of sculpture from what we used to call the Dark Ages. We stayed 2 nights in the summer. You will need to check opening hours which will be shortened in November. It should be a shame to miss the church (although you could always see the sculpture on the western side) or the treasury. I would always opt for driving on more rural routes.
Thank you for ALL of these suggestions and responses !
