We plan to spend 23 days in France. Had planned 3 days in Bordeaux, but are reading about many more interesting places. From Paris to Tours, would you skip Bordeaux and spend time around Sarlat on the way to Carcassonne?
Posted by
Orinda, California, United States
307 posts
If you are not interested in touring some wine chateaux in the Medoc area, I would skip Bordeaux. That said, the open market on the waterfront is amazing. You don't say if you are driving, but if you are I would spend time, 1/2 day including lunch in St Emilion on my way to Beynac and Sarlat.
Posted by
OP
Tempe, Arizona
27 posts
We had not planned to take trains, not to drive, but still an option. From 2 nights in Carcassonne, the plan is: 3 nights in Nice, 3 nights in Avignon, 3 nights in Beaune, 1 night in Paris and return home. Time well spent?
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6713 posts
I'd pick Sarlat and surroundings over Bordeaux, but the train service won't be as good. You really need a car to see the surrounding areas, castles and caves. Sarlat itself is worth a day, maybe two, not three imho.
The rest of your trip seems a little rushed, but I like to stay longer in fewer places. If you can find a room in the old walled city of Carcassonne, you could get away with just one night there.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Yes, skip Bordeaux for the Dordogne. Easy question.
Posted by
OP
Tempe, Arizona
27 posts
Thanks for the advice.
Posted by
stevens point, wi, usa
1194 posts
Aha,
Sarlat to Carcasonne. Not far out of your way is the Cele River valley. The Dorgogne is over developed and touristy. The Lot is becoming so. The Cele, well no one has heard of it. A city in the region is Cajarc whichis on the Lot R. The Cele is north of this rive valley. Several villages have Cele in their names. Rural, quiet, stunning valley. Absolutely lovely.
Carcasonne? We weren't that thrilled with the castle. Yes, it is impressive after you get over the T-shirt vending shops and plastic swords. the church has a neat plaque on the outside referencing the Cathars. The town itself was more interesting to us. But shoulder-to-shoulder touring is not my thing.
Sarlat is really beautiful and it knows it. There are neighboring villages, not as big, that are just a beautiful. And you won't have the "I am so cute" experience.
Wow, that sounded harsh. We loved out trips to France. And enjoyed both Sarlat and Carcasonne. It is just we had more fun in less popular locations. We went to the Cele River area because it was not in tour books.
I bet you love your trip.
wayne iNWI
Posted by
OP
Tempe, Arizona
27 posts
Has anyone stayed at the Sarlat Cote Jardin? or Le Logis des Remparts in Carcassonne?