My husband and I are going to France in May/June and plan to to take the train to the Dordogne area after a stay in Paris and rent a car. Is it better to purchase train tickets and arrange the car rental prior to going to France? I was thinking we might just purchase our train tickets once in Paris. Also we did not want to prebook auberges or bed and breakfasts before we go, but stay where it looks interesting. But we are not sure how busy it will be in May/June and whether this more relaxing approach to visiting will work.
Posted by
columbus, nc
294 posts
During that time of year you may want to book ahead. There are a lot of great choices in the area. I echo buying tickests and rental car before going.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Both train tickets and car rental can be substantially cheaper arranged from the States in advance. For the train, do not delay another day; you may already have missed the cheapest fares (Purchase from TGV-europe.com or SNCF, say you are British, and either print your ticket or arrange for pick-up in Paris.) Whatever the cost, it is a perfect time of year to see the region. I think you can arrange rooms as you go if you are not too picky and do not mind spending time during your trip evaluating and selecting lodging.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Yes reserve both car and lodging ahead, train can be purchased in Paris esily. Dordogne is a small area with few options. May/ June can be busy I would not chance it! Otherwise you may end up stayiing in a bigger town just to find avail lodging which IMO would be a dissappointment . The draw is to stay in the villages we loved Beynac.
Posted by
bethesda, md, us
212 posts
If you're looking for a great place in Sarlat that books up very early you should look at Les Cordeliers, which is a RS recommendation. We tried it last March and loved it. Great rooms, great decorating, great breakfasts, very nice Brit couple running it.