We have been planning to rent a house for a couple wks. in Provence but was told to look into the Dordogne area. Is anyone familiar with this area to contrast it for me with the Provence area. Any help would be appreciated.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
They are both stunning, wonderful destinations, and you should flesh the following out by reading some guidebooks.
Provence is a Mediterranean region with olive trees, lavender, and breathtaking Roman antiquities. It is on the TGV line 3 hours from from Paris and is very popular with American tourists--and with good reason.
The Dordogne river valley and surrounding valleys, in Perigord, is a largely rural area that includes some great food, medieval castles, compact towns, and some amazing cave art. It's a bit off the beaten track, compared to Provence, and is logistically not as easy to get to. You certainly won't see as many Americans there, but it's quite popular with British vacationers and with the French themselves.
This little sketch does not do justice to either, but maybe gets you started. Either choice, you will have a very memorable time, congratulations.
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
The Dordogne is more rugged and forested than the comparably wide open farm country of Provence. The foods are very different - the Dordogne is more about meat and Provence more about seafood, olives, etc.
Both areas have picturesque small towns. The Dordogne is more medieval. Provence more Roman. It comes down to personal taste.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
1525 posts
I agree with the previous two replies. We spent a week in both places last summer and I thoroughly enjoyed them both. With a "couple" weeks, why not spend a week in each? That would be ideal.
I would be happy to recommend both of the rentals we used;
http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p24021?uni_id=107040 for Provence, and...
http://www.lepetit-manoir.fr/avail.htm for Dordogne (but they appear to be almost full already !!!!)
I don't know if I could choose between them. It would be like choosig a favorite child.
Posted by
Boston, MA, USA
250 posts
I agree with Randy. If you have the time, why not do both? Not sure what time of year you're planning to be there. We were in Provence and the Dordogne at the end of August for about 4 days each. Provence was looking a little baked at that time of year - but hey, still gorgeous. Catching the lavender in bloom earlier in the summer would have been nice. The Dordogne was fresher. Loads of outdoor activities: the canoe ride past the castles and scenic villages (La Rocque-Gageac), the caves, market days in Sarlat, etc. Loved Sarlat.