We're considering a trip back to France next spring, focusing on the Dordogne, with a night or two in either Paris or Marseille (depending on airfares, etc.) tacked on the front or back. Our timing is pegged to my wife and son's spring break, so we're talking late March. I know that, while mild, the climate in Dordogne is not the same as Provence. Has anyone visited this area in early spring? Should we expect many places to the closed for the winter? Finally, our usual travel preference is to rent a cottage or apartment in a village, then radiate out for day trips. Beyond Sarlet, any recommendations of villages or areas we might want to concentrate our search?
Posted by
Olympia, WA, USA
6504 posts
We spent five nights in Beynac early in April a few years back, and weather was fine, morning mist over the river added to the beauty. No guarantees about weather of course. Nothing was closed as far as we could tell.
Posted by
bethesda, md, us
212 posts
We were in the Dordogne during a bigger trip around France, staying in Sarlat, at Eastertime in 2011. We found that it was cool and rainy one day of our 3 days, but that didn't close the cave we were visiting that day. Our B and B, which we loved and was recommended in the Rick Steves France book -- Les Cordeliers in Sarlat -- was opening for the summer on Easter. We found things generally completely up to speed but not at all crowded. If the romantic canoeing option is a big factor for you, however, you'll find the boats aren't available in the spring.