Dordogne or Burgandy

We spent five days in the Dordogne (Beynac, near Sarlat) last year and loved it. We were driving, I don't think I'd try to see that area without a car. I haven't been to Burgundy. I expect others will tell you that Burgundy is a more logical midpoint between Paris and Provence, especially if you're using trains, so a more efficient use of your time. That's probably right.

The choice is really yours and you can't go wrong with either one. How do you plan to get to the Dordogne area? Drive? If you plan to use the train, it would be harder to see all the sites. We were there last year and enjoyed it a lot. We did have a car. This area would take more effort to reach but it has a lot of history such as Lascaux II; other caves; Sarlat, Rocamadour; and the towns along the Dordogne River. Are you a wine fanatic? If so, Burgandy would be great? Again, having a car would be nice to go to all the little towns. Burgundy is beautiful in the spring with the yellow fields, blue skies, green grass and white cows. My husband absolutely loves that region. Wherever you go, enjoy!

Both are very nice. Burgundy is much more on your way in traveling from Paris to Provence, but you probably know that. My wife and I have been to eight or nine regions of France, and Dordogne is one of my favorites. Dordogne is more woodsy, Burgundy is made of of fields and vineyards. We found each to be lightly touristed in May (Burgundy) and September (Dordogne), respectively - refreshing compared to Paris which though great can be a real mob scene. Beaune is nice, but Sarlat is just magical, which probably has a lot to do with my preference for Dordogne. Both are very, very French - being surrounded by France and not bordering other countries. There are probably more three star Rick Steves sights in Burgundy, but Dordogne seems so much like a world apart, a place entirely unique unto itself, that it's just wonderful. That said, in practical terms, if you only have two or three nights I would probably opt for Burgundy since it's on your way.

Wow! Thanks so much for your responses. Everyone seems to be saying that the Dordogne is enchanting but Burgandy more practical. We're traveling in July, and more interested in countryside, monasteries, chateaux and ambiance than wine, What do you think about taking a train to either Sarlat or Beaune, then renting a car in that area? Is it better to take a train or car from Sarlat/ Beaune?

For either, I would take the train out, then rent a car for the few days that you will spend there. Both, IMO, are best explored by car, and both are equally charming - but different!