I need to do this trip with my 13yr old son. Would love to
lodge along the river. Any B&B lodging or other ways to live there for 10 days. Which city is the Central place to visit Beynac, Sarlat Goose farm, Lascaux and Albi. Is it possible to visit these staying in one place?
Are there tour buses doing day's excursions?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32355 posts
suran,
I did that trip recently, but would have to check my notes for information on the town we stayed in.
I'd suggest checking the France 2009 Guidebook, as all the information you need should be there. You might want to pack the book along, as it's a good source of reference.
Happy travels!
Posted by
Mansfield, GA
850 posts
My wife and I did the canoe trip from Vitrac to Beynac in May with Copeyre Canoe as suggested in Rick's France guidebook. They gave us a 10% discount for mentioning that we had read about their company through Rick Steves' guidebook. We stayed in Beynac at Hotel du Chateau with a river view from our terrace. The Canoe trip ends just in front of the hotel across the road which was real convenient. Also got a 10% discount from the hotel when I mentioned in my email when making the reservation that we had read about their place in Rick's guidebook. Rick's book did not mention a discount for the hotel so it never hurts to mention his name if he recommends a hotel. With a car you could probably stay in one place and visit those places you mentioned. Sarlat may be more centrally located but you could check the map and decide.
Posted by
Tumwater, WA, United States
118 posts
Either Beynac or Sarlat is central. I think a car is very important to travel in that area especially if you are staying there 10 days. Beynac is on the Dordogne River and canoes can be rented there. Sarlat is larger with those things that are offered in villages with more people. It is very easy to drive in the Dordogne, but places of interest are spread out. Look at Rick Steves book on France and you will find ideas for places to stay and good directions to drive to the woneful sights of the Dordogne. Have a fantastic trip.
Posted by
Cedar Park, TX, USA
32 posts
Just did this trip with my 10 year old granddaughter. We put in at Vitrac and out at Beynac. It was beautiful and not a difficult ride. We stayed at La Barde Montfort near Vitrac. It was a great place to stay for a time - access to kitchen and grill. You would have to have a car though. Don't know about local bus excursions, but I would doubt it. Possibly out of Sarlat. Be sure to see the market there on Wednesday. If you can, head down to Carcassone and Collioure on the Mediterranean coast.
PM if I can help more.