Paris and Dordogne

We're going on a float trip that RS discusses; looks like a great way to see the area with kids, our grandkids love canoe trips.

I have done the float trip down the river in a canoe while on a RS tour. Great experience for this "old" kid.

We were in Dordogne for the first time last month and loved it. We stayed in Sarlat and found the prices very good. The farmers market was great. I would highly recommend the chateau de Castelnaud. Schools were touring the Castle and they have interactive things to do. Also loved Grotte de Font-de-Gaume but not for the little guy. They will see cave art that may soon no longer allow visitors. We saw the kayakers on the river and it looked fun.

I think it is great for families. Lots of small villages, prehistoric caves, castles or museums to visit and kayaking on the river is perfect for families w/ a picnic.
you won't be disappointed but you will need a car for sure.

The Dordogne is perfect. The canoeing is fun, easy (and safe- the water is only a couple feet deep) and you get to see another castle around almost every bend in the river. You can't beat it. Driving is ideal. But if you're really energetic, you could almost bike from one village to another. Don't miss the gardens of Marqueyssac (sp?) for the interesting setting and great views. They do a candle-light evening with live music one night each week. Paris/Dordogne is the perfect mini-France trip combo. Great plan.

Thank you all for your replys and suggestions. I will check out Sarlet and the canoeing. Any suggestions for getting out of Paris. I read it is really difficult to drive in and out. Where would you take a train to and then rent a car? Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

You have a lot of options for getting there. It is a long day's drive, but the train (to Brive, Angouleme, Bordeaux, Soulac, or Sarlat) will be expensive for a family of five. Whatever your decision, I encourage you to consider your next move after the Dordogne. With such a short time you surely do not want to spend a whole day returning to Paris just to catch a plane. Airports in Toulouse and Bordeaux would be closer. Otherwise, I would consider whether the many charms of this region justify so much ground travel in such a short time.

We loved the Dordogne! We stayed in Sarlat (great market) and rented bikes in town and biked through the many villages (and castles!) for a day. The local rental place provides maps (there are hills, some big, so plan accordingly for your family). Better yet, the canoes can visit the same castles (Castlenaud is great for kids: catapults, crossbows, medieval furnished rooms, etc.). I would think this would be a great area for kids. 3 days in Paris and 5 in dordogne may be a bit lopsided. I'd flip it, or head to Carcassonne (also great with kids) then fly out of toulouse or something along those lines.