I am planning a trip in November to Southwest France. We'll be using all public transportation and a couple of short cab rides (yes, I've worked out these details.) We will be visiting Albi, Rodez, Conques, Rocamadour, Brive-la-Gaillarde (briefly), Soulliac, Périgueux, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, Cahors, Moissac and Toulouse. I am having second thoughts about Rocamadour as was considering replacing it with Figeac. I am concerned that Rocamadour, though the setting seems quite dramatic, may be be a tourist trap. We are traveling to see art and architecture, including the wonderful cave art of the region. We like to eat food from markets or small shops and to meet locals. Could anyone who's been to both Rocamadour and Figeac please advise?
Posted by
Kirkland
215 posts
We've visited Rocamadour twice but have stayed in Figeac. Your itinerary leads me to think you're only staying 1 or 2 nights per destination. If so, I'd suggest you spend your night or two in Figeac. That said, I'd also really suggest you find a way to at least visit Rocamadour for the day - the setting is simply fantastic.
Posted by
OP
Chicago, IL, USA
435 posts
Thanks for your advice, Will. What sorts of things did you do when you stayed in Figeac? You are correct, we are 1 or 2 nights per town--traveling light with backpacks.
Posted by
Kirkland
215 posts
OK, here it is ... without a car you're going to find everything difficult to reach in both the Lot and Dordogne. Figeac is nice but probably only needs an afternoon and evening - it's more of an ambiance visit. There are three amazing sites nearby, but all require a car. 1)The Peche Merle caverns are older than both Lascoux and Font de Gaume, and are completely authentic. 2)St Cirq Lapopie is a beautiful village that stacks up a mountainside. 3)The caverns of Gouffre de Padirac are simply indescribable - magnificent in a cathedral sort of way. A different idea ... skip Figeac and spend more time in Sarlat. Sarlat itself is a wonderful touring visit and you can more easily get to both Rocamadour and Gouffre de Padirac. Give it some thought.
Posted by
OP
Chicago, IL, USA
435 posts
Thanks for the info, Will!
Posted by
OP
Chicago, IL, USA
435 posts
Having just returned from our wonderful trip to Southwest France I wanted to report back that we chose to go to Figeac over Rocamdour. We found Figeac to be lovely, non-touristy place with great food and a fun place to walk around. The Jean-François Champollion museum in Figeac was outstanding too. I am sure we will return to this amazing area to see Rocamdour and the other caves/towns suggested. We were traveling bus bus / train so some places wouldn't fit in on this trip. Thanks to all for your advice!
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10207 posts
Figeac is a town, whereas Rocamadour is not only a dramatic site but also a pilgrimage center for the cult of the Black Virgin statue found in one of the sanctuaries. It does have a lot of touristic shops, but the religious site offers an enormous amount of history and legend. We went there for the day, didn't stay the night.
Posted by
OP
Chicago, IL, USA
435 posts
Hope to see it soon, thanks!