Sites between Dordogne & Normandy

not quite in between but Mont St Michel is magical and a must see nr Normandy.

Oradour-sur-Glane, near Limoges, is a very powerful WWII atrocity site. Not uplifting, of course, but a 14-year-old might get much out of it, especially if he's going to see the Normandy beaches.

Thank you!

To break the trip up about half way, stop at the Chenonceau Chateau, not too far east of Tour. You'll both enjoy a visit. And consider spending the night near there to break your trip up into two (or more!) comfortable days of driving. You may feel more than a bit rushed if you tried to drive from the Dordogne caves to the Normandy beaches in one day while also making a significant sight-seeing stop along the way (Sarlat to Bayeux is at least 8 hrs of driving if you just made fuel/snack stops).

Great idea. Thank you!

I agree that Chanenseau would be a great stop. Another is Chambord, which is the largest of the Chateau in the Loire area. Either makes a good place to break up the long drive and there are some nice places to stay in the Loire.

Besides your stop at Chenonceau, your son might also enjoy seeing Clos de Luce in nearby Amboise. The last home of Leonardo, it has working models of many of his inventions in the lower level. Also not too far way is Loches, a ruined castle.

I took my then 13 year old son to Chenanceau last summer. I loved it, but the only thing my son found interesting there was the maze in the garden.

I've taken him to Mont. St. Michel twice and he really loved it both times. If you go to the Loire Valley you might consider Chambord at 5pm when the dogs get fed. It's supposed to be quite a sight.

The chateau with the hounds is not Chambord but rather Cheverny. It is in the same area. I believe they are fed at 5 pm.