THe Dordogne

Suzy, unfortunately this part of France is just not served well by rail and you'll be hard-pressed to see much in a day and a half without wheels. Brive must be 10 or 20 miles from Rocamador. Looks as though your best bet is a bus to Souillac with a transfer to a train to Roc Amador Padirac station. The trip takes from 2-1/2 to 5 hours. St Cirq, near Cahors, is similarly difficult. I'd want wheels, though I suppose you could walk from the Tour de Faure train station. Albi is of historical and architectural interest. Getting there from the Dordogne without a car is a challenge. Lots to do in Provence with Avignon as a base (though I'd chose Arles). What interests you? For these is-it-worth-it questions you might want to read some regular guidebooks: Michelin, Rough Guide, Cadogan.

No, the prettiest village in France is Belcastel. But St. Cirque La Popie might be second. And I endorse what the prior commenter said.

Don't mean to change the subject....but I was thrilled to hear you say Belcastel, Robert. There is not much talk on the helpline about the Aveyron and we were in this lovely area last Fall. Sauveterre deRouergue is neat also.. ...as well as Najac. Yes, Suzy you really do need a car.

Thanks guys for this help! What is special about Belcastle? Suzy

The whole area has stunning scenery...the drive to Belcastel is very winding and beautiful, there is a neat castle and bridge and a wonderful Michelin starred restaurant and small hotel. This little stream runs through it. Although the Aveyron is fairly rural and the scenery is stunning... There are a lot of Michelin starred chefs with restaurants and hotels in the area.

I'm sorry to contradict, but the prettiest village in France is La Roque-Gageac, also in the Dordogne.

Hi Suzy, The closest main station to Rocamadour is Souillac and you can get here from Brive. Similarly, you could rent a bike and cycle from Sarlat to Souillac in a day and then Souillac to Rocamadour in a day. If I were you, I would decide which part of France you want to see and really focus on that. Sarlat is beautiful and, if your there on a Wednesday or Saturday, has one of the best Markets in France. La Roque Gageac is also a fairly easy bike ride from Sarlat, as is Domme, another beautiful village. If you really want to check out the most beautiful villages of france then google "le plus beaux villages de france" and you will find the association that names 156 of them!
Good luck, and PM me if you want more information.... this is my stomping ground :)

Hi Rowena, I am going to visit Sarlat and Toulouse at the beginning of October and will spend about a week. I am considering to visit Rocamadour. I travel solo and would like advise on renting a car. Can I rent it at Toulose train station and what rental company that is reliable? I will coming from Lourdes (spend the last weekend of September there) on Monday Oct 1st by train. Where should I base myself if I want to visit Albi, Sarlat, Rocamadour or other villages that you recommend?
I will flying back on early Sunday morning (7th Oct). Thanks

Theresia, You might want to post your own question rather than piggybacking on Suzy's question. I think you will get more help that way.