We (myself, my wife, 9 year old daughter and 5 year old daughter) just returned from our trip and wanted to thank everyone on this board and at RS headquarters for their insights and helpful advice along the way. I've included a listing of our activities below for your interest. The starred (*) items are those that we found to be exceptionally fantastic for every member of our family.
It was very hot for most of our trip, which caused us to do more swimming than expected, which was fun for everybody. We missed out on touring Sarlat, Les Baux and Nimes because of the heat, but otherwise things went as planned! We cooked just about every meal and enjoyed getting to know the butchers and small shop owners along the way, particularly in Beynac.
Thanks Again!
-Matt and family
Wednesday June 24
• Flew from Boston to Paris via Iceland
Thursday June 25
• Arrived at Charles de Gaulle airport during taxi strike, train terminal very busy, missed our TGV reservations
• TGV to Tours in afternoon, picked up rental car in Tours, drove to B&B in La Croix-en-Touraine
• Picnic dinner from food obtained in Blere
• Kids played on the swing set at the B&B
Friday June 26
• Toured the Chateau du Chenonceau in the morning*
• Toured the Chateau du Clos Luce in the afternoon
• Dinner of pasta with sausages from the butcher in Blere
Saturday June 27
• Drove from La Croix-en-Touraine to Beynac (400 km)
• Settled into our gite
• Dinner of roast chicken from butcher in Beynac with potatoes and veggies
Sunday June 28
• Market day in Saint-Cyprien, kids played at the playground in the town center
• Swimming in the Dordogne River at the beach in Vitrac in the afternoon
• Dinner of Toulouse sausage from the butcher and market veggies
Monday June 29
• Toured Grotte de Lascaux II in the morning*
• Toured La Roque Saint-Christopher after lunch
• Toured the Elevage du Bouyssou goose and duck farm in the early evening*
• Dinner of eggs with lardons over greens
Tuesday June 30 (Very Hot Day!)
• Toured the Gouffre de Padirac in the morning*
• Toured La Foret des Singes after lunch*
• Dinner of pork ribs from the Beynac butcher and veggies grilled on the barbeque*
Wednesday July 1 (Very Hot Day!)
• Toured Castlenaud-la-Chapelle in the morning*
• Swimming in the Dordogne River at the beach in Vitrac in the afternoon
• Dinner of pork ribs and Toulouse sausages from the Beynac butcher and veggies grilled on the barbeque
Thursday July 2
• Market day in Domme, toured Domme in the morning
• Canoed the Dordogne River between Vitrac and Beynac after lunch*
• Toured La Roque-Gageac during canoe ride
• Dinner of duck confit from Beynac butcher, eggs, and greens
Friday July 3 (Very Hot Day!)
• Toured Chateau de Beynac in the morning
• Swimming in the Dordogne River at the beach in Vitrac in the afternoon
• Dinner of pork ribs and sausages from the Beynac butcher and veggies grilled on the barbeque
Saturday July 4 (Happy Independence Day!)
• Drove from Beynac to Tarascon (500 km)
• Saw the Canal du Midi at the rest stop along the way
• Settled in to our gite
• Swam in the pool
Sunday July 5 (Very Hot Day!)
• Market day in Beaucaire, toured Beaucaire in the morning
• Swimming in the pool
• Great picnic lunch included 4 tapenades (amazing!), olives, and brandade de morue
• Toured the Carrieres de Lumieres in the afternoon*
• Dinner of pork chops with Provencal veggies and Camargue rice
Monday July 6 (Very Hot Day!)
• Market day in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, toured Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer in the morning
• Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea*
• Toured the Reserve Naturelle de Camargue after lunch
• Swimming in the pool
• Dinner of pasta a la Provencal
Tuesday July 7
• Toured Vaison-la-Romaine in the morning
• Drove along the Cote du Rhone after lunch
• Toured the small village of Suzette
• Swimming in the pool
• Dinner of merguez sausages and Provencal veggies