Bordeaux area and...????

[milgreen2]

we are still working on our itinerary for a trip mid-to-late October and are stumped with how to plan several days between Bordeaux and Paris.

we are planning to fly from Boston to Malaga, and spend around 5 nights in that area, then take a flight to Bordeaux and spend three nights in a guest cottage not far from Saintes. a night or two in Bordeaux, perhaps, and then we had originally planned to take the train to Paris to spend 1 week in the City of Light, but are re-considering that plan to add a few more nights into the countryside before ending in Paris for 4-5 nights. not exactly slow travel, but perfect for our style.

looking for suggestions for those few more nights: inland toward Sarlat? further south toward the French Basque region? Limoges? any and all suggestions are welcome.

 

[Mark]

Here is a thread on the Dordogne from a few years back.
Dordogne
In addition to La Roque Gageac (where we stayed) and Sarlat we visited:
Domme
Castelnaud_la-Chapelle
Monpazier
Rocamadur
Cahors
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
Beynac-et-Cazenac
Carennac
Loubressac

 

[dayhiker]

A few years ago when we flew into Bordeaux, we spent time in the Dordogne and the Lot Valley. One of our stays was in Sarlat. We visited almost all the towns listed in the post above. You might also consider the Central Massif, rarely visited, area a bit south of Clermont-Ferrand. Or even Lyon area.

 

[Eleanor]

The Dordogne area makes sense as it isn't too far to drive from Bordeau. There is so much to do and see there. As well as the well known Honey pot places already listed, there are so many smaller off the beaten track ones to discover too.

St-Geniès is a bit of a tourist honey pot with its Sunday Market, but Chapelle du Cheylard with its wall paintings was a delight.

There were places like St Amand-de-Coly with its amazing church, Urval with its medieval bread oven and another fortified church,. we also liked places like St Cyprien, Vieux St Crepin, Belves, Cadouin... There are too many to list!

Cabin du Breuil and La Maison Fort de Reignac were both completely different and fascinating. And we never got to any of the prehistoric caves...

My trip report is here with lots of pictures. #2 gives an overview and my impressions of the area with all the detail on the following pages.

The other alternative would be the Loire Valley which is taking you in the right direction for Paris. Here you are spoilt for choice with all the Chateaux as well as many towns and smaller villages too.

Think of places like Loches, Beaulieu-les-Loches, Montresor... Don't miss Lavardin with its wonderful church with wall paintings.

The cave houses of Troglodyiques des Groupillieres are fascinating and very different.

My trip report is here. Again my impressions are #2 with all the detail following.

 

[truddy191]

Your trip sounds fantastic! For the days between Bordeaux and Paris, consider exploring these areas:

1. Sarlat and the Dordogne Valley: Medieval towns, castles, and beautiful landscapes. Perfect for history and nature lovers.

2. French Basque Region: Head south to Biarritz and Bayonne for stunning coastlines and rich Basque culture.

3. Limoges and Haut-Vienne: Known for its porcelain, Limoges also offers historic sites and picturesque countryside for a peaceful retreat.

Each option has unique charms and will add a special touch to your journey. Enjoy your travels!