4/5/2024 0 Comments Dordogne tourist map![]() ![]() In my head, I had an image of an old stone cottage in the middle of the lavender field with a pool in the backyard and a total tranquillity. ![]() We often discussed taking a trip through villages of Southern France as a relaxing family vacation. This is where our week of exploring the Dordogne villages began and it made us fall in love with Southwest France. Instead, we booked an impromptu flight to Bordeaux. For better or for worse, a trip to Morocco ended up being canceled. But in a rather unfortunate chain of events, which involved a visa problem, it didn’t happen. Together with a couple of friends, I was planning to celebrate my birthday in the colorful riads of Morocco. Let me start by saying that our trip to Southwest France was not planned at all. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. You’ll often think the road you’re on is a path.This post may contain affiliate links. Roads that lead to some of the most charming places are way off the beaten path. If you want to use a GPS, check the route beforehand.Ĭurvy roads, one-way roads, and bridges – If you think you are used to back road driving, Dordogne tests your skills. I believe she had every map of this part of France that’s been printed. That’s where my map-reading friend, Julie, came in. That’s because we didn’t program it before we left on the trip. However … there were a few places we wanted to go that Garmin didn’t recognize. If you plan to drive through the Dordogne - which is fabulous, by the way - be prepared for “interesting” road conditions along the way. This photo of Rocamadore could have been so much better! Travel guide to Dordogne My iPhone, iPad, and camera were all put into action at one time or another. Bring several camera batteries, chargers, and, if possible, more than one camera. For example, the best shots of Rocamadore are taken early in the morning, before the sun shines right into your camera lens. My friend Julie has some fabulous sunrise shots. Photo opportunities – As much as I hate to admit it, getting up early in the morning is a good idea if you want great photos from the Dordogne. Take plenty of water bottles that you can fill whenever you stop. Stock up on cheese, bread, wine, and fruit that you can enjoy in your room - just in case. During the heavy tourist season, you may be more fortunate to find longer-hour businesses but don’t always count on it. In some towns and villages, restaurants serve dinner starting at 7:00 pm. If you wish to enjoy the canard, the fois gras, the cheese, the wine …. Time to din e – One thing you don’t want to miss about the Dordogne is the food. No caves? Shopping and wine tastings are great alternatives, too! Painted caves at Lascaux We were fortunate to be close to Lascaux, so we spent one day of rain underground in a cave. Lousy weather alternatives – As much as you hate to think about bad weather during your holiday, it happens. Choose something special - a little village by the river or a chateau. Choose to spend a couple of nights where you can “chill.” Perhaps make it towards the end of your holiday, so you’ll be relaxed when you return home. So stay in a village where you can buy a glass of wine or two when you return in the evening.Ī place to relax – Your “home” base will probably not be your “place to relax.” You’ll be busy traveling from there to hither and beyond. Even finding a place for a meal was a problem. Our mistake on this trip was that our home base was in the middle of nowhere. Find a central location and “camp out” there for two or three nights if possible. “Home” base – Changing places to stay every night is exhausting. You don’t want to return from your trip, and it’s all a “blur.” Map of Dordogne region During our first two days, we made too many stops, and then we slowed down our pace. If you have only a few days to visit, choose your route to visit only one, maybe two places each day. Narrow it down – Dordogne is a prominent place - the third largest department in metropolitan France. A travel guide to Dordogne, of sorts, that gives some tips on do’s and don’ts we discovered. After a week-long visit to Dordogne, I’d like to pass on some personal thoughts that could be helpful to you in planning a trip. ![]()
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