This year, we revisited some of the places we had enjoyed on our trip to the Dordogne area in 2004, and explored some new places as well.
The first week, we slowly moved east, from Arcachon on the Atlantic coast to Bergerac on the western end of Dordogne. The second week, we had a fabulous vacation home in Sarlat-la-Caneda, and explored the area around that.
In Bordeaux, we were impressed by the “Bassins des Lumières” multimedia art exhibition located in an old submarine bunker.
While in Saint-Émilion, we got an interesting guided tour at the Trocard vineyard, where they produce, amongst other labels, the Château Franc La Rose, which is a Grand cru Saint-Émilion
On the way to Sarlat, we visited the Château des Milandes, where Josephine Baker used to live. Apart from the castle itself and the exhibition which tells the story of her life, there is also an impressive show that presents birds of prey, including eagles and owls.
We knew we wanted to revisit the farmers’ market in Sarlat, where you can taste and buy lots of local products: cheeses, sausages, foie gras and wine.
One good way of exploring the area is in a rented canoe, floating down the Dordogne river near La Roque-Gageac.
We had a fabulous apartment in Sarlat, called Le Loft Exceptionnel — and exceptional it was indeed. A medieval house, a living room with open rafters holding up the 4m high ceiling.
From Sarlat, we made a day trip to the Gouffre de Padirac, a 40 km long cave. Another day trip led us to another cave, the Gouffre de Proumeyssac, which is famous for its large stalactites and stalagmites.
Photos are here.
