On the third day of the seven day Dordogne tour with my friend since kindergarten, we finally got it right.
We narrowed down the “to do” list for our seven day Dordogne tour to a manageable number of places to see in one day. We came up with the concepts of “walkabouts” and “drive by photo shootings.” In other words, there are places where we want to park the car and walk around, and there are others we just want to drive through and take pictures on the run.
We’ve gotten quite good at spotting a perfect photo opportunity, slowing the car down to a near-stop, then Julie taking a picture out the window.
Today’s adventure started after we took more photos and checked out of our “dream” Chateau Mercués outside Cahors.
Chateau Mercués
Seven Day Dordogne Tour: Home of Josephine Baker
First stop: Les Milandes, Chateau built by Caumont family in the 1400’s and former home of Josephine Baker.
Chateau Les Milandes
The self-guided tour through the chateau and the immaculate grounds was well worth the time and 3.5 euros fee. Costumes and possessions of the American songstress and philanthropist, who dazzled Paris during the 30’s at the Follies Bergere were displayed throughout the chateau. Most rooms had the furnishings and decorations that were owned and used by Baker and her large family, the “Rainbow Tribe,” while living there. (No inside photos allowed.)
Seven Day Dordogne Tour: La Roque Gageac
As if carved into the side of cliffs, La Rogue Gageac is a small and friendly tourist town alongside the Dordogne. There were lots of tourists, but not so many as we imagined had filled the town a few weeks earlier.
Le Rogue Gageac
Le Rogue Gageac
Le Rogue Gageac
It was here we began to see our first signs of foie gras– the duck delicacy found famously in this part of the world.
Could there be anything better than a salad with duck gizzards, slices of smoked duck and foi gras, and a cold glass of beer on a day with temperatures in the high 90’s? (35 degrees Celsius)
Seven Day Dordogne Tour: Domme
The picturesque town above the Dordogne valley was a bit of a surprise to me. I thought it was going to be much larger than it is. While quite a nice place with cute shops and cafes, Domme was a quick stop for us. Parking the car for an hour and walking around taking photos was quite enough for us to say we’d “done” Domme
Domme
Domme
Domme
I will say, if we had not already stopped for lunch, this spot that looks over the valley would have given us a great view.
Domme
Domme
Seven Day Dordogne Tour: Sarlat
If I didn’t love Uzes so much, Sarlat could possibly be my next home. Oh my! To die for!
Sarlat
After a “drive by photo shooting” in Beynac-et-Cazenet where the pictures of the town and chateau are still in Julie’s camera, we landed in Sarlat.
Today’s visit to Sarlat was short — mostly to find where to park and where to go on Saturday for market day. I can tell I want to spend more time exploring the place, its shops, cafes and intriguing back street.
Sarlat
Sarlat
Sarlat
Sarlat
Seven Day Dordogne Tour: Marquay
I’m not certain how we decided on this spot to stay for the next three nights, but the tiny village of Marquay is giving us a welcomed respite from our hurried pace.
Marquay
Actually, the small, family-owned hotel outside Sarlat is a good jumping off place for each of the next days on our trip. A “home base,” so to speak. It’s a far cry from the luxurious chateau last night, but it’s cozy and friendly, and everything we need to recharge and move on.
Next stop: Lascaux
Stay tuned…
Categories: Around France, Blog, Cahors, Chateáux, Dordogne, Le Rogue Gageac, Loving Food, Loving History, Marquay, Plus Beaux Villages de France, Sarlat
You’ve done so many of the places we went to and it’s making me ache to go back. Love love love your blog.
Thank you! So happy you’re enjoying your own journey back to some of these marvelous places through the posts. Keep traveling!
It’s been wonderful. I really must finish off my posts about my trip there. I’m a dreadful procrastinator where my blog is concerned.
I know how you feel. I have so many travels that are waiting for me to write about. Thousands of photos, too. So happy I enjoy blogging as much as I do to keep me motivated. Having great people to communicate with and to share my travel adventures with also keeps me going.
I’m all enthusiastic until something else grabs my attention, then I throw my all into my new interest and struggle to get back to blogging.
Keeps sharing, I love your posts.
I totally understand! Thank for the notes. Keep in touch!
WOW – I’ve never been to this region. The pictures are amazing. I love the photo of Le Rogue Gageac with the cliffs in the background. Adding this area to my list for next spring.
It is really breathtaking. I’d love to go again to explore more. You should definitely put the Dordogne on your list!
We definitely will!
Ah……..Sarlat, my favorite. Michael and I stayed at a Chateau nearby with Rich and Paula and we couldn’t tear ourselves away from that lovely town. Enjoy…….. I am so loving your posts.
Elaine
I’ve heard about your wonderful stay here. There’s always another chance to see it again. Thank you so much for following!
Rocamadour was incredible!!! We went there in October one year. So it was fairly quiet. Can’t wait to read more.
Tomorrow! Can’t wait!
Sarlat would have been on my list but the crowds and transportation options eliminated it. Definitely want to spend some time there. Loving the tour!
Today I found Brantome. Might be the best yet. Though Rocamadour’s tomorrow!
Domme & dusted!….Thoroughly enjoyed this post including local gastronomic attributes, ( yum), & beautiful photos!
Reading it was like watching a movie clip.
Bonne route mesdames! 😁
You are so nice! Writing this in a hurry so glad you’re able to follow it. Today was amazing too!
Looks like a great trip! We will be there in a few weeks and I hope we will be able to see the chateau where Josephine Baker lived. Thanks for the tip! Have fun.
The chateau was a highlight. Be sure to see Brantome, too. So special! Have fun!
We stayed for a couple of days on Sarlat. Made it our base for seeing other places. I could live there, too. Parking was an issue.
Bad to know about parking since we’re going there to the Saturday Market. Will let you know.
Oh Debbie…how absolutely gorgeous! Yes indeed, next trip will be to the Dordogne and I will use your posts.
Thank you! Still almost half more to go…stay tuned