ROAD TRIP HOTEL SEARCH
Hi Jeff & Marlon.
You’ve selected the Dordogne region which is a wonderful choice! I’ve created a list of my top accommodation options and my suggested route for the days you will be on the road. Please read the notes and click the links to see what appeals most to you. Once we’ve narrowed down your choices, I’ll design an itinerary that includes what you can do and see each day and restaurant recommendations for each area . :)
For the last few days of your trip after your visit in Vareilles, I think a great option will be the Loire Valley. It’s on the way back to Paris and there’s a ton you can see in just a few days.
DORDOGNE REGION
October 3rd to 9th
I’ve planned out a rough draft for your road trip itinerary below. For a more active trip with more seeing and doing, I’m suggesting that you stay in each of the three areas for two nights. For a more leisurely stay with a bit of a slower travel pace, I would suggest selecting two of the three areas and staying 3 nights in each. It’s up to you.
ITINERARY & HOTEL OPTIONS
If you want to do three stops, you should start in Figeac then head north. For two stops, start near Sarlat then head north.
Each of the accommodations I’ve selected are centrally located within their areas to do great day trips from each.
Start here: Célé & Lot valley (drive from Aix les Bain to Figeac, close to 6 hours)
Figeac is a mid-sized village with cute shops, restaurants, churches, and a nice square to get coffee and people watch. It’s the perfect central point to visit the Célé Valley after a good night’s rest. There is a lovely loop drive which will take you through adorable villages in a gorgeous valley, see houses built in the sides of cliffs, and make a stop in the can’t-miss picturesque town of Saint-Cirq-Laloupie. You can continue the loop along the Lot River heading back to Figeac for another night before heading up to the Dordogne. You can also opt to stay in Saint Cirq and do the same looping day trip.
Accommodations options (October 3rd to 5th):
Luxury Hotel - Le Viguier du Roy
Beautiful medieval building in the heart of the city center. Restaurant in the hotel (though closed for dinner Sunday and Mondays*).
*Sundays and Mondays are annoyingly closed in many areas but there are definitely other options to find open restaurants in Figeac.
Price starts at 231 euros for 2 nights
Read reviews and see more photos
Bed & Breakfast - Chambre d'hôtes Conquans
Lovely 14th century guesthouse with comfortable rooms and great breakfast. They can also arrange dinner. Also located in the city center.
Prices start at 233 euros for 2 nights
Read reviews and see more photos
Rural Stay - Bed & Breakfast Le Mas de Laval
Rustic French farmhouse, 5 minutes from Saint-Cirq-Laloupie (away from the tourists). Generous hosts, beautiful grounds and nice breakfast.
Prices start at 263 euros for 2 nights
Read reviews and see more photos
Spa Hotel - Hotel Le Saint Cirq
Just across the river from Saint-Cirq-Laloupie (the hotel has a boat that can take visitors across the river to the village for visits and meals). Lovely hosts, nice gardens and an incredible view.
Prices start at 220 euros for 2 nights
Read reviews and see more photos
Next stop: Dordogne valley (drive from Figeac to Rocamadour, 50 minutes)
The Dordogne valley has it all (as I’ve mentioned!) - adorable villages to wander around, chateaux galore, amazing gardens, stunning views, and incredible restaurants. Plus, it’s easy to see and do a lot within a short driving distances. I know you’re going to love it!
Accommodations options (October 5th to 7th):
Chateau Stay - Chateau de la Treyne
This is an amazing choice for location, beauty and stellar reviews. It also boasts a gorgeous restaurant. It’s more of a splurge but looks well worth it! It’s also nicely located for easy access to visiting the valley.
Price starts at 333 euros per night
Read reviews and see more photos
Village Hotel - Manoir de la Malartrie
Family owned hotel, close to everything. Located near the village of La Roque Gageac (one of the cutest towns you’ve ever seen!). Property boasts friendly hosts and a relaxed atmosphere. Wonderful breakfast.
Prices start at 353 euros for 2 nights
Read reviews and see more photos
Luxury B&B - Les Haut de Gageac
Lovely country property setting just above the village of La Roque Gageac (5 minute walk to town). Fantastic views of the river, nice hosts, great breakfast.
Prices start at 303 euros for 2 nights (breakfast included)
Read reviews and see more photos
Airbnb in Sarlat-la-Canéda
Sarlat is a popular tourist destination with plenty of restaurants and a great market. It’s also a good central location for day trips. This property is a 5 minute walk to the center. It looks well-appointed with private parking. It even has a little terrace and garden. Charming with all the modern conveniences.
Prices start at $117 per night (best to book this one fast if you’re interested as it seems popular).
Next: Vézère, Correze & Dronne river (drive from Sarlat to Les Eyzies, 25 minutes.
And drive from Brantome en Perigord to Vareilles, 2 hours)
Making your way north of the Dordogne river, you can visit stunning areas along the Vézère river, including some famous cave villages. You can cross over to the Corrèze region then continue along the Dronne river. These areas are a bit more “off the beaten path” from the frequented tourist villages but equally as charming!
Accommodations options (October 7th to 9th):
Village Hotel & Restaurant - Boulihac Hotel
Beautifully modern decor in a traditional period setting. This hotel has rave reviews and has a not-to-miss restaurant. Great location for day trips.
Prices start at 228 euros per night (available only Oct 7th - best to book soon if interested!)
Read reviews and more photos
Village Hotel & Restaurant - Les Glycines
Beautiful garden setting in a lovely village along the Vézère river. Restaurant has a very good reputation. Also a good location for day trips.
Prices start at 186 euros per night
Read reviews and more photos
Country Hotel & Restaurant - Le Moulin du Roc
If I were to choose any hotel, it would be this one (I’ve had it marked on my list for some time). It looks like a fairytale in the most stunning setting and the food is supposedly off the charts. It would be the ideal place to end your trip in the Dordogne region.
Prices start at 261 euros per night
Read reviews and more photos
Village Hotel - Moulin de Vigonac
Located minutes from the famous village Brantome en Perigord, this riverfront hotel sits along the river Dronne. This area is known as the Green Venice of France. It also has a lovely restaurant catering to guests.
Prices start at 148 euros per night
Read reviews and more photos
LOIRE VALLEY
October 10th to 13th
From Vareilles, you can head north for about 2 hours to visit the classic stops along the Loire Valley. Paris is just a hop, skip and jump from this region so it seems to be the perfect place to finish your road trip.
Lastly: Loire Valley (drive from Vareilles to central Loire Valley, 2.5 hours)
Accommodations options (October 10th to 13th):
I know you were both really interested in staying in a cave! So I’ve done some research and this is what I’ve discovered. :)
Hotel with cave rooms - La Demeure de la Vignole
Centrally located in the valley, this hotel has 2 cave rooms (that are currently available!). It also has an indoor swimming pool carved out of the cliff wall. Too cool.
Prices start at 138 euros per night
Read reviews and more photos
Hotel with cave rooms - Les Hautes Roches
What a novelty to stay in a room that’s made from the cliffs. With a riverfront setting, this hotel is also ideally located for exploring the valley.
Prices start at 255 euros per night (only available Oct. 12th)
Read reviews and more photos
Airbnb - cave house!
This place looks adorable. It’s quite cozy but looks like it has everything you need. Plus it’s centrally located to many of the best spots in the valley.
Price is $76 per night
Airbnb - another cave house!
Private studio room that looks so cute, cozy and romantic. Also close to everything.
Price is $116 per night and includes breakfast (only available Oct. 12th - best to book fast)
Luxury Hotel - Relais de Chambord
If you want to go out with a bang, this hotel has been on my wish list for some time (especially to stay on the boat!). It’s a splurge but the views alone look worth the price of admission. :) It’s also just across from the famous Chambord Chateau.
Boat on the river price 548 euros per night, other rooms start at 179 euros per night
Read reviews and more photos
SO, WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST?
Please let me know what hotels you prefer and for which dates. Some of these places are already booking up, so I suggest that you reserve soon. If you need any help with booking, please let me know. Once your accommodations are locked in, I can focus on the rest of your itinerary with what to see & do from each and where you can dine.