Dordogne/Chez Nous

Peanuts

:hello: Hello,
I am looking to go on hols during summer hols with hubby, 2 boys 5 & 7, & recently bereaved mother.
We havent gone abroad as a family before and usually go to a cottage in cornwall. We thought we would go somewhere different though and thought in the circumstances mum would like to come along. To make it not too expensive to include mum I wondered about a cottage in france. I have flicked through the brochures and like the look of the dordogne. If anyone knows of the better places to stay in this region would love to hear from you. Also any tips, best places to book etc...
I have looked at brochures like inghams and french country cottages but they look a bit pricey. I am awaiting a brochure from Chez nous and they look a lot cheaper
THANKS

carol_a_3

We went to that region in 1998 with a Chez Nous gite and had a lovely time. The places I remember being stunning are Domme, Rocamadour, Roque St Christophe, Bergerac, Sarlat etc. But wherever you stay you are never far from wonderful scenery. We had a pool which was very welcome as it was 34degrees some days but that was in August. Have a wonderful time.

Peanuts

carol_a wrote:

We went to that region in 1998 with a Chez Nous gite and had a lovely time. The places I remember being stunning are Domme, Rocamadour, Roque St Christophe, Bergerac, Sarlat etc. But wherever you stay you are never far from wonderful scenery. We had a pool which was very welcome as it was 34degrees some days but that was in August. Have a wonderful time.

It sounds great!!!
Thanks for this:T

Louisa_Jane_2

The Dordogne is a beautiful area but it is a long way to drive. You would need to do an overnight stop en route. If you like Cornwall have you thought about Brittany? - good for families with lots to see and do and lovely beaches.
Two great sites for holiday houses are https://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk and https://www.ownersdirect.co.uk

Peanuts

Louisa_Jane wrote:

The Dordogne is a beautiful area but it is a long way to drive. You would need to do an overnight stop en route. If you like Cornwall have you thought about Brittany? - good for families with lots to see and do and lovely beaches.
Two great sites for holiday houses are https://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk and https://www.ownersdirect.co.uk

I was thinking about flying and then hiring a car - I expect it is an expensive way to travel. Our car only fits 4 so with mum we would have to hire a car anyway.

Re Britany, I just was so taken with the photos of the dordogne but if the travelling is too much or it is too expensive then you are right and Britany might be another option

Will check out the websites

Thanksxxxxxxxxxxxx:T

oxdown

You can fly to Bergerac I think from stanstead... but although it is supposed to be a budget airline sometimes it is more expensive than flying with BA from Gatwick to Bordeaux.... worth comparing.....in any case you will need a hire....
You will love the markets..... amazing... i come from St Cyprien.... Small but well developed village.... the market there is on Sundays mornings..... another market not to miss..... Sarlat on Saturday morning.l.... Sarlat is great and so beautiful.... to visit both by day and in the evening..... Since you will have a car i would look to book a gite well outside sarlat.... sarlat tend to be pricey......I you write to the local Syndicat d'initiative or Office de tourisme to both Sarlat and St cyprien (both of them will have english speaking employees).... they do have loads of privately owned gites with price ranges.... you will absolutely love it.. kayak and canoe trips.... i could go on and on and on..... so go there and see for yourself....Perfect idea for family trip.:A

pboae

You could also look at http://www.cottages4you.co.uk Chez Nous are the owner-direct section of the same company.

rosy

My sister has just changed her business from running a hotel in Scotland to gites in the Dordogne - her gites are in the middle of the country but near all the main tourist places. I visited her in October and I have to say the area is really beautiful. Food is also great! I think the Dordogne would be perfect for your situation, plenty for kids to do but also could be peaceful for your mum. I flew with my mum from Stansted to Bergerac with Ryanair - flights were very cheap ( check out when the deals are on ). The other airline that flies direct to Bergerac is flybe - flights are from Southampton to Bergerac. There is also supposed to be a new route opening in the summer to Brive with low cost flights from London. However you could also consider other airports - I know my sister has loads of links on her website to various tourist attractions/ flight options / overnight stops etc,.I'm not sure if I'm supposed to post a link !but it's not for my personal gain and I'm declaring a ( sisterly ) interest - also you will be able to get to lots of other relevant websites from it so here goes ( Mods please feel free to remove if I am breaking rules here! )

http://www.lescrouquets.net/

Hope it helps.

Peanuts

rosy wrote:

My sister has just changed her business from running a hotel in Scotland to gites in the Dordogne - her gites are in the middle of the country but near all the main tourist places. I visited her in October and I have to say the area is really beautiful. Food is also great! I think the Dordogne would be perfect for your situation, plenty for kids to do but also could be peaceful for your mum. I flew with my mum from Stansted to Bergerac with Ryanair - flights were very cheap ( check out when the deals are on ). The other airline that flies direct to Bergerac is flybe - flights are from Southampton to Bergerac. There is also supposed to be a new route opening in the summer to Brive with low cost flights from London. However you could also consider other airports - I know my sister has loads of links on her website to various tourist attractions/ flight options / overnight stops etc,.I'm not sure if I'm supposed to post a link !but it's not for my personal gain and I'm declaring a ( sisterly ) interest - also you will be able to get to lots of other relevant websites from it so here goes ( Mods please feel free to remove if I am breaking rules here! )

http://www.lescrouquets.net/

Hope it helps.

Thanks, website is great. Will definitely consider it!!

Peanuts

oxdown wrote:

You can fly to Bergerac I think from stanstead... but although it is supposed to be a budget airline sometimes it is more expensive than flying with BA from Gatwick to Bordeaux.... worth comparing.....in any case you will need a hire....
You will love the markets..... amazing... i come from St Cyprien.... Small but well developed village.... the market there is on Sundays mornings..... another market not to miss..... Sarlat on Saturday morning.l.... Sarlat is great and so beautiful.... to visit both by day and in the evening..... Since you will have a car i would look to book a gite well outside sarlat.... sarlat tend to be pricey......I you write to the local Syndicat d'initiative or Office de tourisme to both Sarlat and St cyprien (both of them will have english speaking employees).... they do have loads of privately owned gites with price ranges.... you will absolutely love it.. kayak and canoe trips.... i could go on and on and on..... so go there and see for yourself....Perfect idea for family trip.:A

I have just gotta get there now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Southampton goes to Bergerac so that is really handy for us. This area seems to offer alot more than just a beach which is my concern with the brittany/normandy scenario.
many thanks

carol_a_3

Have you got room for me in your suitcase?? Regarding the above post about Brittany being like Cornwall etc. I agree they are both beautiful (I am a bit biased as I live in Cornwall and have also visited Brittany several times) but even in July/August you cannot guarantee good weather. You are more likely to see sunshine the further down France you go.