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Trip Report

France in the countryside and the city

7 Days in museums of Paris and enjoying the countryside in Sarlat la Caneda

  • Paris+ 3
  • Paris
  • Paris
  • France in the countryside and the city
sara becker mayer
About Me:I am a 25 year old traveler from the United States. I am heading to law school, and in the meantime trying to get as much travel in as possible. I love immersing in culture and trying new foods! read more

EuropeFrance4 days / July 2019

Highs & Lows

Cave painting tour near Sarlat la Caneda

Accomodations in Sarlat

Itinerary Overview

On day one we arrived in Paris early. We stayed in the exciting and central Marais district in a cute airbnb. We were very hungry so we just chose a random Ramen restaurant called Japonos Ramen bar, that ended up being quite good.

Then began our museum day! We went to the Louvre to see classic pieces. It is busy but huge, showcasing so many important artists. We could get there via the train system that took us everywhere we needed to go in the city. We then saw the Musee d'Orsay. The next day we went to the much more contemporary museum the Centre Pompidou. We also walked around Le Marais and tried amazing beeff bourguignon at one of the restaurants in the main area. 

Day four we tried some yummy macarons, and headed to the Quartre Temps to window shop and look at the fashion.

We arrived the next day in Sarlat la Caneda, traveling through Bordeaux. We stayed in an airbnb that we didn't like. We went to Castillo de Puymartin and learned about the history of the region. The day after we went on an incredible cave painting tour. We saw Montignac, and two other caves with ancient paintings. On our last day we went on a river tour which was beautiful and fun! It could be a little hard at times, but overall very physically easy.

  • 1 Night: Paris
    Museums!
  • 3 Nights: Sarlat-la-Canéda
    Countryside living and ancient cave paintings
Paris - Museums!
1

Paris Museums!

Paris - Museums! - null
Paris - Museums! - null
Paris - Museums! - null

On day one we arrived in Paris early. We stayed in the exciting and central Marais district in a cute airbnb. We were very hungry so we just chose a random Ramen restaurant called Japonos Ramen bar, that ended up being quite good. The next day we had breakfast at the cute little cafe called Twinkie Breakfast and Lunch. It had great coffee! 

We wanted to experience a lot of art so we saw the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou. That is also the order in which I rate the museums. I am more of a fan of classical art, but my partner is more of a fan of modern art, so he likes the Centre Pomidou. I didn't feel too crowded in any of them, and I think if thats too many museums for you, choose either the Louvre or Musee d' Orsay. 

I definitely recommend just walking around the Marais district. It is cute and popular, but not so crowded it is uncomfortable. We tried really great macarons at Pierre Herme. It is pricey but they are soft and yummy. There are plenty of great restaurants and cafes where you can eat and people watch.

Sarlat-la-Canéda - Countryside living and ancient cave paintings
2

Sarlat-la-Canéda Countryside living and ancient cave paintings

Sarlat-la-Canéda - Countryside living and ancient cave paintings - null
Sarlat-la-Canéda - Countryside living and ancient cave paintings - null
Sarlat-la-Canéda - Countryside living and ancient cave paintings - null

The Dordogne is a very relaxed place. It is not as nice as some parts of the French countryside. However, if you like castles and ancient cave paintings I would recommend it.

One of my favorite things we did was a private tour to the caves with ancient paintings. We found this through a friend and I don't think our guide has an online presence unfortunately. Montignac can be reached by anyone and they provide a tour. I found it very interesting to see evidence of people, meetings, bears, and more. We also were allowed on private land to see a cave that is not normally available, but if you can get a private tour you may be able to do it. 

We really enjoyed the river, kayaking down the Dordogne. You get beautiful views of the countryside, and the river is calm. You can stop on the side and grab ice cream and water. You will see many kids swimming with their families. 

We also walked around the whole Castillo de Puymartin. You can learn an interesting history of the region, and you will see multiple castles in the Dordogne valley. 

We did not particularly enjoy any restaurants there, issues ranged from service, incredibly loud music, and the food. We may have just tried the wrong places. 

Q & A

  • What would you have changed?

    I would have found different accomodation in the Dordogne, maybe splurged more
  • Anything go wrong during the trip?

    Besides not enjoying our lodging, nothing went very wrong
  • Restaurant recommendations?

    Pierre Herme- macarons in Paris
  • Tips you would give a friend?

    Get a car for the Dordogne, it is worth going but only for two days. In paris you will walk a lot!
  • Packing tips?

    Bring your most fashionable outfits! You are in Paris!
  • Transportation Tips?

    Car in the Dordogne. Train in paris
  • Any surprises?

    The dordogne did not have amazing restaurants
  • Booking details?

    We did airbnb, maybe do more research or find an agency for the Dordogne.

Lodging

  • Airbnb in Le Marais, very central and cute! No complaints

  • Airbnb, we did not like it. The AC didnt work and it was very hot. The host was also not friendly and made multiple rude comments. I would look for a hotel or read reviews very carefully