This post contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure page for more details.
Categories: Basque Country, Dordogne, Occitanie, Off the Beaten Track in France
Have you ever thought about taking a slow journey through the southwest of France, staying off the beaten path, and truly soaking in the region’s atmosphere? That’s exactly what Catherine McMillan did, and in Episode 554 of the podcast, she shares all the little discoveries, mishaps, and moments of joy she experienced on her trip.
Listen to this episode ad-free
Catherine was born and raised in France, and although she now lives in California, her connection to the country runs deep. That unique perspective really shines through in our conversation. She understands what it takes to enjoy France—not just as a tourist, but as someone who appreciates the rhythm of life here.
What struck me most about Catherine’s trip was her commitment to traveling slowly. She avoided rushing from one big tourist site to another. Instead, she stayed in one place for several days, wandered into small villages, took her time in covered markets, visited lesser-known museums, and followed her curiosity. It reminded me that even as someone who lives in France and travels often for the podcast, there are still places close to home I’ve never been to!
Accommodation Recommendations from Catherine
- Villa Erizio in Bordeaux: Beautiful space, spacious,
very well situated. Our unit was on the ground floor with a patio. Breakfast was included and attended to
requests right away. Shared washers/dryers with other renters. - Le Colombier, Pujols: A few minutes from the historical town of Pujols by car. A stunning place, both in terms of the area but also the space (a free-standing cottage in a huge garden) and decor. The cottage is on 2 floors. No cooking facilities at all (just a coffee machine and mini-fridge) and no washing machine. It was cold and the homeowner gave me a thick shawl to keep! Essentially zero internet. Incredibly good value, something like 69 euros/night for us in late September; breakfast is a few
euros more and very plentiful. In season, there is a pool. No English spoken but the homeowner understands it quite well. - Le Boudoir de Marie, Sarlat-la-Canéda: Spacious, very well-appointed, nicely furnished, with an elevator.
Smack in the heart of the medieval part of town, about 50 m from the Tourist Office. The corner unit made for great light. You can park for free some 5 minutes walk from the apartment. Bar across the street is noisy until the wee hours on weekends. - Cathédrale Apartment in Albi: Walk-up (2 floors up) in a very old building; teeny-tiny place but
beautifully furnished, very modern and clean. Great views, steps from the cathedral and the T.O. No
onsite parking, but you could find free parking a 15-minute walk from the apartment. - L'Apartement L'Idrac: huge apartment on the 2nd floor, right on the edge of the historic
downtown (less noisy at night) but very lively. Full kitchen. Bathroom was a bit odd with mirrored
surfaces everywhere, and a shower curtain (!) but the owner was fantastic. Very friendly and personable.
Parking next door for about 10 euros/night. No need to drive anywhere. - Mercure Limoges Centre: great location on a huge square (Place de la République). Very helpful staff,
amazing breakfast. - Mas de Lafeuillade, Montpellier: Only 5 rooms in a stand-alone villa with gravel courtyard and
nice gardens. Amazingly spacious room and bathroom with retro decor. Top-notch restaurant.
Discovering the Southwest of France
Throughout the episode, Catherine shares a number of highlights and practical tips. She talks about Bayonne, where she enjoyed browsing Les Halles, the covered market that’s full of local flavors and Basque specialties. She also stopped in Espelette and Sare, both postcard-perfect villages in the Basque Country, famous for their culture, charm, and in Espelette’s case—its peppers!
We also discussed Périgueux, a beautiful city in the Dordogne that doesn’t always make it onto tourist itineraries but definitely should. The architecture, history, and relaxed pace make it an excellent stop for anyone exploring the Périgord area. Catherine loves visiting museums big ans small, and she makes a great case for why even the small ones are can be more rewarding than the big-ticket sites—more local insight, fewer crowds, and a strong sense of place.
Other destinations in her itinerary included Bordeaux, Arcachon, Cap Ferret, Bayonne, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Lacanau, and parts of the Gers and Pyrenees. Each place offers something different—from seaside cafés to mountain views and charming town squares.
Tips for Slow Travel in France
Catherine also shares practical advice on how to make the most of a driving trip in France. She rented a car with TT Eurodrive aka Renault Eurodrive and stayed in well-located accommodations with parking, which made it easy to explore both small towns and natural areas.
Her approach is a great reminder that slower travel often leads to richer memories. Whether it’s chatting with a local baker, discovering a tucked-away picnic spot, or simply taking time to sit in a town square and observe the rhythm of daily life, these are the moments that make a trip feel special.
Happy travels—and stay curious!
Table of Contents for this Episode
More Episodes about the going off the beaten track in France
#Aveyron, #Dordogne, #JoinUsInFrance, #FranceTravel, #SouthwestFrance, #FrenchRoadTrip, #SlowTravel, #HiddenFrance, #BasqueCountryFrance, #DordogneValley, #TravelFrance, #FrenchCulture, #FranceTrip, #ExploreFrance, #FrenchVillageLife, #OffTheBeatenPathFrance, #Espelette, #SaintJeanDeLuz, #CapFerret, #BayonneFrance, #Francophile
FOLLOW US ON:
Subscribe to the Podcast
Apple Google Spotify RSSSupport the Show
Tip Your Guides Extras Patreon Audio Tours
Read more about this episode
TranscriptCategories: Basque Country, Dordogne, Occitanie, Off the Beaten Track in France