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Categories: Occitanie, Toulouse Area
Thinking about taking a solo trip to France?
In Episode 545 of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, host Annie Sargent chats with Dawn Fairchild, a solo traveler from Los Angeles, about her unforgettable journey through the Lot, Dordogne, Toulouse, and Bordeaux. This episode—A Solo Traveler's Experience in Southwest France—is packed with travel tips, personal stories, and insights into exploring one of the most beautiful parts of France on your own.
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Mentioned in this Episode
Les Fraysses Chambres d'Hotes (near Cahors) - I stayed at a charming small guesthouse that offers optional language and cultural immersion programs. My guestroom was beautiful, with a private entrance and terrace overlooking the gardens, pool, and valley. I could use a shared kitchen, which was perfect for making snacks to enjoy with a glass of wine on my terrace. I participated in a mini language immersion and especially appreciated that they customize immersions based on individual interests and learning styles. It's also an excellent home base for exploring the Lot. I can't wait to return!
Le Rousseau (Sarlat) - I stayed in a very pretty and well-located apartment in the historic center of Sarlat. The apartment was beautifully decorated, and the host was excellent. It is in a Renaissance building, with air conditioning and just one flight of stairs to climb. Free parking is easily available within a 5-minute walk. The apartment is a great home base for exploring the Dordogne, with plenty of restaurants, markets, boutiques, and cultural sites nearby. It's one of the best Airbnb experiences I've had.
Le Clos des Salins (Toulouse) - Another gem! This small complex of guest apartments is run by a delightful couple. My apartment was very comfortable, spacious, and modern, with great air conditioning and two small, very pretty terraces. Located in the Les Carmes neighborhood, it's very close to everything yet quiet and calm. I am eager to return to Toulouse and will absolutely stay here again.
Villa Erizio (Bordeaux) - A small complex of guest apartments located a 15-minute walk from the tourist center. My apartment was very nicely decorated with some historic features. While I enjoyed my stay, it felt more corporate compared to my other accommodations on this trip.
Starting Strong with a Language Immersion near Cahors
Dawn began her trip with a customized French language immersion stay at Les Fraises, a beautiful chambre d’hôte outside of Cahors. This unique experience helped her build confidence in her French while enjoying a relaxed introduction to local life. The hosts offered personalized language coaching and acted as a mini tourist office, even taking guests to local events like food festivals.
Prehistoric Caves and Charming Villages
In the Lot, Dawn explored the famous Grotte de Pech Merle, home to prehistoric cave paintings dating back nearly 29,000 years. She also visited Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, a steep, picture-perfect village that stole her heart despite her fear of heights. The historic town of Cahors wowed her with its market, cathedral, and wine tastings near the iconic Valentré Bridge.
Discovering Sarlat and the Dordogne
From there, Dawn moved on to Sarlat-la-Canéda, where she stayed in a Renaissance Airbnb in the old town center. She explored the Manoir de Gisson, wandered through markets, and loved the easy parking (a big win in this busy town!). One highlight of A Solo Traveler’s Experience in Southwest France was her visit to the Château de Losse, a peaceful Renaissance castle with gardens and a café.
She also made a spontaneous detour to Montignac during a village market and artisan fair—skipping the famous Lascaux Cave this time, but already planning to return. This flexibility and curiosity define her solo travel style.
Josephine Baker and the Dordogne by Boat
Another standout moment in A Solo Traveler’s Experience in Southwest France was her visit to the Château des Milandes, once home to Josephine Baker. The museum showcases her remarkable legacy, from the stage to the Resistance. Dawn loved the gardens, aviaries, and falconry show.
She followed this with a peaceful boat ride on the Dordogne River in Beynac, taking in views of hilltop castles and villages. Annie noted you can also take hot air balloon rides here—though both agreed it’s not for the faint of heart!
Falling in Love with Toulouse
Next stop: Toulouse. Dawn stayed in Les Carmes at Le Clos des Salins, a charming apartment complex with geranium-filled courtyards and welcoming hosts. She explored the Victor Hugo and Les Carmes markets, visited the Musée de la Résistance, and loved Elyse’s VoiceMap walking tour of Toulouse.
She also raved about Xavier Fromager Affineur, her new favorite cheese shop. The Fondation Bemberg and Couvent des Jacobins rounded out her cultural experiences in this vibrant, underrated city.
Wrapping Up in Bordeaux
Dawn ended her adventure in Bordeaux, exploring the historic center and visiting the Cité du Vin, a world-class wine museum. She also stopped at the Marché des Capucins and noticed the differences in political campaigning during France’s summer elections—fewer ads, more conversations!
Lessons Learned from Solo Travel
This episode of A Solo Traveler’s Experience in Southwest France is about more than sightseeing. Dawn talks candidly about overcoming fears (like driving on narrow roads or navigating language barriers) and the joy of doing exactly what she wants, when she wants.
She also shares small but memorable experiences: eating violet pastries in Toulouse, tasting walnut liqueur in the Dordogne, and getting into random conversations in markets.
If you're dreaming of your own solo French getaway, A Solo Traveler’s Experience in Southwest France is a must-listen. Annie Sargent and Dawn Fairchild cover everything from practical tips to emotional takeaways. Whether you're curious about Cahors, castles, canoeing on the Dordogne, or city life in Toulouse, you’ll walk away inspired—and better prepared.
Listen now at joinusinfrance.com and plan your own solo adventure!
More episodes about the southwest of France
#JoinUsInFrance, #TravelFrance, #SoloTravelFrance, #SouthwestFrance, #LotEtGaronne, #DordogneValley, #VisitToulouse, #BordeauxTravel, #FrenchRoadTrip, #FranceTravelPodcast, #CulturalTravel, #HistoricFrance, #ExploreFrance, #FrenchChateaux, #FrenchMarkets, #Francophile, #FranceVacation, #SoloFemaleTraveler, #FrenchHeritage, #VoiceMapTours
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Discussed in this Episode
- Cahors
- Lot Department
- Dordogne
- Sarlat
- Toulouse
- Bordeaux
- Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
- Château de Cardaillac
- Grotte de Pech Merle
- Château de Losse
- Montignac
- Lascaux
- Abri de la Madeleine
- Château des Milandes
- Château de Beynac
- Castelnaud-la-Chapelle
- Dordogne River
- Place de la Concorde
- Couvent des Jacobins
- Fondation Bemberg
- Cathédrale Saint-Étienne
- Musée de la Résistance
- Musée André Breton
- Le Manoir de Gisson
- Victor Hugo Market
- Les Carmes Market
- Place des Salins
- Cité du Vin
- Marché des Capucins
- Goya Museum (Castres)
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Categories: Occitanie, Toulouse Area