Tony F Dordogne Posted July 16, 2006 Share Posted July 16, 2006 We had to go to Sarlat yesterday morning - a no option thing - and just getting into the town from the Valley Road was a bloody nightmare.We were stuck in a traffic jam for an hour from the St Cyprien direction, way past the college and out towards 'Toute pour le Maison', very hot, car fine but LOADS of tourists heading for the Saturday market. Chatting with a French couple later who had come in from the Soullac direction, they were an hour and fifteen minutes in hardly-moving traffic. Looks as though Sarlat is filling up even earlier than last year on Saturday market day - which now seems a good day to avoid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoddy Posted July 16, 2006 Share Posted July 16, 2006 If we have visitors who really want to go, we make sure that we arrive well before nine and then have our breakfast there. As far as I can see it's the only way to find a parking pace and avoid the traffic jams.Hoddy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saddie Posted July 16, 2006 Share Posted July 16, 2006 I can't imagine why anyone would want to go to Sarlat market in July or August. It's not just the crowds but the market positively blooms with tat. All sort of junk you could live without. Out of season it is a fine local market and you have the space to appreciate the architecture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony F Dordogne Posted July 16, 2006 Author Share Posted July 16, 2006 Wednesday market is much better for the locals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 They have just built ( about a year ago) a new free car park just after the roundabout after the railway viaduct. You would find it easier to park there and walk the 10 minutes into town. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony F Dordogne Posted July 27, 2006 Author Share Posted July 27, 2006 You would Keith if you can get that far - it's the bit getting to the car park by the roundabout by the railway viaduct that's the problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoddy Posted July 27, 2006 Share Posted July 27, 2006 Maybe when they've built the bypass that particular problem will ease.Hoddy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Posted July 28, 2006 Share Posted July 28, 2006 A bypass for Sarlat is an excelent idea! I didn't know that there was one planned. Do you or anybody else know when and where is will be built? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoddy Posted July 28, 2006 Share Posted July 28, 2006 I can only remember vague details I'm afraid. I can't even remember which news paper I read it in. It will start somewhere around the recently closed down supermarket - the first cafe on the right as you head into town ( is it called Le Pontet ? ) will be demolished and the new road will go off to the left.Sorry I can't remember more details - I'm in the UK at the moment so I can't even try to find the paper.Hoddy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WJT Posted July 28, 2006 Share Posted July 28, 2006 I am also in the UK now and don't have the info to hand. I too remember reading that the take away restaurant Le Pontet would be demolished and they would be starting works this October. However, they expect it to take 3 years to complete. One of the reasons is that they will be building a very large tunnel to run underground for less destruction and underneath the railway lines.It should be a big help and hopefully change the traffic problems in Sarlat during July and August. Mind you, even during the winter months school run times can be a bit of a snarl so will help all year from what I can tell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony F Dordogne Posted July 29, 2006 Author Share Posted July 29, 2006 Had to go again today - left home at 8, there by 8.25, shopping and admin stuff all done by 11 - by which time, seems like there was NO parking left anywhere near the town and the place was full of bloody tourists.Took the Les Eyzies road back and cut down through Meyrals to St Cyprien - hardly any traffic on it, seems the best way for the locals to be travelling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WJT Posted July 29, 2006 Share Posted July 29, 2006 It is funny isn't it that the minute you leave Sarlat and of course Les Eyzies all the roads in the whole of the area seem deserted. It is always a shock to the system when I go into Sarlat, I usually stay on the outskirts during the summer if I need to go to one of the larger super markets. However, must admit, perhaps a sickness [:)] do like getting caught up in the excitement from time to time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.