After a too-long break from travel, I'm planning a walking trip to France in late May or early June. I have the choice of the region around French Catalonia or the Dordogne (everyone should have such choices)! With Catalonia, I'd get to see Barcelona for the first time. With the Dordogne, I'd have a few days in one of my favorite cities, Paris.

I'm looking for surroundings that are quiet and natural, with beautiful countryside and not a lot of tourists or tour busses. Would really like to experience living as the French do, and not rush around doing the usual tourist thing.

Would welcome advice and opinions from anyone who's travelled these regions.

Thank you, Diane Somerville, MA