Markets.

The rich river valleys produce the most wonderful range of tomatoes, peaches, asparagus, strawberries, melons, cherries and peaches. The meats and speciality pates and foies gras burst with flavour.The wines of Bordeaux, Bergerac, Duras, St Emilion and Entre deux Mers are grown on our doorstep. All this produce is available from the colourful markets and you could vist a different one every day. . In summer there are added night markets with crafts, music and sometimes dancing thrown in. These make for great holiday memories. A list of markets is provided in each house.

Restaurants.

 According to the locals we benefit from the best food, wine and quality of life in France. The local restuarants reflect this, offering great variety and value for money. In the village of Seyches the ever popular Vieux Porche continues to offer a lunchtime menu at 12 euros for four courses, including wine. If you want to go up market there are many good choices. A favourite is the Treize Clochers,14.50 euros at lunchtime, so named because of the fantastic views from their lovely hilltop position at Monteton.The menu never disappoints and the childrens menu , not a chicken nugget in sight, has delighted all the young members of our family. The square at Eymet has a marvellous restaurant run by a local Italian family, the queue often stretches down the street. It is rare not to be able to enjoy eating outside on a pretty terrace on warm summers evenings. There are, of course, many other restaurants to choose from suiting all budgets. Comments in the visitors books may help you to decide where you want to eat tonight.

Activities.

Several local villages have excellent tennis courts. There are a number of golf courses from country club style, local nine hole, to municipal courses. We can arrange bicycle hire for those who want to make the most of the quiet country lanes. A much underused facility is the canal. The vast majority of the towpath has been renovated from just south of Bordeaux to the mediterranean port of Sete. We love cycling or walking along, under the shade of the trees on a hot day it is just perfect. There are waterparks and aqualands and tree top adventures for those who enjoy more organised fun. The rivers, Dordogne, Lot, Garonne and Dropt offer canoeing from many points and short cruises from Bergerac and Buzet.

Visits.

The Chateau within the region vary greatly in size an style and are much enjoyed by visitors. Bordeaux , a UNESCO world heritage site has , a beautifully revamped waterfront and brilliant shopping . You could catch the train from Marmande or use the park and ride facility which includes the tram fare. Perigueux, Toulouse and Pau are all within a maximum two and half hour drive away. Each has its own character, history, architecture and also great shopping facilities. The local towns , Villeneuve sur Lot, Bergerac, Marmande,  Nerac, Casteljaloux and Monflanquin all merit a visit, perhaps to the market or a restaurant. The Bastide towns, for the most part constructed by the English , are fascinating and beautiful. They often have a cloistered square, beautiful views and a lively atmosphere. A trip to the Pyrenees will take around three hours and the coast at Archachon just under two hours. You will travel through the Landes region with its own very particular atmosphere and architecture. Climb the Dune du Pyla for terrific views from the highest dune along the western coast.