Activities

The nearby medieval Bastide towns, Eymet, Montflanquin, Villereal, Issigeac, etc. all have weekly markets on different days and are a delight to visit, perhaps do some shopping or just sit and watch the activity.

 

These Bastide towns, so characteristic of the area were constructed as new towns in the 13th and 14th centuries, by both the English and the French when much of the area was English before and during the 100 years war.

 

The towns of Bergerac and Villeneuve-sur -Lot, some 30 kilometres south, both have beautiful old centres and large supermarkets/hypermarkets where it's a pleasure to shop. just don't be too tempted.

 

Nearby places of interest include the towering chateau of Biron, the chateau at Duras, the beautiful hill villages of Pujol and Pen d'Agenais or the classic bastide town of Montpazier.

 

There are many interesting places to visit on a day trip. St Emilion is beautiful and a wine lovers paradise. The renowned prehistoric sites in the eastern Dordogne, the fantastic cave paintings at Lascaux, especially, Roumillac with a small train through the caves. Roc St Christophe, an old cave dwelling, and many other minor caves with wall paintings, etc. There are also the beautiful towns of Sarlat, Domme set on top of a hill, Beynac with its castle, Roc Gageac on a cliff beside the river.

 

Canoe trips down the Dordogne river are very popular. You are driven upstream with your canoe and then paddle, or drift, downstream through really beautiful countryside and old towns back to your car, whole or half day trips are available. Also there are excursions on the Lot or the river Dropt.

 

Golf is ever popular. There is the course at Castelnaud, near Villeneuve sur Lot, some 20 minutes away where you can pay green fees and play. It is known as a good course but steep in places so, if you have a weak heart take a buggy. 15 minutes distance is the 9 hole course at Tombebeauf, not as easy as it looks and you may need a good supply of golf balls as you easily lose them in the water. The prestigious, very popular, golf course at Chateau Vigier is some half hour drive.

 

There is a riding stable in the next village where they are happy to take both experienced riders or simple beginners if you fancy having a go. Tennis courts are available in the nearby towns of Castillonnes and Lauzun.

 

If you have children one of the nicest is to go to the swimming lake in Lougratte. This lake has a small beach, pedalos, canoes etc and is very popular, with plenty of other children to keep everyone occupied.. You can picnic on the grass or under the trees.

 

There is a donkey farm in the village where children can have rides or enjoy a short run around in a small cart pulled by a donkey.