Dordogne and Lot et Garonne
This lovely area of South-West France, including the Dordogne region and Lot-et-Garonne, together form one of the most beautiful and unspoiled parts of France. Yet the two regions have very different characteristics.
Dordogne/Northern Lot et Garonne by Marcus Smith
The Dordogne and Lot areas are famous the world over for their natural beauty and other attractions. In this region you will find many chateaux, including the world renowned Castelnaud and Les Milandes chateaux. The Dordogne region is reputed to have over 1000 chateaux, with many in magnificent locations overlooking the rivers and countryside of the area. Special mention goes to Chateau Bonaguil and Chateau Biron, and to Beynac with its views across the Dordogne River.
The area contains a wealth of
ancient towns,
including Sarlat, La Roque Gageac, Les Eyzies and Bergerac among the most
famous. Not to be missed if possible are Rocamadour, an ancient pilgrim
watering hole, Domme with its magnificent views, and Monpazier, possibly the
best maintained bastide town in France. Several other towns and villages in
the area have the renowned 'one of the most beautiful villages in France'
award - including Monflanquin and Pujols.
The Dordogne is known as the heart of
prehistory in Europe, and there are many sites of interest to demonstrate this
- the most famous is the cave paintings at Lascaux II, with a worldwide
reputation. The heart of this prehistory is found at Les Eyzies, on the Vezere
River, where several cave systems with prehistoric paintings can be visited.
In parallel with this is the extraordinary number of cave systems to be found
in the region, including those at Padirac, Domme, and the Grotte de Villars
near Brantome.
The Dordogne River itself winds calmly through the forests and fields,
passing hundreds and thousands of years of history on its way. However,
perhaps the highlight of the region really lies simply in the beauty of its
countryside, the unremarked small villages where you can pass many a pleasant
hour simply wandering around, and the feeling that you really can escape into
another time.
Perhaps one of the most interesting features of the northern Lot-et-Garonne
area is the high number of
bastide towns - towns
founded in the 13th century, many of which still retain their medieval heart
and character.
Southern Lot et Garonne by Enid Wilson
Travel a little further south, and you will find yourself in the beautiful
rolling countryside of the largely undiscovered Lot-et-Garonne, a region of
fruit and nut trees, and sunflowers and wheat, which bring a golden glow to
the landscape. The Lot-et-Garonne has been described as the market garden of
France, so you won't be surprised to hear that food and drink remain important
features of daily life.
You can find a lively market every day of the week and you are sure to be tempted by the local produce. Sample the menu of the restaurants, all serving local produce cooked to traditional recipes. Sit outside a café and watch the world go by - this is a region for getting away from it all. Those of you with an interest in history will be charmed by the mediaeval 'bastide' towns that meander across the region, and which come alive in the summer when mediaeval pageants are staged.
For the active, walking, cycling, horse riding and water sports are all available, and for children there are many attractions - just don't get lost when you try the maze in the maize! Live entertainment is available all year round and music lovers will find something for every taste. Here in the Lot-et-Garonne we take the time to enjoy life - and we invite you to do the same.
The “Bastides” of South West France by Alan Knighting
Many visitors to the area will have heard of a Bastide, but what is it? A Bastide is a medieval new town or village, and between the years 1220 and 1370 over three hundred Bastides were created in South West France. They were built on a square grid design with a central arcaded market place and an adjacent church, originally without fortifications...Read more
Your Holiday Matters - approved properties
Peyrenègre
Peyrenègre is situated in the heart of the Lot-et-Garonne countryside and
offers two quality gites, pool and health suite. Les Hirondelles and Les
Etables both sleep 4/6 people, and there is the possibility of extending the
accommodation in Les Etables to 8 by allowing access to the adjacent annexe.
The gites are well equipped, and are set in extensive grounds with panoramic
views.
CLICK HERE for further information, and full detail of prices and availability
Cottage sleeps 2, farmhouse sleeps 6-8, pool
At Fonguilleres, we have two rental properties avalable. La Glycine, an ancient cottage sleeping 2
people, and
Le Grenadier, a traditional Perigord farmhouse, sleeping 8.
There is a large pool shared between the two properties, which are set in 16 acres of peaceful countryside just 2km from the lively market town of Villereal and 25 km from Bergerac. The attractions of both the Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne regions are easily accessible.
CLICK HERE for further information, and full detail of prices and availability
Regis, self catering cottages near Monflanquin
Our properties lie in the northern part of the Lot-et-Garonne department, part of the Aquitaine region of South-West France. The whole area is lovely and the river valleys of the Lot, the Garonne and the Dordogne are within very easy reach, with all the variety, beauty and interest they have to offer.
The cottages themselves form part of the original farm complex of “Regis”, which dates back to the early 19th century and overlooking the beautiful Bastide town of Monflanquin situated some 4 km to the South.
CLICK HERE for further information, and full detail of prices and availability