Locatie en activiteiten
We looked for a beautiful spot that would be easy to reach. Nice weather, peace and quiet and yet not too far from events and places to go. We found the whole package in Lot-et-Garonne. It is only a ninety minutes’ journey by plane from Rotterdam. Rent a car at Bergerac that will bring you to our house well within the hour. An environmental friendly train journey using TGV is also a good alternative.
On arrival you will find yourself in a friendly and hilly environment with pleasant weather conditions all year round. The surrounding villages are charming and castles like Bonaguil and Chateau de Duras are a lovely experience. The river Lot meanders through the landscape.
Penne-d’Agenais
The lovely village of Penne-d’Agenais is 5minutes away by car. All year round you can have a drink at one of the welcoming terraces or have lunch in one of the cafés or restaurants. The magnificent church of Notre-Dame de Peyragude is well worth a stroll, not in the least because of the astonishing views of the valley. The magnificent church of Notre-Dame de Peyragude is well worth a stroll, not in the least because of the astonishing views of the valley.
Bastide villages and evening markets
The area is well known for the medieval bastide villages like Monflanquin, Villereal et Monpazier. The narrow streets are grouped around the market square in a distinctive checkerboard pattern. Stroll along the streets and explore the summer night markets to enjoy good food served at long tables and live music for that authentic French holiday feeling. It is also an area for cycling and walking, you are near the wine region Bergerac and other Dordogne attractions. You can even spend a weekend at the seaside!
Also read the blog (in Dutch) I wrote for Kleine Globetrotter.
Castles
Castle enthusiasts who also enjoy excellent views are well served because there are plenty around! We very much like the castle of Biron (photo), castle of Bonaguil and Chateau de Duras. all three worth a visit. The castle of Gavaudun is well worth the longer drive and is actually an impressive ruin. Combine this trip with a lovely walk (several walks start here) and a mouth watering pizza at Café de Gavaudun as a reward and you will have a great day out.
Villages
Pujols is one of the most beautiful bastide villages of France with views of the Lot valley. Cahors is the largest town in the area. A surprise are the medieval secret gardens. Issigeac is a pretty village with houses dating from the 13th century, small shops and restaurants.
Download our map
There is so much to see and to do in the area that we have made you a Google Map with suggestions. It is very easy to download the map on your phone and have it always at the palm of your hand while travelling.
Open de kaart in My Maps en klik op de drie puntjes 
Walking & cycling
For lovely walks close to your house, look at Penne d’Agenais. If you prefer a cycle trip in the rolling landscape look for the interactive walking map or cycle map at the Lot-et-Garonne website for more inspiration.
The castle of Gavaudun is a fortress, imposingly situated at a cliff where you can make lovely walks along the mills of La Lère. As a reward enjoy a pizza under the grapevines at Le Cafe de Gavaudun.
Further afield but a special experience is the towpath near Bouzies where you can walk and cycle along the towpath that was cut out of the rocks.
Strolling
Have a stroll in the gardens of Marqueyssac. The position is breath taking. The gardens of Eyrignac have been in the same family for twenty-two generations who still live in the house.
Swimming, leisure centres and other activities
Have you reached your village saturation point? No problem, there are lots of other things to do. Close to our house are small lakes, water and leisure centres.
For the younger members of the family take a 5 minutes’ car drive to the water play garden at Lac Ferrié. You will find a beach, water activities and a restaurant at Montaigu Plage in Montaigu de Quercy.
Parc en ciel is an adventure park in the trees with natural swimming pool. Walibi Sud-Ouest is a good option for a day out and in Toulouse is Cité de l’Espace, a unique theme park covering everything you may want to know about space and aerospace.
Discover the Lot River by boat, sup, canoe or kayak from Capitainerie (Port de Penne). Further afield but well worth is a boat trip from the small harbour of Bouzies, like an electric ‘gabarot’, a small open boat for four to eight guests with a tarpaulin shelter to protect you from the sun. Nearby is the picture perfect medieval village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie.
Do you enjoy caves? Then head for the underground caves of Lastournelle, on a Tuesday or Thursday in July and August..
Interested in wine, wine and more wine? Then visit the castle of Chambert in Floressas. Tours in English, an excellent tasting area and lunch options outside.
Look for more suggestions at our our Google Map.
Markets
- Monday: Duras (all year) and Gavaudun (summer only)
- Tuesday: Villeneuve sur Lot (Place Lafayette) and Castillonnès
- Wednesday: Saint-Sylvestre-sur-Lot (next to river behind supermarket) and Agen (Place du 14 Juillet)
- Thursday: Laroque Timbaut (in front of Mairie close to Carrefour), Monflanquin and Monsemperon-Libos (large market food and commodities, vintage cloth and even chickens!)
- Friday: Tournon d’Agenais (in summer from 17:00 hrs)
- Saturday: Villeneuve-sur-Lot (Place Lafayette), Saint-Sylvestre-sur-Lot, Montaigu de Quercy (for coffee and lunch go to ‘Le Midi’, restaurant at roundabout), Agen and Villeréal.
- Sunday: Agen (a proper Lot-et-Garonne gastro experience, Avenue Henri Barbusse), Moncuq, Roquecor (for coffee go to Cafe du Centre), Penne d’Agenais, Pujols, Tournon d’Agenais, Monflanquin (in summer), Issigeac, Fumel and Casseneuil.
Marche nocturne (night market)
Night markets in July and August start around 6 pm. Enjoy freshly prepared food while sharing a table with the locals, often with live music.
- Monday night: Villeréal
- Tuesday night: Damazan, Sauveterre-la-Lémance and Dausse
- Wednesday night: Cancon, Pujols, Saint Maurin, Thézac and Masquirres
- Thursday night: Issigeac, Lauzerte, Monflanquin, Duras and Penne d’Agenais
- Friday night: Beauville, Boé, Frespech, Montaut, Montagnac-sur-Lède, Tournon d’Agenais and Villeneuve sur Lot
- Saturday night: Puymirol
- Sunday night: Gavaudun
Eat & drink
Always check the website and/or socials for opening times!
In Penne d’Agenais enjoy a drink, lunch or dinner at Restaurant Le Peyragude. They do daily specials and it is a special spot among the locals.
L’autre Maison is a boutique-style B&B in Penne d’Agenais. Good place for light lunch. At the Place Paul Froment you will find attractive terraces like Le Bombecul. Also a good place to eat.
Near the water play garden at lac Ferrié Ô Berges du lacis a simple restaurant and a good choice for families with young children.
Cafe du Centre in Roquecor for coffee, lunch and dinner, simple and good. Tables inside and outside. English and Dutch spoken.
L’Atelier is in Issigeac, a beautiful village with attractive shops. The restaurant has a court area for dining.
Looking for the Michelin stars? Look no further at Le jasmin, Michel Trama and l’Auberge le prieuré.
Having dinner in a classic French castle is possible at Château de l’Hoste. Book a table outside or have a relaxing dinner in the brasserie.
Always check the website and/or socials for opening times!
Look for more suggestions at our Google Map.
The delicious and renowned Agen prunes originate from Lot-et-Garonne. The house also has a centuries old oven in which the prunes used to be dried for 24 hours.
Where to find us?
257 Chemin de Palanchou
47140 Auradou
Lot-et-Garonne
France
47140 Auradou
Lot-et-Garonne
France
+31(0)611320371 (NL&EN)
