Location and activities
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.
Ons Palanchou Magazine
Er is veel te bezoeken en te doen in deze streek. Wij hebben een Palanchou Magazine gemaakt dat je voor vertrek per post ontvangt. Om alvast in de stemming te komen!
Wandelen
Dichtbij huis kun je al de mooiste wandelingen vinden. Bekijk de interactieve wandelkaart op www.rando.tourisme-lotetgaronne.com, hier kun je een wandeling uitzoeken en downloaden.
Fietsen
Gebruik een groene IGN kaart (gedetailleerde kaart van iedere streek in Frankrijk), daarop vind je de leukste weggetjes. Of kijk voor inspiratie op de website van de Lot-et-Garonne: www.tourisme-lotetgaronne.com/sortir/velo/.
Ook met behulp van de app van Strava kun je routes in de buurt uitzoeken. Fietsen huren doe je bij L’univers du cycle in Villeneuve sur Lot.
Strolling
Struinen kun je zeker op brocante markten of vide greniers (zolder-opruiming) waar je parels hoopt te vinden. Die in Beauville, Issigeac en Villeréal (augustus) zijn aanraders.
Nog meer vide-greniers en brocantes in de Lot-et-Garonne en omgeving en in de andere maanden van het jaar vind je op de sites www.videgreniers.org/47-Lot-et-Garonne and www.brocabrac.fr/47
De leukste vide-grenier vindt plaats in Auradou op 8 mei.
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.
Markets
Een Franse markt vol verse en lokale producten is een goed begin van de dag. Je komt er uiteraard kazen tegen en wijn, maar ook truffels, likeur, confit de canard en natuurlijk fruit. De streek is de grootste fruitboomgaard van Frankrijk. Met de beroemde pruimen uit Agen, maar ook appels, peren, hazelnoten, kersen, kiwi’s, walnoten, tomaten en aardbeien uit Marmande.
Avondmarkten
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. Kijk niet vreemd op als er aan het einde van de avond wordt gedanst (soms op de tafels en banken!) of iedereen ineens uit volle borst gaat zingen.
In ons magazine hebben we alle markten en avondmarkten in de buurt voor je op een rijtje gezet.
Eat & drink
Always check the website and/or socials for opening times!
In Penne d’Agenais kun je genieten van een drankje of lunch/diner bij Restaurant Le Peyragude. Ze serveren een menu du jour en je zit er gezellig tussen de locals. Om de hoek, bij Brasserie Zebull’in kun je biertjes proeven.
Aan de Place Paul Froment vind je ook prettige terrassen zoals die van Café des Art (Crêperie) en Restaurant Le Bombecul (lunch en diner).
Tête d’Ail in Roquecor is een beetje verstopt maar een pareltje.
Pizza’s bestellen en afhalen (handig als je op zondag aankomt) doe je bij Pizzeria la Tour in Hautefage-la-Tour. Kijk op: www.pizzeria-hautefage-la-tour.fr
In ons magazine vindt je nog veel meer tips voor restaurant in de omgeving.
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)
