The location of Les Ecuries is wonderful for those looking for a rural holiday yet not have to depend on a car as you are just a ten minute walk from the charming market town of Eymet. The 25 acres of private grounds at Les Ecuries lead to the banks of the Dropt river.
In Eymet (2km) you will find some excellent restaurants and bars, a couple of supermarkets, a boulangerie and butchers as well as other interesting shops and a vibrant market in the beautiful main square on a Thursday. Being on the banks of the river there are some amazing views and great picnic spots. The town dates back to the 13th century and is a typical bastide town in its layout, full of idyllic medieval houses and attractive buildings. The town hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year and is a vibrant as well as historical place to stay.
In terms of activities you will find canoeing within ten minutes by car, bike trails in the area (and electric bike hire and tours in Eymet!) several golf courses within twenty minutes and a picturesque lake with swimming, slides, barbecue facilities and a café just half an hour away. In and around Bergerac you will find a waterpark, go-karting, boat rides and a miniature ferry sailing lake plus there is a tree-top activity centre for all ages just half an hour drive away in Sainte-Colombe-de-Duras. Younger kids will also love Le Chaudron Magique, an organic farm where children can milk the goats and make goats cheese!
You are surrounded by idyllic villages and towns, full of history and character, worthy of a visit for a leisurely lunch and explore such as the warren of medieval streets at Issigeac (24km) or the attractive Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (28km) facing the Dordogne. Not forgetting beautiful Bergerac (27km) with its medieval architecture, narrow streets of boutiques and great restaurants and impressive Bordeaux (95km), definitely worthy of a fantastic day trip.
In under an hour you can access two of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, Monflaquin (45km) and Monpazier (47km) or follow the Dordogne east all the way to beautiful villages such as Beynac-et-Cazenac (80km), La Roque-Gageac (84km) and Domme (90km) before heading north to delightful Sarlat-la-Canéda (92km). For a change of scene you can also head west for a day trip to the coast to sample some local oysters at Cap Ferret (180km) or Arcachon (170km).
Wine-lovers are in the perfect location with vineyards in the surrounding area as well as both south and north of the Dordogne, some of them organic. As well as the famous La Route des Vins de Bergerac, you also have the Bordeaux vineyards to the west and beautiful Saint-Émilion (63km) just an hour away. Nearby the Château de Monbazillac (22km) is an especially wonderful place to sample and buy wines whilst Eymet even has its own local brewery if you fancy a change of drink!
Those looking to experience market days across the region should head to Saint Alvere (55m) on a Monday, Riberac (80km) on a Tuesday, Bergerac (27km) or Sarlat (90km) on a Wednesday, nearby Eymet or Saint Astier (75km) on a Thursday, Souillac (116km) on a Friday, finishing off with Saint Cyprian (73km) or Issigeac (24km) on a Sunday. Bergerac (27km) also hosts a wonderful flea market on the first Sunday of every month and in the summer you should look out for the atmospheric night markets dotted around the villages of the Dordogne, including Eymet, for a special experience of amazing food and festivities. Each market often specialises in a regional cuisine and/or craft from that area and sometimes throughout the year seasonal markets pop up.
