In the Lot-et-Garonne department, close to the border with Gironde, Manoir Tournesols is surrounded by landscapes of orchards, corn fields, vineyards and summer sunflowers. This region is known as the ‘orchard of France’ thanks to the abundance of fruit and vegetables grown here which can be sampled in local restaurants and bought at produce markets dotted around local towns and villages.
The house is located in a little hamlet and just a couple of minutes away on foot is a tennis court that is free to use for guests (the manoir has rackets available to borrow).
The nearest bastide town is Monségur (8km), a charming place overlooking the Dropt valley. There’s an award-winning boulangerie here as well as restaurants, a weekly food market and a night market in the height of the summer, a superb experience where local food and wine is served accompanied by live music. You can also find summer canoeing and fishing opportunities along the Dropt River, not to mention some picturesque walking routes.
Other pretty market towns include Duras (15km), famed for its wine, summer night market and impressive château, and Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (32km) by the banks of the Dordogne which hosts one of the largest and most beautiful markets on a Saturday morning. Still in the Dordogne but a little further afield, Issigeac (52km) is classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and its Sunday morning market is loved by locals and visitors alike.
Closer to home, discover characterful villages and historic towns such as La Réole (13km), Castelmoron d’Albret (18km) and Eymet (30km) as well as Marmande (14km), known for its tomatoes. Enjoy walks by the Garonne River alongside summer canoeing and kayaking excursions and soak up the ambience of the summer night market in the idyllic hillside village of Meilhan-sur-Garonne. Cyclists of all ability should follow the voie verte by the Canal Latéral, passing relaxing scenery en route.
Wine-lovers have a choice of wonderful vineyards both near and far and shouldn’t miss a trip to the gorgeous hilltop village of Saint-Émilion (53km), surrounded by its historic vines which are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bergerac (55km) and Bordeaux (80km) can also be visited for a fantastic day out or venture west and you could be sipping white wine accompanied by oysters near Arcachon (136km) on the Atlantic coast or sampling the fine wines of Margaux (116km) on the Médoc peninsula.
The Region
Aquitaine’s reputation as a varied and enchanting destination is well-earned – whether you’re looking for relaxation or excitement, this beautiful part of south-western France is a feast for every one of the senses.
