Château Claria is located in the Lot-et-Garonne department of southwestern France, close to the Dordogne border, around half an hour south of Bergerac.
Bordered by farmland and countryside, the château is set within the same open grounds as Écuries Claria, just off a country road leading to a pretty village dating back to medieval times. It’s a 1.5km drive or walk (no pavement) to the village with its restaurants, shops (including a bakery, grocery store and pharmacy), Saturday morning Farmer’s market and a rather grand Renaissance château. Stroll along the characterful medieval lanes admiring half-timbered houses, then come across the picturesque lake, ideal for bird-watching, picnics or fishing at certain times of year (a permit is needed).
Drive to Miramont-de-Guyenne or Castillonnès for larger supermarkets and further amenities, both historic towns with charming weekly markets (Castillonnès’ is on a Tuesday morning, Miramont-de-Guyenne’s on a Monday). Close to Miramont-de-Guyenne is Lac du Saut du Loup for more attractive nature walks and fishing opportunities.
There are plenty of good walks in the area - the owner will give you a guide to some, as well as cycling routes (bike hire is available in the local village). Canoeing and kayaking is possible in Allemans-du-Dropt or along the Dordogne and Lot rivers.
Heading slightly north to the Dordogne department, nearby Eymet (9km) on the Dropt River is a picturesque 13th century bastide town with a wonderful Thursday morning market. Other unmissable villages to discover include Issigeac (20km), Villeréal (26km), Monflanquin (31km) and Monpazier (40km), all historic gems with beautiful houses, atmospheric markets and inviting restaurants.
Then there’s the vineyards around Duras (28km), Bergerac (30km) and beyond as well as the sweet wines of Château de Monbazillac just south of the Dordogne River. Wine connoisseurs may also wish to travel as far as Saint-Émilion (72km), a picture-perfect hilltop town with historic vineyards that have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Meanwhile, Bordeaux (120km) and its wineries are within two hours by car.
Food lovers will appreciate being so close to many markets in local villages and bastide towns across the Lot-et-Garonne, Gironde and Dordogne including those in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (37km), Marmande (32km) and Bergerac (35km) as well as Agen (63km), famed for its prunes steeped in Armagnac. Other delicious produce includes tomatoes, strawberries, asparagus, melons, walnuts, hazelnuts, truffles, cepes, ham and France’s famous foie gras.
