This is a serious matter. People of the Lot et Garonne (and the south west in general) love their food, and love it traditional. The local cuisine is probably the most diverse in France, as it was influenced by the nearby cuisines of the Basque country, Perigord, Limousin, Languedoc, Pyrénées mountains, Atlantic coast...

The closest to an accurate description of the local food is a hearty, peasant food, incredibly tasty, beautiful for its simplicity, satisfying, interesting and honest, without compromise.

It is known as the land of the geese, the fat ducks and their foie gras. But it is also the land of game, Cèpes mushrooms, prunes, "gariguette" strawberries, sweet melons, asparagus, Marmande tomatoes.

Local markets are exceptional with the abundance, variety and quality of the produce. They are so lively, and the traders care about their food very much. It is such a pleasure to walk round, smell, feel, and even taste the food. 

On the wine side, this is the region of Buzet, Côtes du Marmandais, Côtes de Duras, Côtes du Brulhois, Vin de Pays du Lot-et-Garonne, Vin de Pays de l'Agenais.

The first vines of Buzet are about half a mile away from our house.

We also are in the country of Armagnac and Floc (local, Armagnac based aperitif).

The "Bastides"

These fortified towns were built in the shape of a square, surrounded by arcades, and a web of narrow streets off the square. As opposed to most other towns that were built around a church, the bastide's central square was dedicated to the market, the arcades all around were used by the traders in case of bad weather. The four strong walls around the town were making it a fortress, pretty essential feature in those times of war (13th and 14th centuries mainly).

Near our house are the following: Villefranche du Queyran (2 min drive), Damazan (10 min drive), Vianne (20 min drive), Bazas (35 min drive). The best preserved bastide (almost intact) is probably Vianne, which during the entire summer hosts a nocturnal market every Friday, where all restaurants serve food on the streets.

Casteljaloux

(8 min drive)

Was one of the 4 capitals of the region. It is bordered by the Landes forest, and remains a pretty market town although most of the historical features have disappeared. The picture on the right shows the public gardens, with "the Castle" as they call it here. Discover the charming "Maison du Roy" (used by the office of tourism), the impressive church "Notre Dame" and the original 15th century "colombages" (timber, stone and bricks façades) as you wander down the narrow back alleys. 

Spend a day on the beach at the lake of Clarens, enjoy the colourful farmers market (Tuesdays and Saturdays).

Nerac

(25 min drive)

This beautiful town became the capital of the (Navarre) region in the 16th century, under the influence of the royal family of Albret. Base of the loved Henri IV and the queen Margot, city of plenty, the centre of culture, arts and politics, it was known as the "Athens of Gascony" because of its quality of life. 

Nérac is surrounded by the vineyards of Buzet and river Baïse runs through it. Nicely preserved and maintained, a walk through the old town takes you back in time. It was also the setting of the film "Chocolat".

Take a stroll in the Royal parc of la Garenne, visit the remaining wing of Henry IV's castle (now museum), the Imaginary Castle, the fortified Four-Towers Mill in nearby Barbaste, or go for a cruise on the river. 

Henri IV's castle/museum

Two thousand year-old city, with its beautiful listed Saint Jean Baptiste cathedral, old town's square (surrounded by arches), city walls, gardens of "le Chapitre", archeological sites and Sultan's garden. 
Bazas has been a fortress until the end of 16th century.

Impressive churches, the cloister of the  Cordeliers, the monk Emilion's cave, the Catacombs, the Trinity  Chapel, the city walls, the ruins of the Cardinal palace.

Family outings

Walibi fun park, 30 min drive, near Agen.

Landes Forest, from 3 miles away from our house. Hiking trails.

Lake of Clarens, in Casteljaloux (10 min drive), with sand beach and activities: climbing frames, pedalos, windsurf, swings, giant water slide, fishing, tennis court, crazy golf. 

Château Imaginaire in Barbaste, 20 min drive.

Biking or walking along the "canal latéral". Shaded path along the canal. Very picturesque, and quiet. 10 min drive. See picture on the right.

Park of la Garenne, in Nerac (25 min drive). Shaded mature park along the river. Games for children (climbing frames, swings and slides).

Boat rentals, 20 min drive away, from Buzet or Fourques sur Garonne, by the hour, half-day or whole day (no licence needed).

Bordeaux, 1 hour drive. 

Atlantic coast, 1h30 drive. Water theme fun park, natural reserve bird sanctuary...