Discovering
South-West France, Lot et Garonne. Activities and places of interest.
This
is a land of eventful history, featuring Richard the Lion Heart and Henry IV.
Many old stones still stand, silent witnesses of the region's historical
heritage. Discover the Gallo-Roman relics, romanesque churches, the
impressive castles, the old wash-houses...
Lot-et-Garonne
is known as "the Garden of France", the landscape is quite
unspoilt, nature and wildlife are preserved and agriculture is the main
activity. The surrounding colours are the ones of wheat and sunflower
fields, vineyards, and the deep green of the pine forest of the Landes de
Gascogne. It enjoys a very pleasant climate, mostly dry and sunny.
Damazan,
the market square
Medieval
Village of Clermont-Dessous
Clermont-Dessous
GASTRONOMY
On
January 31st 2008: celebration of the Bazas Beef
Now
we' re talking!
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 describtion 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, truffles, Cèpes mushrooms, prunes,
"gariguette" strawberries, sweet melons, asparagus,
Marmande tomatoes, Roquefort cheese.
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 (photo on the left).
We
also are in the country of Armagnac and Floc (local, Armagnac based aperitif).
PLACES
OF INTEREST
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.
View of
old town Nerac
The
fountain of Fleurette
Promenade along river Baïse
Henri IV's castle/museum
Bazas
(35
min drive)
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.
It
also is famous for its succulent, world
renowned beef.
Mezin
(40
min
drive)
Charming fortified
village, boasting the most beautiful church of the region. Mezin has
a very authentic, ancient feel to it. It was
the cork capital (museum on site). Great antiques market in
August.
Saint-Emilion
(1h30
drive)
Stunning medieval city, listed by
UNESCO as world heritage. A must-see for its location, its historical monuments, its
vineyards and numerous Grands Crus.
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.
Commented
excursion in a touristic train, among the most prestigious chateaux.
The
Atlantic Ocean coast
(1h30
drive)
Grab
a picnic and spend the day on the coast. Nature parks, water theme park,
and near Arcachon, you can see (and climb) the highest sand dune in
Europe: Grande Dune du Pyla, 107
m high. Breath-taking view from the top, on the ocean, Landes
forest, and even the Pyrénées mountains if the sky is clear enough.
ACTIVITIES
On
January 31st 2008: celebration of the Bazas Beef
From
April through to the end of October, many events and celebrations take
place locally: celebration of the Cadets de Gascogne on July 14th, Feria (bulls race,
etc...) of Casteljaloux on August 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th, Dog & Hunting
celebration on August 26th, candlelit visits
of the Malvirade Castle, and food celebrations as the asparagus day in
Fargues on April 15th, the
"Gargantuades" in Villefranche du Queyran on July 7th, the Bread/Wine/Cheese night in Casteljaloux, etc ... Most towns and villages have their
own celebration day with all sorts of games and events and the day ends
with a big banquet (generally a themed one like snails, sardines, paella,
BBQ ...)
There is plenty to do
and see. You will also be particularly busy if you like a bargain, as there are
"vide-greniers" (translate litterally "empty attics",
so bootfairs/fleemarkets) in nearby towns and villages several times a
week in the summer.
You
can also just relax, strolling round the picturesque little villages and
watching the world go by whilst sitting at a café's terrasse. But if you
are the active kind, you will find listed below the main local activities.
Swimming
You
can vary your swimming locations in Casteljaloux: the lake of Clarens
(photos above) and
its sandy beach, the thermal spa centre with its various heated pools and
finally the public open-air swimming pool (open from June to September) and its 4
pools (olympic, 25 metres, paddling and diving).
Casteljaloux
public swimming pool
Casteljaloux
public swimming pool
Golfing
The
South-West of France is the ideal place
for golfing, it has it all: beautiful settings, lovely weather and great
courses!
You
have a choice between the following 2 local courses. We will book it all
for you!
Also
surrounded by the Landes forests, this course is very hilly. You might see
deers or hares between the mature oak and willow trees. Magnificent
views of nearby villages, vineyards and forests.
Thermal
Spas
Casteljaloux
(10 min drive) springs have been renowned since 19th century for their effects on
anemia and rhumatisms and have received in 1995 the agreement from the Health Ministry.
The complex opened July 1st 2002 at the very location of the springs and
also offers a beauty and relaxation institute, as well as a water therapy
center.
The
Baths
This
water therapy center includes
interior and exterior heated swimming pools and 4 pavilions, each
introducing you to a specific approach of water therapy and relaxation,
combining giant jacuzzis, hammam, turkish baths, massage, sauna, japanese bath, etc...
The Institute
Relaxation
and anti-age treatments are available. This is pampering at its best. Care of
body, face, legs, feet, ... massages, cleansing, exfoliating, ... use of
essential oils, sea salt, seaweed, ... it is all happening there, for your
pleasure!
Hiking &
Biking
We
will happy to provide you with maps of the hiking and biking trails,
approved and maintained by the tourism authorities. It is a superb way to
discover the region. There are many "loop circuits" around here.
We do rent bikes and can provide you with picnic baskets.
Horse-Riding
There
are 2 riding centres within 15 min of the house. They organise rides in
the country, in the forest and outings in horse and carriage.
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...
Path
along the "Canal Lateral", ideal for a nice walk or for
biking
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