The Region

To do in the area!

Chateau Barayre dates from the 12th century, the heyday of this region when the front line between the French and the English during the 100-year war was right here. In 1204, then Pope Clement de IV even spent a few nights at Chateau Barayre! The picturesque bastide towns and many castles also date from this period. The region is nicknamed the Tuscany of France: a romantic rolling landscape with rich nature. There are plenty of fantastic hiking and MTB routes directly from the site. It is the region of the good life, with a long spring and autumn, no fewer than 13 AOC wines and the number one organic region of France.

Culture & History

The Lot-en-Garonne is often nicknamed the "Tuscany of France"; medieval towns, sunflower fields, nut orchards and quiet roads over rolling hills. During the Hundred Years War between the French and the English, this area formed a battle zone for a couple of generations. An impressive number of castles and bastide villages such as Monflanquain (8 km), Monpazier (10 km) and Issegeac (15 km) date from this time, as well as Chateau de Biron which is towering high above the surroundings. These towns and many other smaller villages in the region belong to the "Plus-Beaux Villages Français". There are also many caves to visit in the area, including the world-famous caves of Lascaux and various prehistoric settlements.

  • Visit on of the nearby bastide villages Monflanquin, Villereal, Monpazier, Issigeac. They’re all part of the 157 Plus Beaux Villages de France.

  • Drive a little further to see Penne d’Agenais, Domme, Belves or Sarlat.

  • Understand more about the magical history of this region full of castles at Musee des Bastides or in a theatrical history tour with Janouille la Vadrouille

  • Discover the world famous caves of Lascaux or the nearby caves of Maxange

  • Visit a castle. Biron, the largest castle of Southern France. Chateau Bridoire, the most playfull castle of France. Chateau Bonaguil, the most magical. Or Gavaudun, the most spectacularly located castle. To name just a few…

  • Check dinosaur traces in XXX.

  • Visit Beaumont on wednesdays for the best weekly brocante of the region.

  • Visit one of the many cultural festivals

  • Grab your sword and visit one of the plentifull medieval festivals.

Active holidays

What's nicer than to explore the area in an active way? The beautiful rolling landscapes have a lot to offer for all cyclists. Mountain biking is extremely popular here. When it gets to hot, rest on a terrace in one of the many beautiful medieval villages. Hikers and runners can also enjoy themselves. Throughout the region there are many beautiful routes through the middle of the woods, across farmlands and hidden domains. Several routes depart directly from the castle. We also like to go out for a run or cycle so ask us for the best tips! Furthermore, there is much to do at a short distance. Canoeing is fantastic on the Dordogne. There are several golf courses in the area (9 and 18 holes, also without licence). For children there are a climbing forest and water park nearby. On arrival there is a folder with all kinds of information with mo to-do's in the area .

  • Explore the area running or hiking. Straigth from our terrain or follow one of the routes from XXX.

  • Make the most marvellous cannoeing trips along castles and beautiful nature on the Lot, Dordogne or Vezere.

  • Go climbing in Parc en Ciel. They have no less than 7 routes for young ones from 5 years until sporty daddy’s.

  • Keep yourself fresh bathing in on one of the beaches along the Dordogne river.

  • Put some balls on one of the nearby golf courses.

  • Tennis

  • Work on your running technique by a training with your host Jaap Klaarenbeek or participate in a local trail run.

  • Go wall climbing at Gavaudun.

  • Hire an electric bike at XXX

  • Horse riding

Gastronomy

In France, life revolves around food. The heart of gourmets will beat faster when seeing all the fresh products on lokal markets. Every day of the week one can find a market in one the surrounding villages. From June to September evening markets are the place to go. Local delicacies are sold to be eaten on the spot along long tables with many local residents and graced with live music! There are also plenty of places where you can buy directly from the farmer, one of Rachna's favorite pastimes. Ask her where to go. 

We are surrounded by famous wine regions Bergerac, Cahors and Duras. Fancy a tasting? We are happy to show you the way to the vineyard that fits your tastes. In addition to delicious wine, Cahors is also the most famous place for truffles in France.

  • Visit one evening of the plentyfull evening markets.

  • Do like the French and collect your groceries at one of the local markets. Find one every day in this schedule.

  • Ask us to do a wine tasting. We are happy to take you through our cave which contains a marvellous selection of nature wines. Go for a wine tasting on a nearby wine farm. Or invite Tim & Frederique, the local experts nature wine for a specialists tasting.

  • Visit Cahors for the truffle museum or try your luck searching truffels yourself.

  • Take a private wine tour through the Cahors region in a Deux Chevaux!

  • Chateau Monbazillac

  • Musee du Foie Grass.