Location: Tarn-et-Garonne in France
Car: necessary
'Barreau' is in the far northwest corner of the Tarn-et-Garonne department. It is a rural area of farms, vineyards, orchards and forests and is home to some of France's greatest culinary treasures, such as truffles, foie gras, pâté, cèpes and game. Among the richest farmland in France, this area produces an endless variety of grains, vegetables and fruits. Lavender and sunflowers grow effortlessly in the area. The famous 'Black Wine' of Cahors is the local beverage. Montaigu-de-Quercy is 8 minutes away, a small town with enough shops to provide the basic necessities: supermarket, hardware, baker, pharmacy, hairdresser, police, fire as well as a large man-made lake with a beach and water sports. The region offers many lovely hamlets, villages, churches and museums to explore. St-Cirq-Lapopie (one of the most beautiful villages in France), Rocamadour (built on sheer cliffs), Carcassonne, the Pyrenees and the most famous prehistoric caves at Lascaux are all day trips from Barreau.