The ‘Entre Deux Mers’ wine label of the area refers to the two great rivers to the North and South of the Gironde, the Dordogne and Garonne. Both are within easy reach, providing exciting and interesting boat trips through the lower gorges and ancient riverside hamlets. Amongst the un-missable sights along the river Dordogne are the castles at Montfort, Beynac and Castelnaud and the chateau of Monbazillac with its fairytail architecture.
Bergerac, Buzet, Cahors, Duras, Medoc, Monbazillac, Pomerol and St Emillion, the world renowned names roll off the tongue, as does the fine wine produced in these areas. The gastronomic tour continues with the local specialities such as, Fois Gras, Truffles, Cêpes mushrooms, Cassoulet and Confits of ‘Canard et Porc’. Especially famous are the ‘Pruneaux d’Agen’ with all varieties of local recipes utilising the ubiquitous oven-dried plum, so beloved by Frenchmen (and Women) since Roman times.
To the South stand the majestic Pyrenees, rising to 11,000 ft, the natural barrier between France and Spain. Two hours drive and you have the ski slopes in winter and impressive mountain walks in summer, a naturalist’s delight. Further afield, to the East, are the stunning gorges of the rivers Tarn and Lot, cut over centuries into the plateau of the Central Massif. The towns of Cahors, Villeneuve sur Lot, Rocamadour and Le Puy all beckon with their individual characters and settings amidst rivers, rocky cliffs and volcanic cones respectively.
Other Activities:
Wine tasting, canoeing