Maison Mansonville

Auvillar

Valence d'Agen

Base de Loisirs, St Clar

La Chapelle St Joseph, Toulouse

Bordeaux

Local area

Visit some of the most beautiful villages in France, the medieval villages/small towns of Auvillar, Lectoure, Fleurance and Lauzerte, to mention just a few. Take a day trip to the fortified village of Cordes-sur-ciel or the fabulous walled city of Carcasonne (2 hours), or - closer by - Auch, the home of D'Artagnan. Montauban (about 35 kilometres or less than 30 minutes on the autoroute) is the 'Florence of the Southwest'. And the city of Toulouse (about 90 kilometres or 1 hour to the centre) often referred to as ‘la ville rose’ due to the colour of the granite buildings in the old town, provides plenty to see and do including the Ingrès museum and other galleries, the Cité de l'Espace (space city) and Airbus Industries (the birth place of the new A380), and numerous restaurants.

Why not take a trip down the Tarn, the Garonne or the Canal du Midi or visit Moissac (about 25 kilometres or 30 minutes) and its Romanesque cloisters. There are many festivals and events, including garlic and wine festival, music and theatre events as well as medieval and craft festivals.

While there is a file of information in the house, it is well worth checking out one or more of the Office de Tourisme in the local towns – particularly Valence d’Agen, Auvillar or Lectoure.

* Auvillar (8 kilometres/10 minutes) – bastide village overlooking the river Garonne.  Officially designated 'one of the most beautiful villages in France', it boasts a Sunday farmers' market. It also has a number of excellent restaurants to suit broad tastes and budgets. A personal favourite is 'Le Baladin'. There are pleasant marked walks around the village. On the way to Auvillar you also pass the small village of Bardigues, which contains a haute cuisine restaurant for those special occasions (although the lunchtime 'formule' is superb value).

* Valence d'Agen (10 kilometres/10 minutes) - historic small town on the Canal des Deux Mers, boasting rare 'lavoirs'(!).  On Tuesdays there is a bustling 'national' market – well worth a visit for colour and life alone. There are two well-stocked supermarkets (Casino and Intermarché) and shops of many kinds, as well as a number of good restaurants, including an excellent pizzeria ('La Gavotte')in the centre of town and another, 'La Mamma', on the road out of town towards Cahors.

* Donzac (12 kilometres/15 minutes) – good 'caves' to sample excellent inexpensive wines from Côtes du Brulhois, the local 'appellation' (wine label).

* St Nicholas-de-la-Grave (15 kilometres/20 minutes) – an old picturesque village with water sports complex/Base de Loisirs nearby. This base provide excellent walking, as well as an open-air swimming pool, and water sports activities on the expansive basin where Tarn and Garonne meet. There are canoes, sailing boats and pedaloes for hire as well as a children's play area.

* Dunes (10 kilometres/15 minutes) – sleepy 13th century bastide village in the heart of local vineyards and fruit orchards. Great cycling destination – gently undulating route.

* Moissac (25 kilometres/30 minutes) – famous for its cloisters and abbey. There's a weekend market and charming canal, excellent both for walks and undemanding cycling.

* Agen (35 kilometres/30 minutes) - large town on the River Garonne, even boasting department stores. Agen has plenty of charm, sites and restaurants. Not far from the town is Parc Walabi, a theme park for the children. The rail station offers TGV link to Paris and beyond. On the outskirts is a retail park at Boé.

* Cahors (65 kilometres/75 minutes) – the Lot valley offers spectacular views, river trips and the famous 13th century Valente Bridge. Cahors is renowned for its excellent wine.

* Toulouse (90 kilometres/1 hour) – visit the Space Centre and Airbus factory tour.  Explore the city centre on the new driverless tram system, or even Vélib. There is plenty to see in this picturesque city - France's fourth largest. Favourite spots include the cathedral on the Garonne, the magnificent Place du Capitole, amongst a number of charming squares; in fact every corner brings a new sight, not to mention the wide selection of shops, markets and restaurants.

* Carcassonne (180 km /2 hours) – photogenic walled medieval city with enormous restored castle and port. It also boasts good restaurants and shops. Worth the trip along the autoroute.

* Bordeaux (160 km/90 minutes) – large city listed as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites, boasting grand architecture, culture and commerce. Nearby is Arcachon, recommended for good Atlantic beaches.

* The Pyrenees – (about 2 hours away). It's an easy journey to the foothills – especially recommended for excellent walking is the Cirque de Gavarnie. Tarbes and Lourdes are also places to visit en route.

Summary highlights

Nearest beach:
Saint Clar 20 km (25 mins) – Base de Loisirs / Lake beach
Arcachon 220 km (2 hrs)

Other attractions:
Cahors 85 km (80 mins)
Albi 160 km (90 mins)
Carcassonne 180 km (1hr 45 mins) 
Pyrénées (Cirque de Gavarnie) 180 km (2hrs 45 mins)