The Local Area.
This beautiful unspoiled area of South West France can be found between the rivers Lot and Dordogne, and provides a sense of freedom far away from the hustle and bustle of busy life. Steeped in history, the many charming hilltop villages and bastide towns nestle amongst the forests and farmland.
Lage is 4km from Villereal, a charming yet thriving bastide (fortified) town, with shops (including a large supermarket), restaurants, banks and a regular, busy market held under La Halle, the ancient wooden construction which is the focal point of the centre. (see www.francethisway.com click Dordogne – et voila!) |
| Eating Out: |
PIZZERIA MONTECRISTO,
BOIS DE MADAME,
BOURNEL, 47210,
Tel: +33 (5) 5336657 |
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| The lively morning market is held every Saturday (also Wednesday during the summer). Home-grown produce is sold, as well as household linen, local wine, croaking wooden frogs (!), clothes, hot paella or confit de canard to take away – need I go on? Every Monday evening in high season there is a local producer’s market where you can sample local delicacies (foie gras, garlic snails, farm cheese), local wine, and enjoy the free entertainment. This is highly recommended for all the family – French and visitors alike!
It is possible to visit a local market every day of the week, including many evenings during the holiday season. In addition to this, there are many popular annual festivals, usually in July and August, like the wine festival at Duras, tomato fete at Marmande, the music festical (bodega) at Villereal and at Castillonnes (just 7km from Lage). If you’re interested in ‘car boot sales’, and looking for that bargain to take home, the traditional and infamous brocantes are held frequently throughout the summer. Visit local tourist information web sites for more detailed information. www.villereal-tourisme.com www.castillonnestourisme.com www.eymetguide.com
There are vineyards nearby, including the St. Emilion and Bergerac regions, plus many less familiar but of equal quality. Look out for the roadside signs advertising wine tasting (degustation). We can recommend a couple of local “tried & tested”, but if you want to make a holiday of it, try “La route des vins”, the Bergerac Wine Trail.
The chateau at Montbazillac, famous for it’s sweet white wine, offers a guided tour for a small charge which includes a degustation (not only the sweet wine included). The chateau itself impressively overlooks the Valley and can be seen as you leave Bergerac airport heading towards Villenauve sur Lot.
Another not-to-miss chateau which is very near to Lage is chateau Biron. You have to see it to believe it! On a hot day, the comfortable coolness of the interior is very welcome.
There are two outdoor swimming pools nearby, at Castillonnes and Montflanquin, and also a safe, sandy beach at the freshwater lake at Lougratte, just 15 minutes away. There are others in the area, for example Parc en Ciel, nr Biron, which is more lively.
Perhaps a leisurely boat trip on the Dordogne at Bergerac is more to your taste. Afterwards you might like to soak up the atmosphere in one of the street cafes while enjoying lunch and a glass of wine!
If you’re feeling energetic there are bicycles available to traverse the numerous small roads that crisscross the locality. Take a packed lunch and just listen to the serenity of the countryside. More adrenalin-boosting activities can be found just ½ hrs. drive north to the Dordogne area, or alternatively south to the River Lot, again just 1//2 hr. Away.
We have put together a comprehensive folder of all the above activities and places to visit, and more! You will find this in the gite on your arrival, enabling you to look at your leisure throughout your holiday.
Bon vacances! |
