Activities in the Area

Activities in the Area

There are many activities in the area that you could pursue whilst staying at 'Le Beuil'. These include:-

VISITING VINEYARDS

The wines in the Bergerac region are world-renowned and may be sampled from Vineyards close by. One of the most famous wine-producing Chateaux in the region is ‘Monbazillac’. There is a wine trail in the area, 'Route des Vins', that combines all the wine producers.

VISITING CHATEAUX

There are many famous Chateaux in the area including Chateau de Lanquais, Chateau de Losse, Chateau de Hautefort and Chateau de Castelnaud.

VISITING CAVES

To the east of the property lies Europe’s best preserved ancient cave dwellings and their associated paintings, many of which have only recently been discovered. Over the last 100,000 years the Dordogne and its tributaries have carved some spectacular river cliffs and rock formations. Over the last 50,000 years humans have exploited these in order to provide shelter and protection. As a result a number of complete villages have been built into these cliffs. The cliffs have also provided exceptional vantage points and over the centuries, communities and chateaux have been built (such as Dome and the Chateau de Belcome).

CANOEING

There is no better way to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Dordogne Valley and its tributaries than by hiring a canoe and paddling various distances, depending on how the mood takes you.

You will see some of the region’s most picturesque villages that in some of which have literally been carved out of the river cliffs.

BOAT TRIPS

If you wish to experience the tranquility of the region, but feel that canoeing is not for you, Boats trips are available as an alternative. These trips start from a number of locations along the Dordogne. An example is:

GABARES NORBERT

They offer trips on the Dordogne, in replicas of the 18^th Century and 19^th Century gabare boats, which were once a familiar sight on the river.

Available from the 1st of April to the first Sunday of November

Explore the Dordogne River in a traditional gabare boat and see five of the valley’s most beautiful castles. The boat will be powered by traditional methods for part of the trip (rowing), allowing passengers to enjoy the peace and quiet of the natural surroundings, and the sounds of the bird life on the river, such as black kites, kingfishers, ducks and herons.

The guides will provide a commentary on various aspects relating to the river, its history and its environment. These include:

The Middle Ages
The flora, fauna and ecosystem of the river
The life of river boatsmen in the past
Migratory fish in the river, such as salmon and shad.

GOLF

The nearest Golf Course is 'Chateau des Vigiers' which is only approximately 30 minutes away. It was designed by Donald Steel who is considered to be one of the very best 'natural' golf course architects. He created this unique 18-hole, par 72 course in its enthralling setting amidst plum trees, oak woods, lakes and vineyards. It is maintained as a holiday course with short rough, promoting quick play and accessibility for higher handicaps. However, the greens are frequently lightning fast and prove a test for any golfer. With strategic pin positions and longer rough, the course can be turned into a challenge for the best golfer. For more information on this course you can visit www.chateaudesvigiers.com.

There are also a number of other good golf course in the area that are available to play at. E.g Golf de Castelnaud

If you do not mind travelling approximately 2 1/2 hrs there are many famous course near the southwest coast of France. These include:

1) Golf du Medoc (Home of the French Open)

2) Golf de Pessac

3) Golf de Gujan-Mestras

4) Golf de Lacanau

5) Golf d'Arcachon

TENNIS

For the more energetic, tennis is available in a number of locations, all of which are within twenty minutes of the property. The closest location is

EYMET (10 minutes)

TENNIS MUNICIPAL DES MARGUERITES

TENNIS MUNICIPAL BRETOU

MARKETS

Food and wine are at the heart of the French culture and in this regard the Dordogne is no exception. The quality and variety of cuisine can be viewed at any local markets.

SHOPPING

One of the most enjoyable experiences for ladies is being able to go shopping to many classy, cultural and designer shops. The area does indeed provide opportunities for all of these. The best towns to visit for excellent shopping are Bergerac, Bordeaux and Arcachon.

THEME PARKS

One of France’s most popular theme parks, WALABI LAND, is situated near Agen, about 1½ hours from the property. It is great for children of all ages due to the variety of rides. The adults are also kept entertained with the more thrilling rides.

HORSERIDING

For those of you who want to experience the beauty of the surrounding countryside but from a slightly higher vantage point, why not go pony trekking and horse riding. A number of places offer a variety of activities to suit all standards.

CYCLING AND WALKING

The numerous networks of small and quiet country lanes provide excellent walking routes. The villages en route are ideal places to stop for a refreshing drink or snack.

Bikes can also be hired from the nearest towns which is an alternative way to explore the area.

MUSEUMS

There are a number of museums to visit in the area including:-

1) The Bergerac Tobacco Museum

2) Museum of the Velocipede (Bicycle)

3) Le Moulin de la Rouzique (An old mill)

BEACHES

In the Southwest of France, there is the Aquitaine region. It is called "the region of wide open spaces" because everything there is immense. Two hundred and fifty kilometres of fine sandy beaches, the largest lakes in France (Hourtin and Cazaux), the highest dune (Pyla), the biggest pine forest in Europe (the Landes) and the greatest vineyard of A.O.C. wines in the world (that of Bordeaux in the Gironde).

This Atlantic coastline provides some interesting water conditions for the swimmer, body boarder and surfer. Indeed Estagnots is a venue for many international surfing events.

Sea temperatures are not as warm as the Mediterranean coast, but this does not seem to deter children and adults alike, from enjoying the bathing.