| The surrounding countryside is largely unspoilt, primarily agricultural with spectacular views. Many of the local towns and villages seem relatively unchanged since they were built centuries ago. There are many chateaux that are worth visiting and a number of important pre-historic sites. The river valleys of the Dordogne and Lot are easily reached from the house and offer boat trips and canoe hire.
Nearby are several lakes with sandy beaches for swimming, sailing and windsurfing. Tennis courts, horse riding and several golf courses are all within easy reach of the house.
The area is renowned throughout France for its traditional cuisine and good value meals. The restaurants are excellent, ranging from those recommended by the major Guides to local family-run establishments still offering a full three or four course menu with wine for around 12 euros. | | Local shops and markets offer a mouth-watering variety of fresh food and regional delicacies.
Lauzun has a good boulangerie, butcher, small supermarket, pharmacy, bank and post office. Eymet, Miramont and Castillonnes all have a good range of shops and wonderful weekly markets. Bergerac and Marmande have more cosmopolitan shops and excellent hypermarkets.
The house is close to the Bergerac, Duras and Marmandais wine-growing areas and the vineyards of Bordeaux are not far away. Most growers welcome visitors for tastings and will sell wine direct.
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