Interesting Places near Les Fontenelles in the Dordogne

GITES AVAILABILITY FACILITIES TRAVEL ACTIVITY.BREAKS PHOTOS DIARY HOME GUEST BOOK	Some Interesting Places Nearby
	LES FONTENELLES is situated in rolling countryside near to the town of Bergerac.
		It is ideally placed for tourist visits to both the magnificent valleys of the Dordogne and the Lot rivers. There are numerous walks along quiet country lanes and bicycling, on the bicycles provided, is a joy. Further afield are the majestic chateaux of the two rivers and of course, this is also one of France's leading wine growing areas. Did I mention, Truffles, Cepes, Foie Gras, Confit de Canard, Walnuts, Prunes??

	ISSIGEAC	ISSIGEAC is a medieval village within walking distance (less than 5 Kms) of Les Fontenelles. It's narrow streets and old buildings make it a haven for photographers whilst it's lively markets attract everybody.
	CASTILLONNES	CASTILLONNES is a bastide town with a beautiful market square, lying just 5 kms to the south of Les Fontenelles. Bastide towns were built in the 12th and 13th centuries to a military plan and many of the them survive to this day.
	VILLEREAL	Villereal is a bastide town in Lot et Garonne. The village centres around it’s rare 13th century Market Hall and square with shops and cafes and lively markets. The cafes, both in the square and surrounding area are always favourite places for locals and tourists alike
	BERGERAC	BERGERAC is the largest town in the Perigord Poupre region. The region is apparently named after the rich purple grapes which grow abundantly here. It has a very nice "old town" and pleasant walks along the River Dordogne.
	VILLENEUVE SUR LOT	Built in the 12th century under the instructions of Alphonse de Poitiers, the bastide of Villeneuve-sur-Lot is stilll an impressive town today. With narrow lanes and old buildings lying behind the banks of the Lot, the town manages to blend the history of it's past with the needs of today
	PERIGEUX
	SARLAT	Capital of Black Périgord, Sarlat is an exceptionally preserved city. More than 1.000 years of architecture live through the narrow lanes and buildings. The city of Sarlat was founded in the 8th century and today, the number of buildings of historical importance still existing make it one of the leading heritage sites in Europe.
	DORDOGNE VALLEY
	LOT VALLEY

Some Things to Do

CYCLING With two bicycles provided at the gite and the wealth of local historic towns within easy striking distance, why not soak up the sun and enjoy a leisurely cycle ride before sitting in a pavement cafe and watching the world pass you by.

WALKING There are miles of beautiful quiet lanes starting right ourtside the gite door.    Put on your rambling boots and wander the lanes, taking in the beautiful scents and sounds of rural France.     The weather here is different and you will find flora and fauna that are different to those you are used to.     Orchids grow wild,.    Wild Boar and Deer wander free. Hares and red squirrels are frequently found.

SWIMMING Of course, there is a lovely pool and large sun deck right here in the gardens of the gite.     However, if you are looking for something a little larger, there is a public swimming pool just down the road.    Castillonnes is 7 kms to the south and has a great sports facility with pool.

FISHING There are both River and Lake fishing within easy striking distance of the gite.   All people fishing must hold a license, but I can help you obtain that.    There is a holidaymakers license valid for 7 days or an annual permit.    The permits are valid across France, so if you are planning to come back, or fish some where else in France, the annual license may be better for you.
The permit requires a passport sized photo and MUST be carried on you at all times when fishing.

WINE TASTING The gite is located within the Bergerac AOC and is surrounded by working vinyards.     Indeed, one local vinyard, which makes a very nice red and an exceptional "moelleux" backs right onto our land.
If you are interested in learning a bit more about French wine, or just tasting the local "brew" then I am happy to arrange a visit to a local vintner during your stay.    I'll try and include a tour of the vinyard and the "chai" as well as a tasting.    To help, I will drive you to the tasting and, if you need it, help along with the translations.

And Just a Few Local Markets
This part of France is renowned, amongst other things, for it's wealth of Markets and Night Markets.    Every housewife will buy her fresh fruit and vegetables at the weekly market in whichever town she frequents.    There are markets near here every single day of the week, so take in at least one and see the variety of fruit, produce,wine, crafts and everything else on offer.
During the summer months, many local towns hold night markets.     Here, the farmers bring along their produce to sell, but, rather than just sell it to you, they cook it in their own way and offer you a plate.   You just draw up a chair to one of the many tables provided and eat your chosen fare whilst enjoying conversation with your table partners.     These are great fun!

DAYTIME MARKETS

MONDAY Duras
Cancon
Miramont de Guyenne

TUESDAY Castillonnes
Beaumont
Villeneuve sur Lot
WEDNESDAY Sarlat
Bergerac
Villeneuve Sur Lot
Casseneuil
THURSDAY Lalinde
Monflanquin
Monpazier
Eymet

FRIDAY Saint Livrade
Monsegur(33)
Marmande (Organic)
Bouniagues
SATURDAY Lauzun
Villereal
Beaumont
Villeneuve sur Lot
Sarlat
SUNDAY Issigeac
Monflanquin
Pujols

Ian Holden

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CYCLING	With two bicycles provided at the gite and the wealth of local historic towns within easy striking distance, why not soak up the sun and enjoy a leisurely cycle ride before sitting in a pavement cafe and watching the world pass you by.
WALKING	There are miles of beautiful quiet lanes starting right ourtside the gite door. Put on your rambling boots and wander the lanes, taking in the beautiful scents and sounds of rural France. The weather here is different and you will find flora and fauna that are different to those you are used to. Orchids grow wild,. Wild Boar and Deer wander free. Hares and red squirrels are frequently found.
SWIMMING	Of course, there is a lovely pool and large sun deck right here in the gardens of the gite. However, if you are looking for something a little larger, there is a public swimming pool just down the road. Castillonnes is 7 kms to the south and has a great sports facility with pool.
FISHING	There are both River and Lake fishing within easy striking distance of the gite. All people fishing must hold a license, but I can help you obtain that. There is a holidaymakers license valid for 7 days or an annual permit. The permits are valid across France, so if you are planning to come back, or fish some where else in France, the annual license may be better for you. The permit requires a passport sized photo and MUST be carried on you at all times when fishing.
WINE TASTING	The gite is located within the Bergerac AOC and is surrounded by working vinyards. Indeed, one local vinyard, which makes a very nice red and an exceptional "moelleux" backs right onto our land. If you are interested in learning a bit more about French wine, or just tasting the local "brew" then I am happy to arrange a visit to a local vintner during your stay. I'll try and include a tour of the vinyard and the "chai" as well as a tasting. To help, I will drive you to the tasting and, if you need it, help along with the translations.

MONDAY	Duras Cancon Miramont de Guyenne
TUESDAY	Castillonnes Beaumont Villeneuve sur Lot
WEDNESDAY	Sarlat Bergerac Villeneuve Sur Lot Casseneuil
THURSDAY	Lalinde Monflanquin Monpazier Eymet
FRIDAY	Saint Livrade Monsegur(33) Marmande (Organic) Bouniagues
SATURDAY	Lauzun Villereal Beaumont Villeneuve sur Lot Sarlat
SUNDAY	Issigeac Monflanquin Pujols