Living in the South West tip of the Lot et Garonne close to the Chateau town of Duras with
the famous castle of the Dukes of Duras watching over its rolling landscapes of vineyards,
orchards and sunflower fields, vibrant, colourful, open air markets and where local produce
and gourmet cuisine contribute to the gastronomic reputation of this area, is a lifestyle that
is here for everyone to enjoy.
This region often described as a “French Tuscany” with its heritage of generous agricultural
and organic produce together with its long hot summers from May to October means sitting
around a table eating, drinking, sharing laughter and conviviality with friends, family and
neighbours is a normal way of life here. Enjoy a beautiful red, rose, mellow or dry wine from
the local Cotes de Duras appellation or one of the fine wines from Bordeaux produced over
many centuries and regarded as the world capital of wine.
And how can we possibly talk about the South West of France without mentioning a culinary
speciality of the region ... duck confit and magret de canard (leg and breast of duck) having
the meatiness of steak with the character of game. The Lot-et-Garonne is a heaven for
strawberry lovers notably the sweet and aromatic Garriguette, a key area in the production
of the delicious “La Noisette” (hazelnut) as well as asparagus, courgettes, green beans.
melons and so much more. The famous Agen Prune harvested at the end of summer can be
eaten or dried, added to sweet, salty or savoury dishes, used in desserts such as the
“tourtiere aux pruneaux” (prune tart) or soaked in brandy. The Marmande tomato, juicy and
sugary with a distinct flavour can be found in the markets at the beginning of summer.
From Duras, 45 minutes to the west, the UNESCO registered beautiful medieval village of
Saint Emilion invites you to take in the cobbled streets, chateaus and guided wine tours. In
just over an hour you are in the beautiful and chic city of Bordeaux with it’s vibrant life,
lively cafes, restaurants, historic monuments and shopping. Book an opera or ballet concert,
wet your feet in the Miroir d’eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool, walk or cycle on the
4.4km promenade which hosts events and festivals in the summer. Shop and dine at the
busy Chartrons market, visit the Cite du Vin, the wine museum of Bordeaux ... and so much
more. In less than 2 hours to the west the beautiful beaches of Arcachon famous for its
oyster restaurants, covered market and the largest sand dune in Europe beckon.
Travelling east, there are some beautiful bastide towns to visit including Montflanquin,
Villereal, and the in the neighbouring Dordogne, the bastides of Domme, Eymet, Monpazier
and Villfranche du Perigord. To the south Montepazat, Vianne and Puymirol.Let your eyes feast upon the produce offered at the Friday farmers market 2-6pm at Saint
Sernin 4 miles (7km) and the unmissable Sunday market in the charming medieval village of
Issigeac 26 miles (42km). The traditional year round markets of the South West region of
France are typically held on different days of the week in neighbouring villages. Visit local
and seasonal Brocantes, Vide Greniers, Christmas markets, artists exhibitions and many
varied music events typically organised each year.
The tourist attractions of the Lot et Garonne are numerous, a place of castles and bastides,
and rural and waterway activities to enjoy, including walking, cycling, canoeing, rugby and of
course the French sport of petanque! The bustling night markets and gourmet evenings held
in the summer months of July and August in Duras, Levignac de Guyenne, La Sauvetat du
Dropt, Eymet, Monbazillac, Monsegur and Sunday lunch taken at Soumensac are a food
lovers paradise!
Duras is well served with commerce including a bank, boulangeries, butcher, supermarket,
restaurants, bars, delicatessen, gift shops, café’s, a garden centre, organic food, wine and
chocolate producers! There are primary and secondary schools, a vet, multidisciplinary
health centre, an osteopath, insurance brokers, hairdressers, building supplies merchant
and much more. There is a cosmopolitan and friendly feel to this area with French, English,
German, Belgian, Swiss and American nationalities to name but a few living in the town and
surrounding villages.
This area of the Nouvelle Aquitaine region is very well connected to Bergerac airport (only
40 minutes -25 miles/40km), to Bordeaux airport (75 minutes - 64 miles/104km) and to
Libourne (31 miles / 50km) where you can catch the high-speed TGV train and be in Paris in
3 hours! So, whether your interest is history, an architecture fanatic, a lover of nature or the
great outdoors, an epicurean at heart devoted to sensual enjoyment from appreciating fine
food and wine, the Lot et Garonne region is for you and will bring you a cocktail of
unforgettable sensations!
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