Whichever way you turn, you will find vineyards orchards of peaches nectarines, apples, plums and pears and in the Spring an abundance of asparagus; you will feel you are every much a part of a thriving community. Every day there is a local market within a 45 minute drive with farmers selling delicious seasonal produce, local craftsmen selling their wears which is a great opportunity to get a sense of French country living.
Both Monsegur and Duras are our local towns. They have a wide selection of shops including good general stores, butchers, bakers, pharmacies and plenty of bars and restaurants, as well as weekly, markets. In July and August both towns hosts lively night markets where you select your meal from various stalls and then sit down at large shared tables. Indeed all the small surrounding villages enjoy some form of celebration during the summer months.
The house is an ideal base from which to explore the valley of the Dordogne or to Journey to the Atlantic coast, to Arcachon or Biscarosse with their huge sand dunes, beaches and wonderful seafood restaurants. And for those interested in viniculture, just half an hours drive will take you to St Emillion, and it's only an hour to the Medoc or to Graves. In fact the entire area abounds in Chateaux and vineyards.
The closest International airports are Bordeaux and Bergerac which can be reached comfortably within the hour. If flight availability isn’t great Toulouse airport has been used as another destination with approximately two to two and a half hours drive.
From Bordeaux Airport
British Airways and Easy Jet fly into Bordeaux from London Gatwick
From Bergerac Airport
Flybe, Ryan Air and other airlines operate from Belfast City, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton, Leeds, London - Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle and many more.
We have got some great car hire offers with car hire 3000.
Ferry Ports
St Malo is the most convenient Ferry port with a 6 hour drive due South. Also Caen or Cherbourg are alternative routes with speed crossings in the high season.
You can also get the shorter crossing from Dover with the euro tunnel but it does make it a longer 10 hour drive.
If you take advantage of the cheaper flights and you arrive a day or two earlier than your booking then here are a few suggestions for you to do.
The Monseg in Monsegur have tastfully renovated rooms on the town square and run a lovely B&B at 55 euros a night per room. They have enough rooms for two families and each room has it’s own charm.
Reservations:
Laure or Jean - Michel + 33 (0)5 56 61 63 85
lemonseg@orange.fr
Alternatively you can try Pat or Michel Dubot at La Grange in Dieulivol. They also have a swimming pool for your use.
Reservations:
micheldubot@orange.fr +33 (0)5 56 71 37 21
For your evening meal in Monsegur you have some great choices. La Barrique et la Fillete where you will have amazing tapas with a fine selections of wine. The Dolce with good Italian cooking. The Epicerie Central for share plates and sumptuous salads or La Piece de Boeuf for a good and well loved French steak!
If you are arriving early and as our arrival time is 4pm on our changeover days here are a few of the local market days with our recommendations for a delicious lunch as an idea to fill your day.
Friday:
Monsegur - La Barrique et la Fillete - 0953254302
Saturday:
La Reole, - Aux Fontaines - 05 56 61 15 25
Bergerac - La Tour - 05 53 58 30 10
Sunday:
Issegeac - Chez Alain - 05 53 58 06 03
Getting to us