The Area
Further Afield
Chateaux
It isn't just the Loire region that has beautiful and interesting chateaux. We have our fair share too.
We are still exploring and have only visited a few but have information on many from the tourist offices. The chateaux we have seen so far include;
Le Chateau de Biron
This is actually within the Perigord region but still only an hour's drive. You can perhaps include a stop in the historic bastide town of Monflanquin along the way. It is possible (small entry charge) to have a guided tour of the chateau and there are two rather upmarket gift shops selling items made by local artisans plus an auberge.
The views of the surrounding countryside from the chateau walls are superb - which is possibly why Baron de Biron built the place!
Le Chateau de Bonaguil
The original castle was built during the reign of Louis IX but the present structure has mainly later additions.
The last part was finished around 1530 by Bérenger de Roquefeuil and was fortified to repel local insurrectionists rather than foreign invaders. It was built to withstand attack by the then new weapons, firearms.
But it survived unscathed until the Revolution when it suffered partial demolition by those seeking to get rid of the old order.
Le Chateau des Ducs - Duras
On the edge of our region and where the land flattens towards the western Gironde region, the chateau dominates the surrounding landscape.
Combine your visit with wine tasting at one or more of the local producers.
Chateau Henri IV - Nerac
We have only viewed this from a distance but plan to visit this spring as it is only a short drive and the town looks particularly interesting.
Nerac is on the River Baise and there are boats for hire and larger cruise vessels in which to explore approximately 65 km of waterway.
Plus ---- many, many more
