Montaut, Lot et Garonne, France
The Aquitaine region
The property is within a short drive of some of the most beautiful villages, vineyards and historic sites in South West France. Sprinkled amongst the breathtaking countryside, blanketed with sunflowers in the summer, are numerous ancient hilltop villages, linked by delightfully unspoilt country lanes. The principal towns of Bergerac and Villenueve-sur-Lot are within easy driving distance.
Montaut and the Surrounding Area
The property is located in rolling, open countryside near the village of Montaut (1 km), between Castillonnès (7km) and Villeréal (9km), where all amenities including supermarkets, shops, café bars and restaurants can be found
There are many places of historical interest well worth a visit. The local 13th century Bastide towns of Eymet, Issigeac, Monflanquin, Monpazier, Miramont-en-Guyenne, Villereal and beautiful villages of Lauzun, Issigiac, Pujols and Penne d’Agenais are all within an easy drive.
Delightful local markets exist in the villages all around (Villeréal Saturday, Castillonnès Tuesday, Issigeac Sunday, Monflanquin and Monpazier Thursday) , night markets, ‘Bodegas’ (night music festivals), medieval fetes and horse chariot racing
Vineyards are plentiful in the region because of its long hot summers e.g. the stunning Chateau Monbazillac and other Bergerac appellations are within an easy 25 minute drive with a friendly staff enjoyable tasting, or ‘degustation’, guaranteed at the end.
Bergerac is about 34 km north, and Villeneuve-Sur-Lot 30 km to the south. Both these larger towns have good shopping facilities, superb restaurants and weekly street markets.
There is great swimming in the nearby lake in Lougratte (4 km). This lake has a small beach, pedalos, canoes etc and is very popular. You can picnic on the grass or under the trees.
There is golf available 20 minutes away at the 18 hole championship course of Villeneuve-sur-Lot (which is actually at Castelnaud) with its stunning clubhouse. There is also a 9 hole course at Tombeboeuf, which is 20 minutes away and an 18 hole course at the magnificent Chateau Vigiers, 40 minutes away.
Tennis may be played at St Vivien, 4km away.
There is a wonderful old cinema in Castillonnès showing English language versions of recent films.
The Dordogne River (about 30-45 minute drive) is very good for fishing, canoeing and other activities. There are also many local facilities for riding and walking.
There are many interesting places to visit a little further afield e.g. the renowned prehistoric sites in the eastern Dordogne (e.g. cave paintings at Lascaux). There are also the very pretty towns of Sarlat, Domme and Roque Gageac.
The surf beaches of the Atlantic coast are within 2 hours, and the mountain scenery of the Pyrenees is two and a half hours away.
