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THE COTES DE DURAS was one of the first wine producing areas of France to be awarded AOC status and you can sample the light but fruity reds and crisp dry whites by visiting some of the 50 or so growers. We are also close to the Cotes de Bergerac, Entre Deux Mers and Cotes de Marmandais as well as being within easy reach of St. Emilion and the other Bordeaux regions. THE CUISINE of S.W. France is justly renowned and consists of more than just the expensive foie gras and truffles. Restaurants and bars offering 4 or 5 course meals with wine for around 11 euros represent astonishing value for money while for 20 euros and more you can enjoy superb menus gastronomiques. THE RICH AND FERTILE COUNTRYSIDE is crossed by many rivers, the most famous and beautiful being the Dordogne, the Lot and the Garonne. There are vineyards and orchards in abundance, the latter often devoted to producing the famous pruneaux d'Agen while everywhere you are reminded of the historical importance of a region that provided the backcloth to much of the 100 Years War which left as its legacy many fine mediaeval chateaux and the 'bastides' or fortified market towns several of which, for example, Eymet and Monpazier remaining largely as they were created 600 years ago. "This entire valley is so full of vineyards, flowered
meadows, cultivated fields, fruit tree plantations deliciously
shaded by hedges, watered by springs, crossed by streams, rich in
harvests, that their owners seem to have had a vision of paradise".
MEMORABLE DAY TRIPS would include a visit to the Vezere valley to see the cave paintings at Lascaux as well as the other caverns and prehistoric cliff dwellings; the historic and romantic mediaeval chateaux of the Dordogne; the long sandy beaches and inland lakes of the Atlantic coast between Bordeaux and the Spanish border and, of course, Bordeaux itself and its vineyards. THE LOCAL PEOPLE are invariably welcoming and helpful, adding to the charm and delights of a corner of France that most visitors find irresistible.
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