This is a quick guide to some of the many places of interest near to my bed and breakfast and some suggestions for some places to visit a bit further afield, as a day trip. Naturally, I have a well stocked library of leaflets and brochures for you to browse through, together with recommendations for local restaurants.

Nearby:

Bastide Villages - These fortified villages were designed and built in the 13th and 14th centuries when the English and French were constantly at war fighting for the control of South West France. The villages follow a similar style - arcaded central market square, usually with a Church in one corner and the streets follow the grid plan. They are virtually unchanged today. Local ones include Tournon d'Agenais, Penne d'Agenais, Puymirol, Castelsagrat, Beauville, Pujols, Lauzerte and talking of Lauzerte - it is on the pilgrim route (GR65) for the long walk to Santiago di Compostela, as is Moissac - with its wonderful abbey of Romanesque architecture and cloisters. Nearby is the confluence of the Rivers Tarn et Garonne, you can have a splendid view from the Point de Vue de Boudou. Villeneuve sur Lot, is only 25 minutes away.

Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Of the three officially classified "prettiest villages in France" in the Tarn et Garonne, two are near L' Ancien Presbytère. These are Auvillar and Lauzerte and both are well worth a visit.

Markets - a delightful and colourful way to observe the local lifestyle. Each town's market seems to offer a different character - our own Montaigu de Quercy's is on a Saturday, Roquecor and Moissac on a Sunday, Valence d'Agen on a Tuesday, Monsempron Libos (near Fumel) on a Thursday. They offer an absolute wealth of fresh produce and just about everything else! In the summer months make time for the Brocante Fairs (antiques/bric-a-brac) at all the local towns on a Sunday - you really can pick up astonishing bargains.

Agen - a pleasant 19th century town on the side of the Garonne river - good shops and Musée des Beaux Art, situated in four adjoining Renaissance houses - include paintings by Goya, Sisley's September Morning, pottery by Renaissance potter, Bernard Palissy and much more. Agen is about 33 km away.

Wine. There are many vineyards to visit in the area. Look out for the curiously named Vin du Tsars... you can check out the Russian connection in the Tourist Office of nearby Tournon d'Argenais. You can access a list of some of the nearby domaines by clicking this link.

Further Afield:

You could use L'Ancien Presbytère as a base and really get to know this special part of France. A few ideas for day trips within/around a 2 hr drive away:

Toulouse - the old city of rose pink brick construction, narrow mediaeval streets, enjoyable cafe life, Cathedral, huge squares, art galleries (Pierre Bonnard, Vlaminck ... )

Albi, worth visiting for splendid Gothic Cathedral with famous rood screen, built to intimidate
heretics, such as the Cathars. There is a collection of Toulouse Lautrec paintings (he was born here). During the summer there are three big festivals, Jazz in May, Theatre end of June/early July and Music a month later.

Millau, the bridge designed by Norman Foster (probably 3 hr drive) over the River Tarn with its impressive white cliffs. The town itself is pleasant, with top of the range leather goods for sale. There was a huge Roman pottery here and today the Graufesenque pottery works have a permanent exhibition of the pottery used in those days.

Carcassonne - early Military fortress dating from 6th Century - shops, hotels etc within its walls, which themselves stretch for 2 miles. It's touristy but fun - one of France's top tourist attractions.

The Dune du Pyla, about 8 km south of Arcachon.

Bordeaux, Pyrenees, Camargue, Barcelona .... ! L'Ancien Presbytère is en route to them all!

And after... You are welcome to barbeque in my garden. No charge of course, but please replace charcoal and do your own washing up!

	Things to do
	For further information on activities available to you when you stay at my bed and breakfast, please click this link.
	activities