South West France (Aquitaine & Midi Pyrenees), France Area Information
From the sheer splendour of the imposing peaks of the Pyrenees in the most southerly part of the region to the well ordered fields of abundant fruit orchards and vineyards further north, the variety of landscapes impress.
From the splendid imposing peaks of the Pyrenees, the Atlantic coastline on the west, well ordered fruit orchards and vineyards, higgledy piggledy villages and medieval bastides, to lush river valleys and deep gorges, the variety of landscapes is impressive.
Our properties are in the Aquitaine 'departements' of Pyrenees-Atlantiques, Lot-et-Garonne and Dordogne, whilst in the Midi-Pyrenees houses are concentrated in the 'departements' of Tarn-et-Garonne, Lot, Aveyron and Tarn.
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Pyrenees-Atlantiques (Le Bearn)
With the Atlantic coast to the west and the border with Spain high over mountain passes, the Pyrenees-Atlantiques is a lush green area that remains unspoilt by the excesses of tourism. In bygone days, this province was called Le Bearn and even today, the locals are fiercely proud of being Bearnais.
The spa town of Salies-de-Bearn, its picturesque houses meandering along the riverside, is popular with those seeking the therapeutic properties of its salt waters. Orthez is on the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela, and Navarrenx and Sauveterre are good starting points for exhilarating kayaking trips on the Gave d'Oloron. The Bearnais capital, Pau, is an atmospheric city with breathtaking views of mountain peaks.
On the coast, the choice is yours: Biarritz, long associated with the 'rich and famous', manages to be both sophisticated and friendly - its fine sand family beach is backed by the splendour of the Casino. St Jean-de-Luz is a buzzing little town within a horseshoe bay with its beach adjacent to the lively fishing harbour. The stretch of coastline by Capbreton and Hossegor will appeal to surfers.
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Lot-et-Garonne
Rolling hills clothed in the blossom of fruit trees signal the region of Lot-et-Garonne, known as the 'orchard of France', with the renowned Pruneaux d'Agen in great abundance. Weekly markets in towns such as Monflanquin and Villeneuve-sur-Lot boast stalls laden with local produce. These pretty towns, and others such as Tournon d'Agenais and Prayssas are 'bastides', the new towns of the Medieval Ages, whose arcaded squares are nowadays filled with cafes and shops.
Dordogne
Rows of well tended vineyards typify the wine growing regions of Bergerac, where country lanes wind through charming villages and towns, with the impressive silhouette of an occasional château completing the picture.
The heart of the Dordogne is along each bank of the river itself, where the green countryside overflows with historic sites. Take time to visit the prehistoric caves at Lascaux, the Renaissance town of Sarlat-la-Caneda, Brantôme, known as the Venice of the Dordogne, and Perigueux with its Byzantine cathedral.
Lot
The tranquil river Lot meanders through a verdant valley dotted with golden coloured villages such as Puy l'Evêque and Luzech, and hamlets untouched by time, eventually arriving at Cahors, situated on a bend in the river with the famous Pont Valentre standing proud.
To the east, the river cuts through the limestone hills, creating high dramatic gorges and scenic routes. The uplands are dotted with prehistoric caves and grottos, with much of the landscape designated Natural Park. Those interested in medieval history should not miss a visit to Rocamadour and St Cirq-Lapopie; villages perched dramatically on cliffsides.
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Tarn et Garonne and Tarn
The superbly preserved walled 'bastide' of Cordes dominates the surrounding countryside. Its narrow cobbled streets wind their way up to the tree lined square at the top from where you are afforded a spectacular far reaching view.
Follow the road due south and again the landscape is one of vines; a tour of the 'route du vin' of this Gaillac region is recommended. As you approach Albi, the region's capital, the rewarding sight of the immense red bricked cathedral comes into view, its stern exterior giving no hint to the stunning interior, a cornucopia of Gothic art at its most flamboyant.
Winding country roads take you through picturesque countryside, passing hilltop towns such as Caylus and Bruniquel. Stop awhile in St Antonin Noble Val, a friendly, intimate market town on the banks of the river Aveyron.
Aveyron
Not far away are the Gorges de l'Aveyron, a spectacular sight and in summer a popular destination for canoeing and other river sports. The bastide town of Najac perches precariously along a ridge above the Aveyron river, with a fairy tale castle at the highest point, surveying all who visit. From there, a line of ancient houses follows the ridge, culminating in the main square with its central fountain and numerous cafes and restaurants.
Follow the river due north and you reach Villefranche-de-Rouergue, a fascinating bastide with extensive amenities, and of course, the weekly market.
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Fetes and Markets
There are numerous local festivals throughout the year - flamenco music (Mont-de-Marsan), salt (Salies-de-Bearn) and medieval pageants in the Dordogne are just a few to enjoy. In summer, the streets are filled with music - from classical and traditional through to jazz, blues and rock.
Summer evening markets are popular in many towns and villages, when the main squares are filled with long communal dining tables around which food stalls provide an opportunity to taste local dishes.
Cuisine
The abundance of fruit, vegetables, local meats and cheeses at the markets bears witness to the importance of food in this region. In spring, the fruit of peach and plum trees is a staple of mouthwatering 'patisseries'. Locally produced confit of duck, Toulouse sausage, foie gras, and Roquefort cheese feature on many menus, and cassoulet, the famous hearty dish based on haricot beans and duck, has to be tried.
Seafood is excellent in restaurants by the coast, with inland restaurants serving locally caught river trout and salmon.
From the renowned red wines of Bordeaux, the soft sweet wines of Monbazillac, reds from Duras and dry whites of the Jurancon, there is a wine for every palette. Full bodied reds are found in Cahors whilst the vineyards of Gaillac produce 'perle' (a very slightly sparkling white) as well as some interesting reds and roses. All can be sampled during a tour following a 'route du vin' and of course purchased to enjoy at home.
Climate
The gentle, temperate climate of this corner of France generally ensures that spring and autumn are mild and sunny, with temperatures rising in the summer to 28 degrees Celcius or the low 30s.
Getting there
The region has six airports, served by scheduled and 'no frills' flights: Bordeaux, Biarritz and Pau to the west; and Bergerac, Rodez and Toulouse to the east are all convenient for our houses. Limoges can also be considered for visitors to the Dordogne and Lot. The region is within a comfortable day's drive of the western Channel ports, and a 12 hour drive from Calais, although a leisurely drive through France, stopping overnight, appeals to many. Improved journey times and connections via Eurostar to Paris means that travelling by train is a less stressful, more eco-friendly alternative to flying.
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