Discover
Founded in 1269, Villeréal was built as a bastide, a fortified town. Nevertheless it was occupied by the English for most of the Hundred Years War, and was also attacked in the later Wars of Religion. In its maze of little streets, look for the Leper House with its elaborate sculpted door, the old station, the church of Notre-Dame and, of course, the marketplace on the main square.
Eating out
Villeréal offers a good choice of restaurants and cafés, some in the arcades around the square and some more hidden in the side streets. Duck and fois gras are traditional components of the local cuisine, and all sorts of delectable tarts made with the abundance of fresh fruit grown in south-west France. The other option is of course selecting your own produce at the weekly market and cooking something tasty back at the villa. Why not try one of the local recipes in our guide to South West France?
Activities nearby
If you like to be active whilst on holiday, there are tennis courts in Villeréal, bicycle hire and horse riding are available nearby, and there is an 18 hole golf course in Villeneuve-sur-Lot. In the main summer period, the Lake at Lougratte is great for swimming, fishing, and taking out pedalos or canoes.
The Dropt Valley
Villeréal lies in the pretty and unspoilt Dropt river valley, which is not only scenic but dotted with many places of interest, including other gorgeous bastides such as Monpazier, Castillonès, Issigeac and Eymet. There are castles to explore at Lauzun and Duras, as well as superb 15th-16th century frescoes in the church at Allemans-du-Dropt. There are also opportunities to paddle on the Dropt river in canoes or kayaks.
