Great Things to Do Near Le Manoir du Vignoble
Wander around the famous wine town of Saint-Emilion (56 km).
It is the first wine growing area listed by UNESCO and definitely worth a visit. There is also a huge monolithic church carved out of limestone rock, as well as miles of underground tunnels and caves.
Visit gardens
Less than an hour away, near the pretty town of Cadouin, visit the Bamboo garden of Planbuisson and a step further the Gardens of the Chateau de Limeuil with its 60 different species of trees and its old mill. Or, a little closer, at Vélines, is the garden of Sardy, an English and Florentine inspired garden around an XVIIIth century building.
A Gallo-Roman villa
In the little village of Montcaret, 37km west of Pomport, a Gallo-Roman villa has been discovered. Classified as a Monument Historique, excavations have revealed two mosaic-floored rooms that span more than 400m ², thermal baths and swimming pool mosaics. Its remains are dated between the first and fourth centuries BC. This set is one of the finest Roman sites in the Southwest. There is also a museum.
Bowling and mini golf
Enjoy a family game of bowling or mini golf at Saint-Laurent-des-Vignes. Open every day from afternoon until 2am!
Visit Beynac and Sarlat
The architecture of these medieval towns is fascinating. Climb through the village at Beynac to the castle and church perched high on the cliff then enjoy the Menu du jour beside the river. In Sarlat, wander the narrow streets of the old town and visit the cathedral.
The pretty town of Lalinde
A lively market is held every Thursday in the main square of this 13th century bastide town which, despite damage over the centuries, still has some surviving old buildings as well as a number of pleasant outdoor spaces: a lovely public garden, the riverbank and a small lake. The lake sits on a canal that used to be very busy in the 19th century with working boats travelling up and down. There is a footpath (which can also be cycled) beside the canal to Saint-Capraise to the west or Mauzac to the east.
Take the children to Aqua Park Junior Land
10 mins from Bergerac in the direction of Bordeaux. There are four pools, with a water slide and direct access to the river for canoeing. Mountain biking, quad bikes, beach volleyball, table tennis are always on offer. The park is open daily from May to September from 10.00 to 01.00 the following morning - floodlit at night!
Visit the Pécharmant vineyards
At the wonderful Château de Tiregard near Creysse, you can experience a working vineyard first hand - visit the cellar and the formal gardens and, of course, taste the wine.
Cruise along the Dordogne River
Take a trip in a 'gabarre', a traditional flat-bottomed boat used for transporting goods up and down the river. On some trips, a meal is served on board. To see the city, embark at Bergerac itself, or to cruise along the river eastwards towards the Tuilières Barrage, embark at Creysse (25km from the house).
Take a drive in the surrounding area
to see all the vineyards and chateaux which offer tastings of the local wine. The gentle countryside is dotted with little villages too - stop off for a coffee or some lunch.
The famous golf course of Château des Vigiers (18 hole)
is not too far away, about 12km. Keen golfers can tackle the some or all of the 27 holes, whilst others may prefer the on-site spa, and afterwards all can enjoy a gastronomic meal at the restaurant or a simpler bite in the brasserie.
A trip to Bergerac is a must
The old centre is a beautiful jumble of cobbled streets, timbered houses, little shops and cafés overlooking the squares. Sit on the riverbank and watch the boats go by.
Visit the owner's wine domaine
The owner of Le Manoir du Vignoble makes some excellent wine - call in to his 'cave' for a 'dégustation', just a short walk from the house.
Enjoy a glass of local wine on the terrace
and admire the view across the vineyards that stretch out in front of you.
Step back in time at the Château de Lanquais
See how the gentry lived during the Renaissance at one of the jewels of the Dordogne, with its fully furnished apartments (28km).
Market Day
Visit Bergerac on a Wednesday and a Saturday, Issigeac on the Sunday or Eymet on Thursdays and see how the French shop for food. Every market has stalls teeming with produce - the best way to shop for lunch!
Visit the medieval Bastide towns of the Dordogne,
such as Beaumont-du-Périgord, Eymet, Monpazier, Issigeac....as well as Villeréal and Monflanquin in the Lot-et-Garonne. The best time to go is on market days when these towns are really buzzing.
Visit the Château of Monbazillac
(10 mins drive away) with its fine collection of 17th century furniture, vineyards and a wine museum. There is the opportunity to taste the wonderful wines produced in this area at the château.
Saint-Emilion is not too far from Bordeaux,
a beautiful city and home to good wine and food and, with so many things to see and do, it's a trip not to be missed.
Castle of Games
Visit Château de Bridoire (8km), which has been transformed into a castle of games. Explore the rooms of the chateau and discover board games and puzzles, games of dual and balance, and the tower of riddles. In the grounds you will find all sorts of games from petanque and croquet to tug of war, grass skiing, archery, giant chess and a huge maze. During the summer there are medieval events, light shows and fireworks.
