Great Things to Do Near Pech Marty
Medieval festivals
From 27th July until 26 August, you can take a trip back in time with a visit to one of several medieval festivals which take place along the Bastide towns in the Dropt Valley. There are reenactments of battles, food to sample and displays of local crafts which you can buy. You can even hire a medieval costume yourself to really relive the experience of life in medieval France.
A bird's eye view!
The aeroclub in Belvès (45 minutes' away) offers plane trips flying over the famous sites and chateaux of the Dordogne.
Walk to the Café with nibbles, food, drinks and concerts
In the small village of Montagnac (3km) there is a lovely little café that also serves plates of ham or cheese and little meals. In July and August, the Friday evening market takes place just opposite this. Every Tuesday there is an evening concert in front of the café - or inside if it rains and a food truck sits sometimes by the café from which you can buy some food to eat at the café: sweet and savory crepes or organic vegetarian fresh local food or Olivier, the owner prepares a meal. Out of July and August the concerts take place on Fridays.
The magical walks
At Saint-Eutrope-de-Born, near Villeréal, you are invited to take a magical walk at nightfall every Wednesday and Thursday (and themed Fridays: enquire), in July and August. Young and old alike will enjoy a poetic journey through an environment where the work of nature and the fruits of chance are given free rein. Forgotten wood, driftwood and natural sculptures await discovery at the twists and turns of the path. Go at your own pace and immerse yourself in the poetry and magic of this walk which is accessible to all.
Go organic!
Visit the local organic farm from which you can buy lovely tasty produce (6km). The town of Villeneuve has an organic market on Wednesdays as well as organic supermarkets and there is one near the Fumel Leclerc too. Look out for the word 'bio' which is French for organic.
Boat and horse-drawn coach trips
About 30 minutes' away, in the village of Mazeyrolles, there is a company which organises trips on horse drawn carriages. Take a leisurely 'drive' through the countryside, stop for a picnic in the woods or indulge in a wine and foie gras tasting. They also organise boat trips on the Dordogne river, followed by lunch and an afternoon coach and horses ride - magnifique!
Spend a day visiting the Châteaux of the Dordogne,
to the north of Pech Marty. Beynac, Castelnaud and its war museum, Marqueyssac's box garden are all open to the public and worth a look around - around an hour's drive to get there. Why not also include a wander around the picturesque town of Sarlat in the same area?
Visit the vineyards around Puy l'Eveque (30km)
and try the Cahors wine. You will see many 'caves' selling the wine and most will offer the chance to taste it first. Don't forget to stop in the little villages en route as well - there are many dotted along the River Lot down to Cahors (65km).
A boat trip on the river Lot,
starting in Fumel (16km) is a lovely way to while away a couple of hours. While you are in the area, why not visit the fabulous fortress of Bonaguil only 7 ½ km further on? Afterwards, have coffee or lunch at the little restaurant/café at the foot of the chateau.
Antiques and flea markets
In the summer, there isn't a Sunday without an antique market, a brocante, a flea market around. The niccest are every second Sunday of the months in Villeréal, the oldest is first Friday and Saturday of August in Issigeac, week-end around the 14th July in Monflanquin and so on
Music everywhere
There are music events everywhere in the summer: 4 dates in Villeneuve-sur-Lot for 4 free pop concerts, the soirées baroques in July in Monflanquin, the free concerts at the jazz festival in Villeréal in July, Jazz at Biron Chateau, etc... Don't hesitate to pick up a programme at your local tourism office or search online.
Sit back and relax at Pech Marty.
Why not try a massage with aromatherapy and lovely essential oils to fully unwind from the stresses of life? This treat can be ordered when you make your booking or book when you're there.
For those who would like to know more about foie gras,
the famous dish of the south west of France, visit the Foie Gras Museum in Frespech. 4500 years of history from the Egyptians to today and they also have a great restaurant (30km).
Ceramist Bernard Palissy museum
In the very picturesque tiny stone village of Saint-Avit, between Gavaudun and Lacapelle-Biron, the Bernard Palissy Museum hosts an exhibition and sale of contemporary ceramics each year, where we discover the work of great ceramists of our time. A permanent space is dedicated to the life and work of Bernard Palissy.
Head westwards towards Bergerac and Bordeaux for a wine trip
around the famous vineyards such as Buzet, Duras, Bordeaux, Bergerac, St Emilion.. Most will offer tastings in their 'cave' but don't forget to name one designated driver!
If the weather is too wet or too hot for you,
spend a couple of hours on a guided tour in one of the many caves found in the area. In the Lot-et-Garonne, there are the 'Grottes de Fontirou'; in the Lot, there is the 'Gouffre de Padirac'; and in the Dordogne 'Gouffre de Proumeyssac', to name but a few.
If you feel the need to relax even more,
visit the hammam, heated pool and sauna in Monflanquin.
There are two horse riding clubs near Monflanquin,
as well as an archery club and 4 tennis courts - plenty of scope for things to do!
Monflanquin is also home to many painters and artists,
many of whom offer short courses for those interested. Ask at the tourist office for more details.
Wander the 'brocante' markets
which take place once a month between April to September in Monflanquin, as well as an antique market on the 14th July. The village of Issigeac, to the west, holds an antique market at the beginning of August and there are flea markets most weekends in the area. See if you can pick up a bargain!
