 |  |  |
Well summer has arrived here in Penne D'Agenais.
We have been very busy in the last few weeks with students and the best part has been relaxing in the pool over the last few weeks at a balmy 30 C . Its great to cool off and chill after a busy day of lessons and activities with the students.
We have been rediscovering all the tourist sites and of course taking advantage of the Festivities that have all started for summer here.
It started with the Fête de la lumière which had the whole community working together to light up the streets with scenes from fairytales. the walk through the medieval town at 22:00 was amazing seeing the old houses all light up and people has windows and doors open so that we could have a little insight into peoples homes as well.
Then of course the most important day for the French 14 Julliet , France's National day. This ended at 22:00 hrs sitting on the wall with the celebrations and dancing behind us watching a firework display over the River to Porte Penne. If this is a taste of what is to come the celebrations for Penne on 4 August should be amazing.
There is so much going on already with several medieval events already underway and more to come. Here is just a taste of what can be done when visiting us at Domaine de France.
Chateaux
Château de Bonaguil which is more English heritage than national trust the cost is Adults 9.50 € per person http://www.chateau-bonaguil.com/en/schedules-and-prices We would say it is well worth a visit
There are other Châteaux you could visit if you wish including Château de Biron or a favourite Château des Milandes which is about an hour 15 to an hour and a half away http://www.milandes.com/ (11€)
Here are some other possible visits:
Tourist information site
Do not forget to visit our own town and walk up to the Basilica Penne d’Agenais town and Basilica to visit / walk
Water lily garden where the lilies for Claude Monet’s gardens at Giverny came from
Bastide towns are always nice to visit and nearby include:
Pujols - Sunday market. Very much worth a visit on a Sunday morning
Monflanquin interesting Bastide town with lots of medieval activities during the summer and a great market.
We even have a special Mini golf (9 €)(often a deal two for one price if you ask) https://www.lestelsia.com/en/loisirs/mini-golf.html The gardens are well worth a walk round just to visit (free)
Probably the biggest traditional market of Lot-et-Garonne is the Marché traditionnel de Monsempron-Libos on Thursday morning well worth a visit, it has mainly food
There are Cafés that offer some food we have Café Des Arts that does lighter meals (lunch / brunch) and is highly thought of with everything from Crepes /salads /vegetarian (not sure of the cost) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g674064-d2718469-Reviews-Cafe_Des_Arts-Penne_d_Agenais_Lot_et_Garonne_Nouvelle_Aquitaine.html
If you plan to go out for a meal we would recommend going out at lunch time which is the most cost effective way is to go (arrive between 12.30 and 1pm (they will shut after lunch)) they do a menu de jour (menu of the day) it normally has a choice of two starters, two mains and two desserts for about 15 € each plus drinks. It fills you up and you only need a light tea/meal in the evening. Evening meals are from the menu or a set price meal for three courses with a couple of choices. They can be 29 or 30 or 35 Euro’s. They serve from about 7.30. Two of our restaurants have English menus.
We would recommend Le Patio d’Hauteville www.lepatiodhauteville.fr and Le Peyragude,https://www.facebook.com/Restaurant-Le-Peyragude-138440926232369/ it maybe wise to book although you maybe able to turn up. (we are happy to call for you if you are not confident in your French, but they do both speak English) Please say you are from us and they will look after you. They are both in the village, it is possible to drive and walk back and collect the car the following day if you wish.
If you wanted something special Le Stelsia Has three restaurants including one with a Michelin star and is only a short drive away.
We do have two take away pizza places a short drive away that guests have used, a margarita 26cm cost about 6€ or a 33cm 7.50€ different ones go up to 11€
Do not miss one of the ‘Marché Gourmand Nocturne’ near us. This is dining ‘al fresco’ as it should be. Select somewhere to sit at the one of the many trestle tables then, browse the stalls selling local cooked meats and produce from which to make your selection of a meal. To accompany this choose a bottle of wine from one of the local wine producers. Why not finish by having a crepe, fresh fruit, gateau or ice cream? The ambiance deepens as the entertainment gets going and you may even get to your feet to dance a step or two under the stars. During the summer there are several ‘Gourmand’ place to eat where you can turn up, find a stall with food you like sit down and join every one else. Locals may bring plates and cutlery, wine and even their table cloth!
We believe Tuesday Dausse and Thursday Penne d’Agenais by the river.
We do have in Villeneuve the dreaded McDonalds and a ‘Buffalo Grill’ amazingly next to the hospital!
Water sports: we are by the River Lot so there are lots of opportunities for water sports, kayaking, small motor boat, Pedalo’s and paddle boarding. We often use with our French immersion students this place near Fumel (20mins) which have individual to three people canoës et kayaks http://www.tourisme-fumel.com/fr/bouger/13-activites-nautiques/2977-au-temps-d-aimer-barques-canoes.html#.W0jWx2InZok
You can also hire bikes here. Bikes and Canoes are from about 5 €
Bike hire, you could use www.bikehiredirect.com Who will deliver your bikes here. (Please warn us)
If you are interested in the wine and perhaps want to take some home (or to drink here) we would recommend Domaine de Lancement www.domainelancement.fr You can do tasting and also on Mondays & Wednesday from 5pm do a guided visit. It is ‘Biologique’ they have White, one Rose and several reds, will sell by the bottle from less than 6 € Sandrine can also speak English so your tasting can be in English.
Not everyone’s thing, but just up the road is the le Musée du Foie Gras, however, most Fridays they have a morning market including Marche Gourmande at lunchtime and it is all very French with local music, you do not have to visit the museum, several guest have enjoyed a meal there. https://www.souleilles-foiegras.com/
For our younger guests there is http://www.parc-des-pirates.com/uk/ in the village and also a place to get very wet Site Nature des Etangs Ferrié for 2-3 € (within walking distance)
Fishing - we have nearby a fishing lake, Maison de la pêche http://www.tourisme-fumel.com/en/move/12-nature-activities/5219-site-nature-des-etangs-de-ferrie-maison-de-la-peche.html#.W0sFiGInZok
Or on the River Lot.
We have lots of tourist leaflets and a tourist map to help you find your way around.
We still have space during August in La Petite Maison and in Belle Vue from 25 August. contact us for more details.
We have been very busy in the last few weeks with students and the best part has been relaxing in the pool over the last few weeks at a balmy 30 C . Its great to cool off and chill after a busy day of lessons and activities with the students.
We have been rediscovering all the tourist sites and of course taking advantage of the Festivities that have all started for summer here.
It started with the Fête de la lumière which had the whole community working together to light up the streets with scenes from fairytales. the walk through the medieval town at 22:00 was amazing seeing the old houses all light up and people has windows and doors open so that we could have a little insight into peoples homes as well.
Then of course the most important day for the French 14 Julliet , France's National day. This ended at 22:00 hrs sitting on the wall with the celebrations and dancing behind us watching a firework display over the River to Porte Penne. If this is a taste of what is to come the celebrations for Penne on 4 August should be amazing.
There is so much going on already with several medieval events already underway and more to come. Here is just a taste of what can be done when visiting us at Domaine de France.
Chateaux
Château de Bonaguil which is more English heritage than national trust the cost is Adults 9.50 € per person http://www.chateau-bonaguil.com/en/schedules-and-prices We would say it is well worth a visit
There are other Châteaux you could visit if you wish including Château de Biron or a favourite Château des Milandes which is about an hour 15 to an hour and a half away http://www.milandes.com/ (11€)
Here are some other possible visits:
Tourist information site
Do not forget to visit our own town and walk up to the Basilica Penne d’Agenais town and Basilica to visit / walk
Water lily garden where the lilies for Claude Monet’s gardens at Giverny came from
Bastide towns are always nice to visit and nearby include:
Pujols - Sunday market. Very much worth a visit on a Sunday morning
Monflanquin interesting Bastide town with lots of medieval activities during the summer and a great market.
We even have a special Mini golf (9 €)(often a deal two for one price if you ask) https://www.lestelsia.com/en/loisirs/mini-golf.html The gardens are well worth a walk round just to visit (free)
Probably the biggest traditional market of Lot-et-Garonne is the Marché traditionnel de Monsempron-Libos on Thursday morning well worth a visit, it has mainly food
There are Cafés that offer some food we have Café Des Arts that does lighter meals (lunch / brunch) and is highly thought of with everything from Crepes /salads /vegetarian (not sure of the cost) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g674064-d2718469-Reviews-Cafe_Des_Arts-Penne_d_Agenais_Lot_et_Garonne_Nouvelle_Aquitaine.html
If you plan to go out for a meal we would recommend going out at lunch time which is the most cost effective way is to go (arrive between 12.30 and 1pm (they will shut after lunch)) they do a menu de jour (menu of the day) it normally has a choice of two starters, two mains and two desserts for about 15 € each plus drinks. It fills you up and you only need a light tea/meal in the evening. Evening meals are from the menu or a set price meal for three courses with a couple of choices. They can be 29 or 30 or 35 Euro’s. They serve from about 7.30. Two of our restaurants have English menus.
We would recommend Le Patio d’Hauteville www.lepatiodhauteville.fr and Le Peyragude,https://www.facebook.com/Restaurant-Le-Peyragude-138440926232369/ it maybe wise to book although you maybe able to turn up. (we are happy to call for you if you are not confident in your French, but they do both speak English) Please say you are from us and they will look after you. They are both in the village, it is possible to drive and walk back and collect the car the following day if you wish.
If you wanted something special Le Stelsia Has three restaurants including one with a Michelin star and is only a short drive away.
We do have two take away pizza places a short drive away that guests have used, a margarita 26cm cost about 6€ or a 33cm 7.50€ different ones go up to 11€
Do not miss one of the ‘Marché Gourmand Nocturne’ near us. This is dining ‘al fresco’ as it should be. Select somewhere to sit at the one of the many trestle tables then, browse the stalls selling local cooked meats and produce from which to make your selection of a meal. To accompany this choose a bottle of wine from one of the local wine producers. Why not finish by having a crepe, fresh fruit, gateau or ice cream? The ambiance deepens as the entertainment gets going and you may even get to your feet to dance a step or two under the stars. During the summer there are several ‘Gourmand’ place to eat where you can turn up, find a stall with food you like sit down and join every one else. Locals may bring plates and cutlery, wine and even their table cloth!
We believe Tuesday Dausse and Thursday Penne d’Agenais by the river.
We do have in Villeneuve the dreaded McDonalds and a ‘Buffalo Grill’ amazingly next to the hospital!
Water sports: we are by the River Lot so there are lots of opportunities for water sports, kayaking, small motor boat, Pedalo’s and paddle boarding. We often use with our French immersion students this place near Fumel (20mins) which have individual to three people canoës et kayaks http://www.tourisme-fumel.com/fr/bouger/13-activites-nautiques/2977-au-temps-d-aimer-barques-canoes.html#.W0jWx2InZok
You can also hire bikes here. Bikes and Canoes are from about 5 €
Bike hire, you could use www.bikehiredirect.com Who will deliver your bikes here. (Please warn us)
If you are interested in the wine and perhaps want to take some home (or to drink here) we would recommend Domaine de Lancement www.domainelancement.fr You can do tasting and also on Mondays & Wednesday from 5pm do a guided visit. It is ‘Biologique’ they have White, one Rose and several reds, will sell by the bottle from less than 6 € Sandrine can also speak English so your tasting can be in English.
Not everyone’s thing, but just up the road is the le Musée du Foie Gras, however, most Fridays they have a morning market including Marche Gourmande at lunchtime and it is all very French with local music, you do not have to visit the museum, several guest have enjoyed a meal there. https://www.souleilles-foiegras.com/
For our younger guests there is http://www.parc-des-pirates.com/uk/ in the village and also a place to get very wet Site Nature des Etangs Ferrié for 2-3 € (within walking distance)
Fishing - we have nearby a fishing lake, Maison de la pêche http://www.tourisme-fumel.com/en/move/12-nature-activities/5219-site-nature-des-etangs-de-ferrie-maison-de-la-peche.html#.W0sFiGInZok
Or on the River Lot.
We have lots of tourist leaflets and a tourist map to help you find your way around.
We still have space during August in La Petite Maison and in Belle Vue from 25 August. contact us for more details.
RSS Feed