Chateau Valjean

Château Valjean is just outside the a well-known winemaking village.As well as a couple of restaurants and an indoor market hall (where you’ll find a range of delicious local produce on a Sunday morning), the spectacular sixteenth-century Château is well worth a visit. There are interactive children’s activities celebrating the region’s viticulture and biodiversity, tours of the castle, and its grounds, wine tastings and a chance to purchase locally produced wines and foods in the boutique throughout the year, with special evening events during July and August.

Head ten minutes north and enjoy a taste of authentic Dordogne town life in Bergerac, with medieval, half-timbered buildings lining the squares and streets of the picturesque old town, north of the river. There are plenty of restaurants and open-air cafés to choose from, along with a selection of boutique-style shops. From the car park at the bottom end of the old town, you can join boat trips throughout the day, taking you along a picturesque route through the town and out into the countryside. The modern area is equally welcoming, with a range of more modern stores offering plenty to tempt the visiting shopper. Contrary to popular belief, the town has no connection with Cyrano de Bergerac, but those with a nose for a good wine certainly won’t be disappointed by a visit to the home of Monbazillac, Pacharment and Saussignac. A beautifully preserved, twelfth-century cloister in the old town is home to the Maison de Vins de Bergerac, an exhibition showcasing the town’s rich winemaking heritage. You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to sampling the fabulous labels of southwest France too, with a plethora of wineries to discover around Bergerac, offering vineyard and cellar tours.

Eymet is just a twenty-minute drive west, one of the area’s wonderfully preserved bastide towns. An early start on Thursday is rewarded with the chance to explore the varied and colourful wares at the town’s weekly open-air market. From fresh fruit, vegetables and artisanal breads, to clothing and accessories, you’ll find a wealth of terrific local produce and goods. If you prefer a more measured start to your mornings, the central Place de la Bastide hosts the atmospheric Marche Nocturne on Tuesday evenings during July and August. Terrific street food, late openings at the town’s cafés and a tempting array of stalls all add up to make a delightful evening out in this vibrant town.

Golfers enjoying a break at Château Valjean will be just a twenty-minute drive from the spectacular twenty-seven-hole course at Château des Vigiers. With a magnificent lakeside backdrop of oak woods, vineyards and plum trees, the three diverse nine-hole courses are an absolute joy for linksmen of all handicaps, with a particularly stunning view of the castle at the ninth on the ‘Le Lac’ course. There’s a six-hole academy course too, along with driving ranges, training bunkers and practice greens to sharpen your chipping and putting before heading out on one of the picturesque courses. Club and cart rental is available, as well as the chance to treat yourself at the club shop. Visitors can book ahead and enjoy a well-earned meal at one of Golf des Vigiers’ two restaurants, with traditional and gourmet cuisine available.