Les Noyers Farmhouse - local area and activities:
Our nearest town is Villeneuve sur Lot (8kms), a town with a substantial history. The first activity in this area goes back to the Roman era. At the junction of two major roads, it was a strategic point but it was only in the 13th century that a bastide was built, a fortified town typical of the Aquitaine region. Pujols (6kms) is classified as a 'Historic Monument' and known as 'one of the most beautiful villages in France'. Our favourite restaurant is located here with spectacular views from the terrace over Villeneuve and the surrounding area – quite a stunning sight during dinner on a summer’s evening.
Lou Calel Restaurant - Pujols
Markets
Between them, Villeneuve and Pujols offer markets on 4 days of the week, the Sunday morning Pujols market and the Wednesday morning organic market at Villeneuve are particularly good.
Local food delicacies of the area include duck confit, prunes, walnuts and foie gras - there are many wonderful local restaurants and we will be delighted to make some recommendations for you. Anyone who particularly likes prunes maybe interested in a visit to the prune museum (25 mins by car) which offers a fascinating voyage of discovery into prune production carried out by the proper, old fashioned method.
Pujols market
Bastides
Also worth a visit are Penne d'Agenais, Monflanquin and Monpazier three more impressive bastide towns dating from the 13th century .
Caves
As well as our local caves, the Grottes du Lastournelles (20 minute walk), a natural series of seven caves containing a spectacular display of stalagmites and stalactites, there are also the larger Grottes de Fontirou, a fifteen minute drive away.
Cycling
Cyclists can try the veloroute or bike road which uses small, charming roads close to the Lot river (almost flat and hardly used by cars). It will take you through many villages on an 80km circuit and through orchards, vegetable and cereal farms.
Canoeing
If you would like to explore the River Lot, there are boating centres at Villeneuve and Casseneuil - canoes, rowing boats, pedal boats etc. can all be hired although these tend to operate mainly during the summer months.
Swimming
The Piscine de Malbentre is located at Pujols just 5 km away. There is a new outdoor pool (400 m²), a wading pool and a 6 track slide.
Horse riding
Horse riders will find several local riding centres and can enjoy riding by the hour or the day such as and for those interested in horse breeding. Villeneuve is the home of the famous Haras National, the home of 35 stallions – well worth a visit.
Microlights
You can experience your first flight in a microlight at St Exupery Base ULM – the biggest microlight centre in Europe, just a 20 minute drive away.
Wine
For all the wine buffs, we are close to the wine making regions of Cahors and Bordeaux and visits to the vineyards are always very popular.
Les Noyers Farmhouse 00 33 (0)5 53 01 64 94
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