FrenchDuck’s databank
47 Lot et Garonne

The problem (and delight) of South West France is that there are so many areas to explore, and often renting a gite can be so delightful that getting out and exploring might be limited to the nearest town and trips for French Bread, a bar and an ocassional restaurant.
However, an English couple (Jason and Michelle) have established a Motorhome (or motor caravan as I used to call them) Hire centre at St Avit (47 Lot-et-Garonne, Midi-Pyrenees) south of Duras

(see map)

Evolution will plan your itinerary for you or advise you on your existing route. If you’re a lover of fishing, walking, wine tasting etc.a personalised route planner to suit your needs can be arranged for the duration of your vacation. We will provide details of recommended camp sites.

You’ll never get lost…
We provide an on-board ready-to-use GPS navigation system. We’re on-call with a 24/7 helpline with English spoken… We can provide liaison with reputable local property agents for those seeking to purchase property in the area. Cycle and leisure equipment hire is also available. Evolution caters for all-year round rental, with winter skiing resorts only a leisurely 3 hour drive south, a little further will take you to the winter warmth of Spain.

So you can avoid the long road trip through France, fly into Bergerac or Bordeaux or take the train - they will meet you at the airport or station and you’re off free to explore this rich and varied area.And with French number plates you might even get a bit more respect on the road!

For more info see www.evolutionmotorhomes.com

Agen (47 Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine) is home to the famous Agen Prune - the gently baked moist plums which are a key feature of SW France cuisine. The delicacy (although not that delicate) is protected as an Appellation Controllee.
Agen celebrates its Prune with a weekend festival every Autumn - taste and learn with music and dancing and the town in a festive mood. The local wine is Buzet AC - good Bordeaux style red, white and rose.
For recipe ideas try Jean Strang’s Goose Fat and Garlic: Country Recipes from Southwest France
For more info on the Grand Pruneau Show see www.grandpruneaushow.fr/

The town of Villeneuve-sur-Lot (47 Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine) holds a 2–day festival to celebrate the local Prune (pruneau)  when the Prune is King! (Le Pruneau Roi) –  demonstrations of the history and transformation of the plum into prune, parades, music, clowns, and a cookery competition using prunes 23–24 Aug 07     

For more info see   Villeneuve-sur-Lot - Animations.

In the heart of the Côtes de Duras vineyards between St Astier and Duras (47 Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine) on the Chateau la Petite Bertande - a gite sleeping up to 8 people.

See www.chateau-lapetitebertrande.com
see map

The Côtes de Duras wine festival takes place in the grounds of the Chateau at Duras (47 Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine)– in the morning some conducted walks amongst the vineyards, a procession of classic cars, taste some wine from many of the local producers – and then in the evening there is a feast and music (Jazz) and dancing!

 White red and rosé wines are produced here – similar in style to Bordeaux and Bergerac – most distinctive is the Sauvignon Blanc which can be very good.

See http://www.cotesdeduras.com