Things to Do
La Graule sits between two regions of outstanding natural beauty, famous for their history, culture, food and wine: the Dordogne andthe Gironde.
The Gironde to the west is home to the world's finest vineyards. La Graule is 20 mins drive from the picturesque town of St Emillion - the most famous of all of the wine making centres. You could spend a week here wine-tasting in thelocalwineries and chateaux and would have only sampled a fraction of what's on offer. Further east you arrive at the historic city of Bordeaux (1hr 15mins) and the Atlantic Coast with great beaches.
In the Dordogne to the east the scenery becomes more dramatic as cliffs begin to rise up above the river. The Dordogne boasts as many as 1000 castles and châteaux ranging from ruins to those that are still inhabited. Many have dramatic settings with splendid views over the river and are open to the public. The history is fascinating, dating back to the hundred years war where the French and English faced each other from their respective sides of the river
Swiming in the Dorodgne is possible from a couple of natural sandy beaches close to the house. Lac du Gurcon (10km) is a local lake that has a beach area including beach bars and activites for children including a water slide.
Fishing on the wide river at the end of the garden - with shallow gravel runs and deep pools. Gin clear water offering mixed fishing for all coarse fish including pike, perch, zander, chubb, barbel, carp and catfish. Good tackle shops in Ste Foy and Bergerac. Licences available locally from the tobacconists in Pessac (3kms).
Golf at Chateau Des Vigier
s - (20 mins drive), An 18 hole par 72 course set in the vineyards of Bergerac with a spectacular 18th hole over water. Two restaurants and a luxury health suite, a challenge for any golfer. More details at www.vigiers.com. There are a number of other golf courses in the surrounding area - email for more information.
Guided horse-riding treks are available locally. Riding lessons can be arranged for novices. www.poneyclubstefoy.com
Cycling is an excellent way to explore this beautiful region. Bikes can be hired in Bergerac. If you would like to hire in advance click here for more details, they are very friendly and speak good English: www.apolo-cycles.com
Go Karting near Bergerac airport for a fun day out. More details at www.bergerac-karting.com
If you're into wine then this is the place for you. La Graule sits in 2 hectares of it's own vineyard. The vines are farmed by Robert Barriere the local vintner and nearest neighbhour 5 minutes walk up the road. Mr Barriere produces a variety of wines and provides wine-tasting sessions and tours of his working mill (for a small fee). St Emillion (20 mins drive) is a must-visit destination for wine-lovers. Alternatively you can simply drive for 10 minutes in any direction and you'll come across a chateau selling wine, this really is wine country!
Regional Delicacies include truffles, walnuts, duck, goose and foie gras. Being close to Bordeaux the seafood here is also very good. There are a number of excellent restaurants we recommend - more details at the property.
Local Markets are one of the great pleasures of a holiday in France. Here you will be able to sample quality local grown produce, local game and regional delicacies. In fact, the perfect way to begin your holiday is to visit a local market on your arrival to stock up. Particularly good ones worth visiting are the Saturday morning market in Ste Foy le Grande and during the summer months, the night market in Eymet.
