Local area & places to visit

Lavayssière lies above a valley with stunning views over the Gascon countryside. The estate extends to 30 acres of meadow and woodland, bounded by fields and orchards.

About 20 minutes’ walk across the valley lies the village of Bardigues, a pretty hamlet with an exceptional restaurant, the Cafe Iris. 

A 5-minute drive takes you to the spectacular Gallo-Roman town of Auvillar – perched on an escarpment above the river Garonne. Here you can find the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, butchers, bakers… and a picturesque Sunday farmers’ market.

Valence d’Agen – the local market town – is 15 minutes away and hosts bustling markets bursting with fresh produce. Moissac is a 20 minute drive. Its 12th century Romanesque abbey and cloisters form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The stunning rolling countryside of Gascony lies to the south and west, and is dotted with medieval bastide villages, many with fabulous restaurants, chateaux and museums.

For the adventurous, high wires amongst the trees can be found at Agrip Aventure, in the forest of Montech, about 40 minutes away. Toulouse and Bordeaux – historic French cities, steeped in culture – are well worth a day-trip.

Two hours to the south lie the Pyrenees (hill-walking in summer, ski resorts in winter). Two hours to the west is the Atlantic coast. Near the sophisticated seaside resort of Arcachon is the truly spectacular Dune du Pilat – the highest sand dune in Europe.