OUTDOOR ACTIVTIES

There are many things to do and see in the area, which is a varied landscape of rolling countryside and fruit orchards.

GOLF

there are many golf courses within easy reach of Cap del Bosc. If you have travelled from Bergerac airport you will have passed Villeneuve Golf and Country Club which is one of the best golf courses in Aquitaine.

FISHING

all fishing in France requires a permit, which is available from fishing shops; a passport style photograph and identification is required. Permits can also be obtained on line www.cartedepeche.fr National Fishing Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of June and a permit is not required to participate in the activities organised on the lakes and rivers, such as at Villeneuve-sur-Lot.

TENNIS

most villages have public tennis courts and hourly tickets can be purchased in the local Tabac, Tourist Office or Maire.

CANOEING AND KAYAKING

canoes and kayaks can be hired from numerous places along the rivers Lot, Garonne and Dordogne.  A lazy day on the river, stopping for a picnic on the banks along the way, is an enjoyable and memorable part of the summer holidays.

CYCLING

running along the river for 86km, on marked, gently-undulating cycle paths, the Lot Valley Véloroute goes past the town of Villeneuve-sur-Lot and right up to Bonaguil, a fortified Chateau. This riverside circuit is perfect for those wishing to take in the marvellous scenery of countryside, orchards, farms and fortified towns.

HORSE RIDING

the nearest riding/holiday centre is within five minutes’ drive of Cap del Bosc, look for the signs on your right when travelling in the direction of Villeneuve-sur-Lot.

LAKES

there are numerous lakes in the area, the nearest being within five minutes drive at Monbalen.  An enormous lake at Ruisseau de Laroque is approximately 15 minutes drive from Cap del Bosc.

VINEYARDS

Lot-et-Garonne boasts 8,000 hectares of vineyards.  The region’s winegrowers have always welcomed tourists onto their estates and many of them promote the ‘Destination Vignoble’ movement, with the aim of encouraging tourists to visit the region’s vineyards and take away some wonderful souvenirs of the local produce!

CAVES

in Domme – the largest caves in the Perigord Noir region – and the Grottes de Lastourelie in nearby Pujols

Activities especially suitable for children –

Walygator Sud-Ouest, Agen – double the fun for all the family, but what to choose – amusement or water park, or both!
P’arc en ciel, La capelle Biron – adventures in the tree tops
Bergerac Water Park
Pirate Parc, Penne – suitable for younger children
Leisure Lake, Montaigue – beach, flumes, pedalos

PLACES WELL WORTH VISITING

Some of the places you might like to explore from Cap del Bosc:

Lot-et-Garonne

This South West corner of France has a varied landscape of green rolling countryside, fields of sunflowers, maize, fruit orchards (most notably the famous Agen plum), historic Bastide towns and medieval villages.

Agen

Prune capital of France and host to the annual Prune Festival in August, is approximately 20 minutes drive from Cap del Bosc, situated on the banks of the river Garonne midway between Bordeaux and Toulouse.

Capital of the Lot-et-Garonne department, Agen has extensive shopping, cafes and restaurants.

As well as the many Churches, including a medieval Cathedral, one of the best free attractions in Agen is the Musee des Beaux Arts (place Docteur Pierre Esquirol) which houses the 1st Century AD Greek marble statue, Venus de Mas, plus other interesting archaeological finds and paintings by Goya.

Children, however, might prefer Walibi Parc d’ Attractions, the region’s biggest amusement park only a few minutes drive from the centre of Agen.

Pujols-le-Haut

Pujols, a plus beaux villages de France is a beautiful little village perched high on a hill with wonderful views over the Lot Valley. The main street is lined with colombage houses and the Church of St Foy houses some 15th century frescos. In the summer months the Sunday market is crowded with people shopping at the dozens of stalls laid out with pottery and crafts, fruit and vegetables.

Penne d’Agenais

A small town with the main street running from the bottom of the town up the steep hill to the basilica of Notre-Dame du Peyragude, whose shining dome can be seen from miles around. Enjoy the interesting little shops, watch glass blowing, or stop on the way up at one of the cafes or restaurants, for a rest and to enjoy the amazing views.

Villeneuve-sur-Lot

Straddling the river Lot, the Bastide town of Villeneuve-sur-Lotis approximately 20 minutes drive from Cap-del-Bosc. Founded in 1253, its streets conform to the original grid pattern and many are lined with half-timbered houses and shops. At the centre, Place la Fayette, is an arched square where twice weekly markets are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Every Friday evening, during the summer months, there is a night food market where locals and tourists alike purchase their evening meal from the various food stalls and sit down together at the tables provided. A truly French experience and one not to be missed!

The towns amazing red brick Church, the Eglise Ste-Catherine, replaces a Gothic predecessor, but has restored 14th century stained-glass windows from the original. The town’s two gates, the Porte de Paris and Porte de Pujols, are all that remains of the ramparts that were dismantled in the 18th century and they sit on opposite sides of the Lot, over which three bridges span, linking the town. Villenueve-sur-Lot has many boutique style shops and numerous restaurants.

Tournon d’Agenais

A imposing Royal Bastide village dating from 1271, on the Route St Jaques d’ Compostella. Tournon d’Agenais has a pretty square and belfry tower. Superb views of the Haut Pays des Serres can be seen from the ramparts. The village is famous for its Tourtiere, a flaky apple or prune pie, there is even a fete in its honour in mid-August. Tournon d’Agenais hosts Friday evening markets throughout the summer months.

Monflanquin

A Bastide town set on top of a hill with spectacular views. The central square has beautifully preserved arcades that house a variety of shops and restaurants. Every summer, in the middle of August, the town holds a two-day medieval Fair with a market, falconry, jousting, music, dance, theatre, a banquet and fireworks display.

Monpazier

The Bastide of Monpazier is one of plus beaux villages de France, the central Place des Cornieres is surrounded by medieval and seventeenth-century houses around a large market square.

Villereal

A Bastide market town, 13 km north of Monflanquin, by the banks of the river Dropt, Villereal has a spacious central square with a 14th century covered timbered market, overlooked by an impressive 13th century Church. Villereal boasts some excellent shops with numerous little back streets to explore.

Beauville

Approximately 15 minutes drive from Cap del Bosc lies the pretty village of Beauville, with its tree lined square and arcade beneath which are various shops and cafes. Home to Beauville Arts, a company that tutors young people in performing arts whilst holidaying in France, free public performances are given on Friday evenings throughout the summer months. Beauville also boasts a swimming lake and canoe hire.

Roquecor

A sleepy medieval hilltop village dating back to the 12th century, with a popular Sunday market selling local produce and crafts. It has a super café in the market square, lovely setting.

Moissac

The famous 7th century abbey and cloisters of this town stand on the bank of the river Garonne, the cloisters with their carved arches and pillars is very special.

Cahors

The capital of Quercy, built on the river Lot, Cahors has a wonderful main street and cathedral, but the 14th century Pont Valentre, a defensive bridge built over the river Lot is its jewel.

Montaigue-de-Quercy

Large leisure lake with beach, water slides, pedalos and restaurants. Attractive town with lovely market square set on a hill with wonderful views of surrounding rolling countryside.

Chateau Bonaguil

13th century castle, one of the most impressive and evocative in France, with a couple of cafes and restaurants at the foot of the castle in the village.

Circuit-des Bastides

A signposted route of Bastide towns and their medieval buildings, including Villereal, Monflanquin, Eymet, Miramont and Villeneuve.

Bergerac