Food & Drink

Les Hirondelles is lucky to be situated on the borders of three excellent wine appellations; Bordeaux, Duras and Marmandais, all of which produce superb reds, rosés and both sweet and dry whites. You can visit large wine cooperatives or small family run vineyards for tours and tastings in each region and we will be glad to arrange these for you. Even the cheapest wines are good and great wines are excellent value - we've never had a bad bottle! The world famous Saint Emillion region is only an hour's drive away, as is the city of Bordeaux with it's historic centre and huge range of shops, bars and restaurants.

The cuisine of the South West is considered by many to be the best in France and there is an abundance of local restaurants offering a range of menus to suit all pockets ( 3 course lunchtime menus start at 11 euros including wine! ).We can recommend a different place to eat each night of the week and there is a list of recommended restaurants in the gîte. We will be happy to make reservations for you and if you don't feel like eating out we also offer a range of authentic local dishes for you to enjoy on your terrace.

MARKETS & FÊTES

There are local markets to visit most days of the week where you can buy fresh fruit & vegetables alongside local delicacies such as foie gras, magret de canard, wild boar sausages, cheeses and spit roast farm chickens (poulet de fermier).

In the summer there are also weekly marchés des producteurs and night markets at Duras, Eymet, Monsegur, Soumensac and Lévignac. Here you can sit outside and join the locals feasting on a variety of dishes and wines bought direct from the producers. Our favourite is Lévignac night market which continues with dancing until the early hours!

There are also numerous fêtes and events in the surrounding villages throughout the summer - and of course bars where you can enjoy a coffee or a beer and watch the world go by.

HISTORY

Our ancient region of Aquitaine is steeped in history with 'bastide' towns, churches and chateaux (many built by the English before and during the 100 year war) to visit. Some of these places stage re-enactments and shows during the summer. We particularly recommend the recently restored chateau at Duras and the amazing outdoor show at Castillon la Bataille where 500 actors and 50 horsemen re-enact the last battle of the 100 year war.

 

SPORTING ACTIVITIES

Golf 40 minutes by car the luxurious Château des Vigiers has an 18 hole course (par 72) open to visitors. Our guests have been enthusiastic about the municipal course in Marmande.  9 holes are available at Castlenaud (par 27), and Tombeboeuf (par 36).

Canoeing For a leisurely paddle you can hire canoes and kayaks at the municipal campsite in Allemans du Dropt.

Bike hire The bike shop in Duras has a hire service. A designated cycle route runs past the gîte or choose your own route along traffic free country lanes.

Horse riding is also available to both experienced riders and novices from stables near Duras.

Go karting at an indoor circuit in Marmande.

DAY TRIPS

The coast at Arcachon is an hour and a half drive and Europe's biggest sand dune at Pyla is well worth a visit. Forty minutes away at Casteljaloux there is a large swimming lake with a sandy beach.

You can have a good day out in the Dordogne visiting the world famous prehistoric sites and cave paintings. As an alternative we recommend taking a picnic and canoeing or taking a boat trip down the river.

Links

www.berticot.com (local wine cooperative)
www.vigiers.com (golf course and restaurant)
www.canoesvalleevezere.com (canoeing)
www.chateaudemonteton.com (restaurant & music)
www.chateau-de-duras.com (visit the chateau)
www.swing-monsegur.com (jazz festival)
www.batailledecastillon.com (Battle re-enactment)