Discover the Lot et Garonne

If you are looking for self catering accommodation in the Lot et Garonne then you need look no further. Valmar Gite provides comfortable holiday accomodation for 2 - 6 guests with sole use of a superb pool.

But why choose one of the many Gites in the Lot et Garonne in the first place ! What does it have to offer and what is there to do ?

Described by many as 'The market garden of France' the Lot et Garonne is a département well known for its farming produce - peaches, nuts, tomatoes and it's plums which later become the famous 'Pruneaux D'Agen'. In fact the next time you buy a box of prunes have a look at the label and you may well discover that they originate from this region of South West France. The Lot et Garonne is also a big producer of sunflower oil and this is reflected in field after field being devoted to the growing of sunflowers, which in July and August are an absolute riot of yellow. Their sunny faces watch you as you drive casually past them through the beautiful countryside. Our guests tell us that the views from the Terrace and pool area at Valmar are "stunning" and this is partly thanks to the mass of sunflowers that fill the fields that Valmar overlooks.

The landscape of the Lot et Garonne is one of gently rolling hills, with quiet country lanes meandering between them. So you are very unlikely to come across a traffic jam during your time spent at Valmar. Many of the hills in the Lot et Garonne are topped with 'Bastide towns'. A Bastide is a french town founded in the 13th or 14th century by the lords or barons of the day and was normally fortified at some stage. Many fine examples of Bastides in the Lot et Garonne remain to this day and have retained much of their medieval character. Some of them have been classified by the french as being 'Les plus beaux villages de France'. Examples that are close to your holiday accommodation in the Lot et Garonne are to be found at Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Monflanquin and Pujols. They are fascinating places, steeped in history and well worth a visit. To find out more about Bastide Towns nip over to our page devoted to them if you like . It's here.

If history is your thing, you will probably want to visit one of the Chateaux in the Lot et Garonne. Let's see. Well there is the Chateau de Bonaguil, an imposing Castle, built largely between the XIIIth and XVIth centuries, originally fortified by Philip III the Bold King of France, to protect the people of the Agenais region. You can join in the regular organised tours, or wander around freely, discovering its many secrets for yourself. Much effort has been made recently to sympathetically restore this Historic Monument, said to be one of the finest fortresses in France. At 7km North East of Fumel (approx 45km from Valmar) it is well worth a visit.

Then there is Chateau Biron, in the north of the Lot et Garonne. Chateau Biron stands at the frontier between Périgord and Agenais, once a highly strategic position. Its history is directly linked to the great Gontaut-Biron family, the holder of the castle for eight hundred years. Marked throughout the XIIth to XVIIIth centuries by all sorts of vicissitudes, this monumental building offers a XIIth century donjon, a two-storey chapel, Renaissance appartments, impressive vaulted kitchens and is rightly classified as an historic monument. Another piece of Lot et Garonne history not to be missed.

But the Lot et Garonne is not all about history, beautiful towns and sleepy villages -

Visiting the Lot et Garonne is worth doing just for the food. Being 'The market garden of France' means that the inhabitants of the Lot et Garonne have an absolute passion for their food. Local menus often start with the famous 'foie gras' followed by the delicious magret de canard (duck breast to you and I), which happens to be my favourite. Duck is one of the mainstays of Lot et Garonne cuisine, with stuffed duck or goose neck, breast and thigh all served in rich wine sauces, excellent value and generous portions. Then come the desserts - to die for. Those famous prunes often find there way into the desserts with dishes such as "Chocolate, Walnut and Prune Fudge Torte", or perhaps, "Apple and Prune Tart with Vanilla Ice Cream and Cognac", to name but two. If prunes aren't your thing, don't worry as you're sure to be faced with an overwhelming choice of dessert at most restaurants that you visit. And to wash that gourmet food down, you will have a selection of the local wines to sample - the Cotes-de-Duras is referred to by many as 'the smallest of all the great wine areas.' The wines of Buzet, and Cocumont, with its Cotes de Marmandais, are very popular as are the Brulhois, Vin du Tsar, and Vin du Mézinais (a dry white wine produced from the colombard grape).

So is it just the history, beautiful Bastides and villages and it's mouth-watering food that the Lot et Garonne has going for it. Of course not.

For the sporty type, or thrill seekers, the Lot et Garonne offers a wealth of activities. We have created our own 'Leisure activities page' where you can find an abundance of things to do on holiday in the Lot et Garonne click here to see them.

And to occupy yourselves in the evenings ? Well if you don't want to eat at a restaurant, why not visit one of the local villages and enjoy a 'night market'. Basically just take yourselves along in the evening, browse the market stalls bursting with local produce, make your choice of tasty fresh food, have it cooked by the vendor, right there in front of yours eyes, acquire for yourself a bottle of the local wine and sit around a table and enjoy the music and festivities provided by the locals. It's like a big picnic, but held during the evenings.

If you prefer other forms of entertainment, then visit our events page. There you will find a whole host of events that are happening in the area during your stay at Valmar Gite. Everything from art exhibitions, to theatre, to musical events and local festivals.

So the Lot et Garonne really does offer so much to the Holiday-maker.

Or if you prefer - you can take a book with you and just spend your time relaxing by the superb private pool at Valmar - in peace and tranquility - the choice really is yours !