Sit back and enjoy the slow, relaxed pace of life this area has to offer.  
 
Firstly, may we introduce our market town of Marmande (8km), one of the largest Bastide towns in Aquitaine.  By all accounts, it was founded by Richard the Lionheart on the site of an ancient settlement.  Renowned for producing a delicious variety of tomato, still an important trade today, Marmande is the principal market town of the area having a picturesque old quarter with narrow cobbled streets leading down to the River Garonne.  Each Saturday morning there is a very colourful, bustling and interesting market, bringing together the old outdoor and the more recent covered venues.  You can buy anything from clothing, plants and flowers, fish and seafood, meat and dairy produce, fresh fruit and vegetables, even live animals and birds!  Watch it all from one of the many watering holes surrounding the attractive square.  Marmande also has a museum, up-market shops and boutiques, bars and restaurants and major supermarkets  
 
Most towns in this area have their own weekly markets.  All fall on different days and are usually held in the morning.  Crammed with fresh produce and the work of local craftsmen, they are a must for locals and tourists  Worthy of note are Issigeac (45km) both in summer and winter, Villeréal (50km) one of the busiest and most interesting, the lively market in Miramont (18km) on Monday mornings, Castillonnès (38km) and Eymet (27km) on a Thursday morning. 
 
In the summer there are nocturnal markets which are very popular and a cheap way to eat well.  The market square is brimming with picnic tables and surrounded by stalls selling everything you need for a meal you can eat on-site. 
 
The closest destination for those interested in watersports is the Lac du Saut du Loup (Lake of Jumping of the Wolf!!) at Miramont, with its sandy beach, canoeing and wind-surfing.  There are also opportunities for canoeing at Allemans-du-Dropt (20km) and on the Dordogne and Lot Rivers.  At St. Sernin (near Duras) is Lac de Castelgaillard which has a sandy beach, water-slide, swimming, fishing, pedaloes, windsurfing, also horse-riding, cycling, mini-golf, café/bar, restaurant and excellent facilities for children.   The River Lot at Clairac (20km) has a small sandy beach, is excellent for river-swimming and has a recommended bar/restaurant overlooking the river. 
 
For golf fanatics there is Golf de Marmande (9 hole - 8km); Golf de Barthe at Tombeboeuf (9 hole -19km);  Casteljaloux (18 hole competition course overlooking a beautiful lake (27km) and - probably the best - Chateau des Vigiers at Monestier (18 hole) which also has an excellent restaurant and its own vineyard (42km). 
 
If castles appeal then visit Chateau de Duras (27km).  This classified historic monument was built in 1308 and has magnificent ceilings, archways etc.  The Chateau de Bonaguil (73km) is spectacular and one can see the medieval graffiti which was uncovered during work on the restoration.  In addition, there is a large and magnificent firework and music spectacular in the summer. 
 
It makes economic sense to buy your wine direct from the vineyard.  We strongly recommend Cave de Berticot at Duras which offers a full range of Bordeaux, Ste-Foy-Bordeaux and Cotes de Duras red, white and sparkling wines at very reasonable prices.  For everyday drinking there is a light, very palatable Vin de Pays supplied in long-life 20 and 32 litre containers, complete with taps, for around 70p a litre.  If you have a celebration in mind then you cannot go wrong. Just ask and they will oblige!  Also try Domaine Amblard, a family-owned wine producer at St Sernin near Duras, and Chateau La Colline at Thenac, between Bergerac and Eymet near Sigoules, can deliver wine direct to you in the UK. 
 
Why not try fresh farm produce and pick-your-own which are well-advertised and widely available from the many neighbouring farms. 
 
There are many good restaurants within easy reach ranging from enjoyable local food to haute cuisine.  Visit Seyches (10km) where you will find Le Vieux Porche, one of the best family-run cheap establishments in the area with a four-course menu for only Euro 12, including wine.  Dine outside on the shady terrace overlooking the picturesque square and winding narrow streets.  Booking for any lunchtime, Sunday lunch and Bank Holidays is strongly recommended as it’s very popular with both locals and visitors alike.   Also try XIII Clochers at Monteton (20km) a beautiful hilltop village with views over fields of plums and bright yellow buttercups.  Our nearest restaurant, Le Moulin d’Ané (1.5km), has its own swimming pool and is attractively situated in a mill overlooking a small river. 
 
And last, but not least, Bastille Day (July 14) is pretty spectacular:  a Bank Holiday packed with street parties and events where all the towns and villages organise something to suit everyone.