Location

The properties are situated in a small hamlet some 8 km from the thermal town of Casteljaloux, the hamlet is peaceful and very typical of French countryside living. Just outside Casteljaloux is a huge lake with sandy beaches, boating, fishing, swimming and a restaurant built out over the waters edge. Opposite the lake is a golf course and riding centre. Tennis courts are available opposite the sports stade. Several others lakes around the area offer trout fishing by the day. (not expensive).

Les Bains de Casteljaloux: only 5km away from the house are the thermal/spring baths of Casteljaloux in existance since the XIX century, now a modern centre offering a huge range of treatments from massage, saunas, japonese baths, jacuzzis, mud packs, yoga, etc. Entrance price from €15.

A short drive away is the Medoc/Bordeaux area with 240 Chateaux including all the famous names 'Mouton-Rothschild", Chateau "Margaux" and Chateau "Latour" etc.

Many of these old villages seem to be untouched by time: wonderful old churches, timeless Chateaux, vast areas of woods stretching all the way to the wonderfully elegant seaside town of Arcachon, then down into Pyla with its famous dunes, Biscarrosse with Europe's largest inland, fresh water lake. Even Biarritz is only about 1h30 away, you are further guaranteed peaceful villages with few tourists and traffic free roads.

The weather is sub-tropical, with summers sometimes lasting from March to October. The climate around this region can be one of the finest in France being on a par with Nice, Provence and the South West Coast.

Although this is a very rural area, you do not have to travel far to find a variety of activities throughout the summer.
Through local newspapers, "le syndicat d'iniative" and posters in the villages, you will find information on local events
For young people, one village or another will always have some outside evening entertainment. The streets are closed off, tables laid out, music until late - eat al fresco and absorb the atmosphere.

Classic Music Festivals are held in the various Abbeys and Chateaux, these can be very spectacular events performed by well know artists and run throughout the summer.

Also throughout the summer wonderful markets days in most villages, all the fresh produce you could want, free range eggs, local "foie gras" and real fresh smelling home grown vegetables.

So, from an evening of street dancing in Casteljaloux to hiring a private plane in Marmande for 1 hour gliding lessons, you can either fall asleep by a tranquil pool side setting in a comfortable Manor house and forget the rest of the world, or get up early; visit many places of interest or do something more energetic - whatever you decide, this is a lovely area to do it in.