The Farmstead, Aquitaine

The heart of rural France

• shared pool • own garden & barbecue area • suitable for children aged 7 or older •
• car hire included • wide choice of outdoor activities • welcome groceries •

The shared pool at the Farmstead

Set amid alluring scenery 15 kilometres west of bustling Agen, the Farmstead’s great attractions are the wide choice of activities, the idyllic setting and English-speaking Sylvie Orliac’s wonderful hospitality. However you choose to spend your week, you will be enchanted by this rich and fertile land, a colourful patchwork of orchards, vineyards and fields of corn and sunflowers, dotted with medieval towns which are warmed by the southern sun.

The cottages:

It was Sylvie who converted the rustic farm workers’ cottages and stables in the grounds of her family’s 16th-century manor house. Nowadays, they offer simple but comfortable family accommodation in La Bergerie, La Volière and Le Pigeonnier. All three have their own garden area, terrace and barbecue, and they share an outdoor pool measuring 12 by 6 metres that is usually open from May to September.
La Bergerie (sleeps up to 4): The cottage comprises a living-cum-dining room, a kitchen, a bathroom with a separate WC, a double bedroom and a twin bedroom. The garden looks out onto the countryside.
La Volière (sleeps up to 6): The open-plan living/dining area (which incorporates the kitchen) has exposed beams. The rest of the accommodation consists of a bathroom, a separate WC, two double bedrooms (one of which has a 140-cm-wide bed), and a twin bedroom.
Le Pigeonnier (sleeps up to 6): Le Pigeonnier’s terrace has fine views over the rolling countryside. The cottage comprises a beamed living-cum-dining room incorporating the kitchen, a shower room, a separate WC, a bathroom, a bedroom with a single bed and a sofa bed, and two bedrooms furnished with a (small) double bed and a single.

For more interior shots, please click here.

Inside La Bergerie

Each cottage’s kitchen is equipped with an oven, hob, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, microwave and washing machine. If you decide to self-cater rather than eating out, you can purchase milk and fruit from local farmers, while bread and croissants are delivered to the cottages each morning. We highly recommend joining other guests for Sylvie’s weekly dinner (pay locally), a very sociable affair with regional delicacies and wine included, and to which the whole family is warmly welcomed. The nearest shop is 8 kilometres away, while the nearest restaurant is 5 kilometres away. Sylvie can arrange childminders if required (pay locally).

The perfect place for tea...

Walking & other activities

There are excellent facilities for all the family at the Farmstead, centred on the the swimming pool - a peaceful place to relax and unwind after a busy day. Table tennis is available on site, and there are arrangements for guests to use the village tennis court (pay locally) - but bring your own rackets and tennis balls. Quiet lanes through the surrounding undulating countryside are ideal for gentle walking and cycling and we include details of local walks and cycle routes. Owner Sylvie has a few bikes (including children’s bikes) which can be hired for exploring the immediate area, but for days further afield, you can hire mountain and touring bikes on a daily or weekly basis from nearby Les Tilleuls, from where there is easy cycling along the canal tow path. Indeed, Sylvie often organizes a fun cycle trip and picnic with other families and guests along this route.

Places to visit:

Bonaguil Castle near Fumel (1hr)
This impressive 13th-century fortress sits atop a rocky outcrop from which it gets its name - bonne aiguille or 'good needle'. During the Hundred Years War, the lords of Bonaguil sided with the English, during which time it was captured and burnt on several occasions. Over the years, it has been rebuilt, modified and restored, making it a great place for exploration and discovery for all the family today. (Free entry for children under 7.)

Penne d’Agenais near Villeneuve-sur-Lot (less than 1hr)
The beautiful fortified hill-top village of Penne d'Agenais was once a Cathar stronghold, with its ruined castle perched precariously on a crag. Enjoy wandering the narrow streets that have changed little since medieval times.

The Magic Cauldron near Tonniens (1hr)
The Ferme du Chaudron Magique is an ‘eco’ farm with a wide variety of animals which children can see, feed and touch, including varieties of sheep and goats, plus docile Highland cattle. Home-grown produce is available for sale, including freshly-baked bread, home-made cheese and farm-produced meat - ideal for your next picnic.

The Prune Museum, Grange-sur-Lot (30mins)
For something completely different, you could visit the Musée du Pruneau to learn all about - and sample - the famous plums and prunes of Agen. Tasty and delicious, you may even come away with a few recipes to remind you of your stay in Aquitaine. As well as information on the plum harvest and prune industry, you can explore the complicated maize maze during the summer months. (Children under 10 free.)

Visit colourful French markets

Great days out

Take your time to discover the region’s many cultural treasures, among them the magnificent abbey at Moissac; the ornately decorated collegiate church of La Romieu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the once-important Roman town of Lectoure with its well-preserved medieval houses, imposing cathedral tower and Renaissance town hall; Condom, a small town with handsome old streets, an impressive cathedral and a fascinating Armagnac museum; the fortified 13th-century village of Larressingle, which is guarded by a medieval castle; and the wine city of Bordeaux, easily accesible for day trip by train, which boasts an elegant 18th-century town centre.

There are numerous weekly markets in the larger towns, and don’t miss the surrounding villages’ nocturnal markets either - these are held in the early evenings in the market square during the summer months, and are family-friendly affairs. Local farmers and growers set up colourful stalls filled to overflowing with tempting local produce and you can dine out in the heart of this bustling setting, enjoying a truly unique and memorable holiday experience.

The Castle at Bonaguil

Prices & travel 2009:

*Self-drive includes: P&O Ferries Dover-Calais return Channel crossing for your party and one car
Driving time from Calais: 8h35
**Property & hire car includes: 7 days’ category D hire car (e.g. Renault Laguna)
Recommended airports: Toulouse & Bergerac.
Driving time from airports: 1h35
Book your flights through us and we’ll find the best route and times to suit you
Start: Saturday

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> Booking form (La Bergerie)
> Booking form (La Volière)
> Booking form (Le Pigeonnier)

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