"Peace and quietness is guaranteed at La Gorce, where the loudest noise to be heard is the chirping of the birds. Yet it’s just a two kilometre stroll to the small village of Pessac-sur-Dordogne, which has a boulangerie, a handy supermarket, a tabac and a choice of restaurants. Excellent local fresh fruit and vegetables are available at the bastide markets such as Eymet, Duras and and at the famous market of Ste-Foy-la-Grande. Several supermarkets are only a five minute drive away."

The area has, of course, a great range of restaurants. Dine on the banks of the Dordogne at Au fil de l’eau for a very special evening. For an unforgettable gourmet dinner, nothing beats Les Fresques at Chateau des Vigiers, one of the finest gourmet restaurants in France. Casual dining at moderate prices is surprisingly good at The Grand Hotel in Ste-Foy-la-Grande.

Even closer to home, there are 2 extremely good restaurants just minutes from La Gorce: Les Remparts in Gensac, situated in an old stone church building, and The Belvedere in Pessac, with wonderful views across scenic valleys. Both offer great value. If you really want grab a bargain visit Saint-Jean in Lamothe-Montravel which is just a five minute drive away. You can get a good five course meal there for only 17 euros and a bottle of great St. Emilion wine for less than 10 euros!

There are plenty of activities available locally. the Dordogne river is just a few minutes’ walk from the house, and there are many pleasant spots to walk along the riverbanks. The area around Résidence la Gorce is ideal for cycling because it's situated in the Dordogne valley, so no hill climbing if you don't want to. Golfing is available at Château des Vigiers (15 minutes' drive), and clay pigeon shooting in Monestier. Canoeing and fishing are also popular activities.

The region

There are more châteaux in the Dordogne region than in any other part of France. Many vineyards are also waiting to be explored: most of them offer wine tasting, and sell their produce at very cheap prices. The St Emilion region with its exceptional wines is just 20 minutes away. You can even buy wine for just over a euro per litre only one km. away at chateau Pagnon!

If you love to go shopping Bordeaux will prove to be heavenly environment. There is a massive pedestrian only zone with wide lanes packed with wonderful where you can stroll for the best deals around. You will find every major fashion designer present. The boutiques of Ste-Foy-la-Grande, Bergerac, and Sarlat also offer great shopping.

Visit prehistoric caves like the world famous caves of Lascaux in Montignac. Finally, the Atlantic coast is a great option: Arcachon and Dune du Pila, the highest sand dune in Europe, are both about 1.5 hours away. The historic naval port of La Rochelle and the 19th century Victorian resort town of Biarritz are both just a two hour drive.