Places of Interest

Maison Soleil is located in Montcaret in the southwest corner of the Department of the Dordogne (24) and the adjacent Department of the Gironde (33). There is plenty to see and do in this part of France including numerous Chateaux, Caves and medieval towns and villages. St Emilion is a World Heritage site and is a must for any visitor. Also nearby is Castillon La Bataille (where the end of the 100 year War in 1453 is re-enacted every Summer), Ste Foy La Grande and Libourne as well as the well known town of Bergerac and are well worth a visit. There are weekly markets in all of these towns as well as others within easy driving distance. I am sure you will want to return many times to enjoy the full range of places and activities there are on offer.

The nearest town, Sainte Foy La Grande lies on the banks of the River Dordogne and has numerous shops and Restaurants for you to explore. There is an excellent market on Saturday morning that provides lots of opportunities to find a bargain or two and to enjoy a coffee under the arches in the main square.

Monpazier: Founded in 1285 by Edward I with most of the fortifications and original six gates still in tact. The main square is a must and there are numerous places to eat or to have a drink in one of the pavement cafes whilst you watch the world go by.

Limeuil: on the D31 east of Lalinde, Limeuil is at the confluence of the rivers Dordogne and Vezere and has two identical bridges from which to admire the spendid views of the two rivers. One of 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France', Liimeuil is entered through an arched gateway and rises up through the old narrow streets to a ruined Chateau. The scenery is so enchanting you will find it hard to leave.

Continuing east along the river Dordogne after Ste Foy La Grande you will come to Bergerac. Surrounded by Vineyards, the river flows through the centre of the town where you will find the Ancien Port. The old quarter is a labyrinth of half timbered houses and there are many pavement cafes to try out the local cuisine. There are boat trips along the river to admire the scenery or you can visit La Maison des Vins to sample the many local wines made in the area.

Heading further east along the river will take you to the delights of Beynac, Domme and Sarlat La Caneda. At Beynac you will find canoes and Kayaks to hire and high on top of the cliff, the majestic Chateau de Beynac. Here you will find real dungeons in the 13th century castle as well as magnificent views along the river valley.

Domme must also be one of the most beautiful villages in France sitting on top of sheer cliffs offering lovely views across the Dordogne valley. Founded in 1283, Domme is an unusual bastide town in that it is triangular with ramparts on all sides. There is a 17th century covered market that also provides access to the Domme caves where there is 450 metres of galleries and low passages to explore.

Finally, Sarlat La Caneda, is an attraction all of it's own and well worth the pleasant hour and a half drive from Montcaret. Sarlat is a wonderful preserved medieval town with cobbled streets and narrow lanes where you will find lots of little restaurants and bars. There is a massive market on Wednesday and Saturdays so set off early to catch the best bargains.

Want something more active?

Sightseeing is very enjoyable but there are also plenty of sporting activities and other attractions within easy distance of Maison Soleil.

• The River Dordogne is a pleasant walk of around 2km where you will find many places to hire canoes, go walking, swimming or river rafting. You can also swim at the Lac du Gurson which is just 15 minutes away. Here you will find beaches and picnic areas amongst the trees as well as a diving board and restaurant. There is a small Aquapark in Bergerac if you need a more adventurous swimming experience.*
• Canoeing - within 1km directly south of the house, you will find a bridge over the river at St Seurin de Prats. Have a leisurely lunch at the riverside café before trying out the canoeing or rafting. Similar options are also available at St Antoine de Breuilh 6km east along the D936.
• Horse Riding - try the equestrian centre also at St Antoine where you can go horse riding along the riverside or through the many bridle ways in the woods and vineyards that surround the area.
• Cycling - There are many miles of country lanes around Maison Soleil for easy and safe family bike rides. Four bikes are provided for you use. Additional bicycles can be hired in Ste Foy La Grand.
• Paintballing - get splattered with paint - french style!. Head east along the D936 towards Ste Foy and look our for the signs on the right close to the roundabout after St Antoine de Breuilh.
• Disco - if Disco music is on your list, the nearest is close to the LeClerc supermarket on the D936 just before Port Ste Foy (10km east). Near to McDonalds - if you need it!
• The Rugby World Cup 2007 is being partly held in Bordeaux. There are regular train services from Castillon to Bordeaux making travelling to the games even easier. There are a number of matches being held in Bordeaux:

• 09/09/2007 Ireland -v- Africa
• 15/09/2007 Ireland -v- Europe 3
• 25/09/2007 Americas -v- 2 Asia
• 29/09/2007 Australia -v- Americas 2

• Located within one hour's drive from Maison Soleil, there is a large family attraction park featuring both rollercoaster-style attractions as well as a well founded water park! Walibi Aquitaine provides fun for all the family and is a great day out regardless of age!

* You will find the Aquapark on the D936 1km before the roundabout where the LeClerc supermarket is situated, 3km before you arrive in Bergerac.