Monsegur Duras an introduction to the area Monsegur swing Jazz festival

Situation

Slightly over one hours drive from the city of Bordeaux on the borders of the Gironde and the Lot-et-Garonne in the

Aquitaine region, lie the towns of Monsegur and Duras and the pretty villages of Dieulivol and St. Ferme, where most of our
Houses for Holiday Rental are located. The nearest town is Monsegur with Supermarket, Restaurants, Weekly
Market,Banks and Bars - and is just 5 mins drive away.

The area is served by airports at Bordeaux, Bergerac and Toulouse and there is a first class motorway system.

This is a particularly quiet and beautiful part of South West France - an area noted for its stunning countryside. It has been
likened to rural England one hundred years ago.

Climate

The climate is usually very agreeable, with warm weather normally beginning as early as April or May and lasting well into
October for the grape picking, 'vendage'. During the hot summer days there is usually a refreshing breeze. In the winter
there are often clear bright days and an early morning frost can be followed by a day warm enough to sit outside a cafe.

Locality

The area abounds with excellent vineyards and restaurants. Not only is the region famous for wines but also produces
excellent prunes, 'Pruneaux d'Agen'. Despite being small the village of Dieulivol has its share of history - it is said that
pilgrims set off from Dieulivol Church in search of the Holy Grail. Dieulivol also has a small Post Office that stocks basic
provisions. The friendly local farming family are happy to sell you free range eggs.

The major landmark at St. Ferme is the Abbey. An artisan Baker is also nearby.

Slightly further afield (within 25 minutes drive) are the towns of Duras, Marmande Ste Foy la Grande, and Sauveterre-de-
Guyenne. Each hold a colourful weekly market, selling local produce. These towns also offer a larger range of shops,
including Supermarkets, Restaurants, Bars, Banks, and Estate Agents. Each July Monsegur hosts the International
Monsegur Swing Jazz Festival.

About 40 to 50 minutes drive away are Eymet, Bergerac and St. Emilion, which are all worth exploring. St. Emilion is our
favourite and to give you a flavour of the town, in the summer, an open sided tourist tram takes you on a short interesting
tour of the ancient cobbled streets and nearby vineyards. In our opinion, St. Emilion has grabbed the world's share of
excellent restaurants.

The city of Bordeaux offers an interesting day out for culture, shopping or sight seeing. This could be combined with a trip
to the coast, which is about two hours by car. There are many protected natural areas by the sea and an ornithological
park at Bassin d'Arcachon.

During the summer months fetes are held in nearby villages and towns when sometimes the town square plays host to
visiting Rock Bands - and all night partying.

Sporting activities

Golf, tennis, horse riding, fishing, clay pigeon shooting and canoeing are all within easy reach and the Atlantic coastline
offers excellent beaches with facilities for surfing and windsurfing. The Tourist Office in most towns has details including
suggestions for walks and bike rides.

Further information

This is just a very brief introduction to an area that really does offer something for everyone. More detailed local
information on much of the above, including vineyards, restaurants, beaches and places of historic interest are included
in a Housebook which can be found in each Rental House. Should you wish to check on local facilities beforehand,
simply give us a ring.

Living French Holidays wish you 'Bon Voyage'.