In Lot-et-Garonne and Dordogne, there are a certain number of places worth taking a detour to visit... This personalised itinerary offers a few examples for a winter weekend with magnificent skies come rain or shine.

A sixty kilometre loop starting at Villeréal, a "bastide" town with a magnificent wooden covered market and gastronomic traders... Then in the direction of Monpazier, another magnificently preserved "bastide" town for another saunter amongst the craftsmen.   

Then you will travel back down passing the Château de Biron, a remarkable combination of medieval walls and a Renaissance mansion which will capture the interest of young and old alike. The hamlet opposite is also worth a visit. From there you will conquer the Lède valley and a car becomes a loyal battle steed... although you may prefer to discover it on foot. Saint-Avit, the hamlet where the 16th century potter, Bernard Palissy was born and his museum host contemporary creations from international artists. 

Next you will conquer Gavaudun and its incredible stronghold built on a rocky spur. The facing cliff is one of the rare places in the region where rock climbing is practiced. The route continues to meander until you arrive at a plain. Monflanquin, another characterful "bastide" town, rises up in the distance.  

> Where to stay
:: Les Rives du lac
Résidence Pierre & Vacances
Base de Loisirs de Coulon
Mondésir
47150 Monflanquin
Tel: +33 (0)5 53 49 72 00
mfl@pierre-vacances.com
http://www.pierreetvacances.com/scripts/fiche_produit.php?id_ofr=272&id_sai_passe=2
Studios start from € 229.49 per week.

:: La Maison de Prideaux
Chambres d’hôtes et gîtes
Le bourg
47210 Parranquet
Tel: +33 (0)5 53 49 01 19
prideaux@gites-dordogne.com
http://gites-dordogne.com/
Double rooms start from 65 Euros and cottages for 2 people from 250 Euros per week. Table d'hôtes available.

:: Domaine du moulin de Labique
Chambres d’hôtes
Saint Eutrope de Born
47210 Villeréal
Tel: + 33 5 53 01 63 90
moulin-de-labique@wanadoo.fr
http://www.moulin-de-labique.fr/
Double rooms start from 90 Euros. Half-board available.

:: Château du Rayet
A. Vanhullebus
Chambres d’hôtes
47210 Villeréal
Tel: +33 (0)5 53 36 76 63
chateaudurayet@wanadoo.fr
http://www.chateaudurayet.com
Double rooms start from € 125. Table d'hôtes available.

> Further information:
Words in bold in the text are links to related Internet sites.