Domaine De Guillalmes

Helmet on, picnic packed (ideally with morsels from the local markets) and you’re all set for a day of biking along the Lot Valley cycle route. A full 160 kilometres awaits if you’re feeling really energetic, but no one will think the less of you if you’d rather stick to a shorter chunk – there are plenty of little villages and vineyards to distract you along the way. The views are pretty good from a bit higher up too – see for yourself on the treetop trails at Parc En Ciel adventure park, 25 minutes away. All sound a little too… active? See the scenery slowly drift past from the deck of a traditional gabarre on a barge trip from Fumel, a few minutes’ drive from the site. And you’ll be wanting to squeeze in a château visit or two, too, no doubt – there are some mighty pretty ones around these parts. Riverside Château de Fumel five minutes away is your closest, although you should also consider making a detour for the gorgeous medieval Chateau de Bonaguil (10 minutes’ drive) and Château Lacapelle Cabanac (15 minutes), where you can sip wines next to the vineyards from which they sprang.