The region
'Fongrive Haut' is situated on the outskirts of the village of Thenac in the south west Dordogne region of France, some 450 miles south of Le Havre.
Whilst the location is rural it is not isolated although a car is essential during your stay
The countryside is noted for the scenic beauty of its rolling hills cultivated with vines and plum trees and dotted with Chateaux and Bastides.
The house is set amidst a working vineyard and has lovely, extensive views to the south, east and west. The area is very rural and extensively cultivated with vines although vegetables, sunflowers, nuts and even tobacco are also grown. The region is the main wine growing area of the Dordogne and there are around 93 villages with approximately 1300 hectares under vine.
Another feature of the region is the Bastide. This is a fortified village essentially built to promote trade which is why the market place is the focus of each Bastide rather than its church or chateau. There is a market every day of the week in various towns and villages within reach. The area is also dominated by the river Dordogne with its beautiful gorges, chateaux and towns with canoeing and riverboat trips available.
Markets
There are markets to go to virtually every day of the week. Nearby, Eymet on a Thursday morning is a favourite, as is St Foy on a Saturday. On every Sunday during July and August in Soumensac there is a farmers market where we would recommend the alfresco lunch - with 180 degree views over the countryside. Get there early to have a seat and table otherwise have a picnic.
Walks
There are designated walks in and around Thenac that can be started directly from the house. Route details are posted in the village centre.
Dordogne boat ride
This goes regularly from the old quay at Bergerac where you can park for free. The trip on an old barge takes about an hour and includes an insight into the history of the river area and the ecology/bird life. There are other starting places upriver- one we would recommend is at Roque Gageac. On a warm day its a very pleasant and relaxing trip. Available from the 1st of April to the first Sunday of November, you can explore the Dordogne River in a traditional gabare boat and see five of the valley's most beautiful castles. The boat will be powered by traditional methods for part of the trip (rowing), allowing passengers to enjoy the peace and quiet of the natural surroundings, and the sounds of the bird life on the river, such as black kites, kingfishers, ducks and herons. The guides will provide a commentary on various aspects relating to the river, its history and its environment. These include:
The Middle Ages
The flora, fauna and ecosystem of the river
The life of river boatmen in the past
Migratory fish in the river, such as salmon and shad.
The Bergerac wine trail
Red, white and rose are all produced locally and the Route de Vin is an established route around the local vineyards where you are allowed to sample the local produce. Monbazillac is close by and has a lovely chateau,it is especially famous for its sweet white wine served as either an aperitif / cocktail or as a desert wine.
The Beaches
This region of France is called the Aquitaine. It is called "the region of wide open spaces" because everything here is immense. Two hundred and fifty kilometres of fine sandy beaches, the largest lakes in France (Hourtin and Cazaux), the highest dune (Pyla), the biggest pine forest in Europe (the Landes) and the greatest vineyard of A.O.C. wines in the world (that of Bordeaux in the Gironde). This Atlantic coastline provides some interesting water conditions for the swimmer, body boarder and surfer. Indeed Estagnots is a venue for many international surfing events. Sea temperatures are not as warm as the Mediterranean coast, but this does not seem to deter children and adults alike, from enjoying the bathing. Its about an hour and a half to Arcachon where the sand dunes are huge!
Prehistoric caves
These gems are scattered around the central area of the Dordogne. The first known Frenchman lived here 22,000 years ago! Lascaux, discovered by four boys in 1940, is possibly the most famous where, in order to preserve the original drawings, an exact replica has been built. The Vezere valley is where most are. Les Eyzies houses an archeological museum of prehistoric art. Try also Grotte de Font-de-Gaume.
Les Musees de la Reole
Next to the N113 on the eastern outskirts of this town south of us. A former tobacco factory which combines four museums, classic cars(100+), trains, military vehicles and agriculture. There is also a small car museum near Pomport and a tobacco museum in Bergerac.
Theme Parks
One of France's most popular theme parks, WALABI LAND, is situated near Agen, about 1 hour from the property. It is great for children of all ages due to the variety of rides. The adults are also kept entertained with the more thrilling rides.
Go karting/Ten Pin Bowling
For the boy and girl racer in you, this large new track is near Lerclerc's superstore at Bergerac just on east past the roundabout. Twenty minutes away. There is also 10 pin bowling closeby.
Canoeing
There is no better way to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Dordogne Valley and its tributaries than by hiring a canoe and paddling various distances, depending on how the mood takes you. You will see some of the region's most picturesque villages that in some of which have literally been carved out of the river cliffs.
Golf/Tennis
An excellent 18-hole golf course at Chateau des Vigiers, a top class hotel, is about 4 miles away on the D18. This immaculate par 72, 6002 metres course designed by Donald Steel is a firm favourite of friends. Good food is available in the lovely clubhouse. Some 40 minutes south on the RN 21 is the par 72, 6090 metres course near Castelnaud called the Villeneuve golf and country club. There are great views but a buggy is recommended as the course is quite hilly. Costs are a little less than Vigier. For those anxious to test their skills, there are other good courses within an hour's drive. Most villages have tennis courts including Monestier, 3 kms away, where there is a indoor court. Usually you pay at the local Maires office.
Horseriding
For those of you who want to experience the beauty of the surrounding countryside but from a slightly higher vantage point, why not go pony trekking and horse riding. A number of places offer a variety of activities to suit all standards.
Fishing
There are many lakes and rivers locally with good fishing.
St Emilion
A World Heritage site, for wine buffs especially, this is a lovely very old hillside little town where red wine dominates.There is lots of free tasting with the hope that you will buy. St Emilion has Europe's largest subterranean church, with half a million visitors a year, it is best to visit early morning or late afternoon. It takes about 40 minutes from the house.
Bergerac
25 minutes away is the main town in our area and one with lots of history. The old part of the town near the river is medieval. There is a wine and a tobacco museum.
Perigueux
An old, busy town which is the capital of the Dordogne. 45 minutes to the north of Bergerac with good shops, lovely old streets and Roman ruins.
Sarlat
The area's most beautiful town- a jewel of preservation. Famous for its medieval centre, and with a warren of old lanes where electricity and running water only came in the 1960s.Sarlet is less than an hour from Bergerac. Why not try the journey by train from St Foy?
Domme, Beynac, Gageac etc
These are a few of the many very picturesque villages to visit possibly on a round tour of the Dordogne valley.
Rocamadour
Its a bit of a journey to this pilgrimage town on a cliff face but more than worth it. This is one of the most visited places in France and the setting is spectacular.
Bordeaux
The region's capital city now has a new tram system which is intended to resolve the old parking problems. With its grand avenues, civic monuments, the riverside and St Andre Cathedral, the city is well worth a visit and is just over an hour away.
Brantome
A picturesque town in the north west of the Dordogne region dominated by the river Dronne. The old town is set almost all on an island. The Sixteenth century built Chateau de Puyguilhem is close by and well worth a visit.