A short walk

Take the footpath which passes just behind the chateau and leads you through vineyards and small forests to St Martin de Gurson. Here you can buy freshly-baked breads and croissants for breakfast and stop for a coffee. You’ll find maps of all the local trails.

2-minute drive or 10-minute cycle

Overlooked by the ruined Château de Gurson, the beautiful Lac de Gurson has a fine beach and swimming area with lifeguards. In summer, there is paddle boarding and kayaking. A café serves ice cream, fast food and cold drinks. The path looping around the lake makes a lovely run or walk from the castle.

Keen cyclists can join this long-distance route just outside the chateau. It’s between 300 and 400 km in total but don’t panic – you can do it in various stages. Rent bikes locally and have them delivered then set off to follow the tracks of Lawrence of Arabia – himself following an ancient trail made by Richard the Lionheart. You can download a map of all the routes.

30-minute drive

A remarkable medieval town built around pilgrimage and wine. Visit this wonderful church to learn more about the history of the eponymous hermit saint and marvel at the Chapel of the Trinity with its beautiful medieval paintings. Explore the catacombs and take a tour of the underground church – an awesome structure. You need to book tickets ahead for a timed tour from the tourist office.

16-minute drive

Montcaret is a small traditional village but the ruins of the Roman Villa here are listed as a National Monument in France. The villa floors have been extensively excavated to show a large number of beautiful original mosaics which will fascinate those interested in Roman history. You can also visit the church of Saint-Pierre-és-Liens, built by Benedictine monks in the 11th-century using stone that came from the collapsed Roman villa.

30-minute drive

Issac is a small village with a charming centre and an impressive entrance through a stone gateway. Attached to the gateway is this striking round tower with spiral staircase, built in the 15th-centurIsaay. Explore the little 12th-century church of Saint Avit then wander down to the river to discover the Maison Chastenet – both are listed historic monuments.

If you love wine then this spoiling day out is a huge treat. You get picked up and dropped off from wherever you’re staying, you’ll have a knowledgeable local host and be introduced to some signature wines rarely found at home. Spend time with the wine makers in the vines and the cellars, taste around 12-15 wines then enjoy a glorious picnic overlooking the vines. Little extras like bottled water, sun-screen and soft blankets for chilly days are a thoughtful touch.

45-minute drive

Those who prefer their wines to be organic will want to visit this gorgeous vineyard, to taste and to buy. Their organic conversion started in 2009 and they’ve been fully certified since 2012. It’s been family owned for five generations and is one of the flagship wineries of Bergerac, producing red, white and rosé wines.

30-minute drive

This is a small vineyard which has been producing classic St Emilion wine since 1867. It’s been owned and run by Michele and Guy Richard since 2001 and they transitioned to organic wine production in 2017. Labelled as Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé it comes at a price but you cannot come to this area without experiencing it. They offer tours, tastings and courses.

1 hour-drive or 40-minutes by train from Montpon-Menestrol

This fascinating museum was created in 1791, has been beautifully renovated and was reopened in 2019. Find really engaging wall-to-wall displays of carefully-preserved specimens from all over the world. Their aim is to explore ‘our relationship with nature from the very beginning of human history.’ Very young children will adore the ‘Early Years Museum’ specially designed for children under six.

25-minute drive

What could be nicer on a hot summer day than floating along the picturesque, meandering Dordogne then flopping into the water when you get too puffed out. This local company offers canoe or paddle board hire, drive you up stream with all the gear and you come back at your own pace, enjoying the wildlife and the countryside, stopping for a picnic when you choose – there’s no real time limit. Choose either 8km or 15km.

30-minute drive

The charming medieval streets, beautiful châteaux (most of which you can visit by appointment) and UNESCO vineyard – one of the best in the world – make for a wonderful day exploring. Hire canoes here and hit the water, looking out for egrets, black kites and falcons. A wonderful way to spend a day.

1 hour 9-minute drive

According to legend, the church of Saint Pierre de Brantôme was founded in 769 by Charlemagne himself and was listed as a historic monument in 1840. The building is of Romanesque architecture, but the vaulted ceiling of the church was rebuilt in the 15th century in the Gothic style. There are caves to visit, one with a magnificent fountain and the largest has two monumental bas-reliefs, known as the grotto of the Last Judgment.

1 hour 40-minute drive

Who doesn’t love being by the sea? Most families will be happy to pack up the car and head to some spectacular beaches for surfing on the wild Atlantic coastline. Start the day by climbing the Dune de Pila, Europe’s highest dune, spend the afternoon playing on the kilometres of golden sands in Biscarrosse or Archachon, then finish the day with seafood at the characterful oyster shacks in stylish Cap Ferret.