Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

This week we look at Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, and what it means,

Les Plus Beaux Villages began as recently as 1982 as a loosely bound association of around 60 French villages whose stated aims included promotion of their history and heritage, and the avoidance of 'certain pitfalls' including soul less museums and amusement parks.

The Association now embraces 153 villages throughout France, and this includes the villages of Auvillar, Bruniquel, Lauzerte, Monflanquin, Monpazier, Pujols-le-haut and St Cirq Lapopie, being the villages closest to the area where Halcyon Leisure properties are situated.( the departments of Lot, Lot-et-Garonne and Tarn-et-Garonne: Monflanquin is in Dordogne, but will be a familiar name to those driving south from Bergerac)

The land of wine and honey.... and fruit... and vegetables... and nuts....

 The land between the Lot, Garonne and Tarn rivers is a true cornucopia for food enthusiasts, with the rolling landscape providing differing soil types for a wide range of foods to be produced. This post describes what and where to look for.

Vineyards and wineries are liberally spread throughout the area, with a good concentration along the Lot producing the fine Cahors AOC wines that are famed throughout the world. Many wineries are open for tastings and direct purchase, and are often based in Chateaux and manoirs. Often they have wider product offerings - for example Domaine du Garinet at le Boulvé near Tournon d'Agenais where they also produce plums for prune products, and also walnuts for oils and other products.... including baked products which are often sold at the local markets.