La Maison Pierre is conveniently located on the edge of Monsegur, a little hilltop bastide town, in the Entre de Mer. Literally meaning between two seas, but in reality between the rivers Garonne and Dordogne.

Only an hour's drive from Bordeaux and 40 minutes from Bergerac airports, Monsegur is the perfect base from which to explore South West France. In the Gironde, yet only 5 minutes from the Lot et Garonne and a further 5 minutes to the Dordogne departments.

Entre de Mer is considered to be one of the most beautiful areas of France, often likened to Tuscany in Italy. The gently rolling countryside is a pleasure to explore, with excellent, very quiet roads winding their way through fields and forests.

The seasons are truly defined, with each one notably different from the others and all equally enjoyable. In summer you will see countless fields of sunflowers and corn. In autumn, you can experience the vendage (grape harvest) and witness the trees turning to gold and red. In winter, the ubiquitous fields of vines, stripped of their grapes and pruned, ready for the next year's vintage, offer a geometrically unique landscape. Then, as spring temperatures rise, the countryside blossoms. All year, wildlife is abundant.

Monsegur
From La Maison Pierre, a few level minutes walk into town and you will find yourself in the arcaded market square. Here you will find a choice of café's bars and restaurants, with Les Colonnes providing an excellent live jazz night every Tuesday evening. Atelier Avenda exhibits original acrylic and watercolour paintings by Avenda Burnell Walsh. The chocolaterie makes magnificent organic chocolates and serves excellent coffee and tea. There is a choice of banks and three boulangeries providing wonderful bread. There is even a cinema!

The medieval walls offer panoramic views over the Dropt valley below.

The local supermarket is excellent and only a couple of minutes from the house.

For the energetic, Monsegur has a first class outdoor swimming pool (open July and August) and tennis courts.

The shopkeepers and artisans organise events throughout the year ensuring that no matter when you come, there will always be life around Monsegur.

Monsegur 24 hours of Swing"
Jazz lovers from around the world travel to Monsegur for this live music festival, which takes place over the first weekend of July each year. The carnival atmosphere is marvelous, as several thousand music lovers fill the market square and the surrounding bars and restaurants. Monsegur really swings.

Bordeaux
A visit to Bordeaux is a must for all visitors, if only to see how good public transport should be. The new trams, with their stylish carriages, effortlessly glide through the heart of the city.

The architecture is wonderful, with a rich variety of beautiful stone buildings. The Grand Theatre is a gem.

There is a fabulous range of shops, with the ?tres chic? Golden Triangle opposite the Grande Theatre of particular interest to the serious shoppers!

Good restaurants abound and the squares of the old town offer lovely bars and brasseries .

Towns, Villages and Castles
There are so many to choose from, all within a short driving distance.

St. Emilion, built into a hillside of mellow, cream stone is a world heritage site and is truly stunning. Explore narrow lanes with wine shops, cafes, restaurants and interesting shops. Try some of the famous wines. St. Emilion is literally surrounded by vineyards.

Duras, with its hilltop chateaux is only 5 minutes away.

Bergerac, on the Dordogne has a really interesting old town next to the river and the Saturday morning market is excellent for food lovers.

For a wonderful relaxed day out, drive to Eymet, carry on to Monpazier (one of the finest bastide towns) and stay for lunch. Then continue your journey to Belves. This historic hilltop town is like a Cotswold village with a French accent.

Beaches
The Atlantic coast, with miles of sandy beaches, is less than one and a half hours drive away.

Try Biscarosse or Lacanau where the world surfing championships are held. Or visit the Bassin D?Arcachon to see Europe? highest sand dune at Pyla.

Markets
All villages and towns hold morning markets, full of fresh and interesting produce. Monsegur market is on Fridays.

Golf
There is a first class course nearby at Chateau des Vigiers Golf and Country Club.

Cycling
Cycle hire is available. Either contact us, or see house book on arrival.

Wine
Around Monsegur you can visit many small chateaux and enjoy free tastings. The wines are really good and very inexpensive.

Wine tours are available. Either contact us, or see house book on arrival.

Or Just Relax
Why not just sit on the terrace, sip some wine and enjoy the wonderful food of this special part of France.

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