Activities
Canel
At Canel you can play table tennis, jeu de boule, swim in the pool, connect to the internet via wi-fi or relax on a terrace with a good book. We are an organic farm of 23 hectares with a small flock of sheep and several hectars of organic crops. We can also provide meals for those nights when you don't want to venture out.
Chateaux
Due to its turbulent past many of the chateaux in this area are fortified. These chateaux are more like English castles than the more ornate chateaux found in other parts of France. A local example is Chateau Bonaguil which was built with extensive fortifications and has never been defeated (it was never attacked!). Another example a bit further away is Chateau Biron which, through animations, shows some aspects of typical chateau life.
Bastides
Aquitaine was a heavily disputed region of France (with the English) and so many towns were built in fortified positions on hilltops giving each side their strongholds. These towns are called Bastides. Some Bastides were English and some French. Today these Bastides form some of the more interesting and beautiful towns to visit. Each has a spectacular view and well preserved historical buildings. Many have good local restaurants and are well worth a visit. The nearest Bastide is Tournon which is about 4kms away and is visible from Canel. There are several restaurants and an evening market during the summer. Other close by bastides are Penne d'Agenais, Monflanquin, Villereal and Villeneuve-sur-Lot. By car you can follow the 'bastide route' which connects these bastide towns and many more. Read more about bastides at Lot et Garonne.
Markets
Local markets are bubbling and lively; the places that locals come to buy and sell their products, and to meet friends and catch up with news. They are the best places to find good local produce, for example local Cahors 'purple' wine, world famous Agen prunes, foie gras by the ton and rich, full-flavoured confit de canard. The markets also offer fresh local fruit and vegetables, fresh baked bread and croissants, and succulent steaks. Come and taste the difference from your local supermaket's offerings.
Walking/Cycling
You can ramble along small paths directly from the estate into the surrounding woods, enjoy the surprising directions they take and maybe stop for a picnic. You can cycle along narrow country lanes and footpaths, in between vines, up and over rolling hills, stop at a local cafe for refreshment. The extensive network of paths and lanes provides ample opportunity to explore the area on foot or by cycle, often having the path to yourself.
Bikes are available for local hire, walking boots you have to bring yourself.
Wine
Canel is on the border of the wine area Cahors AOC. This area has 4000 hectares of wines and has been producing wine for hundreds of years. Driving around here it is impossible to miss the many Cahors wine producers and the fields of vines soaking up the sun. Read more about this area at wineanorak, then go and sample the wine - more fun! The producers are happy to explain their wines and to provide examples.
Around Canel there are many wine producers whose vines are just outside the Cahors AOC but produce wine that is just as good. This area is called Thezac-Perricard and due to lack of AOC classification the wine commands a lower price - good news for us all. We have one such producer just before you reach Canel, 'vin du tsar', and another if you go just past Canel, 'domain Lancement', both within walking distance.
Food
The regional french cuisine is well known for it's rich and full-flavoured food with specialities like 'foie gras' and 'confit de canard'. The fresh and local ingredients used can be found in local markets and so you have the opportunity to experiment with recipes back at the gite or sample the real thing in a local restaurant. A list of restaurants is available at the gite.
Swimming
You have the choice of lounging around the pool at Canel or taking an adventure to one of the local lakes. For example it takes only 15 minutes to go to the lake in Montaigu de Quercy. This big lake has a large sandy beach, water slide, diving platform, pedalos, and play-area. It also has a bar-restaurant where you can buy cool refreshing ice-creams and drinks, filling french sandwiches and complete 3-course meals. Lifeguards safeguard the area and first-aid facilities are available. Quieter lakes can also be found if you are prepared to venture a bit further.
Shopping
Tournon provides all the essentials including a general stores, 2 restaurant/bars, butcher, baker, hairdresser, garage etc. The nearest supermarket is in Montayral, about 10km away. For a wider range of shops and restaurants visit Villeneuve sur Lot (about 25 minutes west) and Agen (about 35 minutes south). For those major shopping expeditions and a taste of city life head to Bordeaux, 2 hours to the west, or to Toulouse, 1.5 hours to the east.
Don't forget that in France shopping stops at 12hrs and restarts at 14.00hrs. Restaurants also like to serve lunch between these times.
