About the Area:
Le Grindoux is in the department known as the Lot-et-Garonne, next door to the Dordogne region. Almost all of the surrounding area is farmland, actively farmed for corn, hay, sunflowers and other crops. Those who aren't farming the land for cash crops are often cultivating food for their poultry or other livestock. There are many farms to visit, sometimes called fermes auberges, where you are welcome to stop and tour the farm, taste the products or even share a meal with the farmer.
In the village of Castillonnès there is a weekly farmers market on Tuesday mornings, tennis courts to reserve for play, a community pool, bakeries, restaurants, a café, movie theater, and a couple of small supermarkets.
Things to Do:
There are many unique adventures to be found in this region of France. Do not hesitate to go into the tourism office in Castillonnès (or in any town), where there is always someone ready to help (who speaks English), as well as numerous pamphlets and fliers on what's happening during your visit.
Touring Chateaux and vineyards are of course among the most popular activities in the region. Chateau Monbazillac winery is open for touring and tasting and there is a beautiful view of the Bergerac valley from the grounds. Chateau Lanquais is one of the only furnished castles in France, with a very intriguing (and sinister) history. Often it's best to call ahead and make a reservation for tastings and tours of the vineyards. However, a visit to one of the many farmers markets in the region may land you a personal invitation from one of the vintners to come visit his vineyard to see the process and sample their wines.
The region has numerous museums, prehistoric cave paintings, and working farms open for visiting. While the museums and cave paintings of D'Les grottes' along the Dordogne river (Font de Gaume, Lascaux) and The National Prehistoric Museum in Les Eyzies tell wondrous stories of the history of the region the working farms are a way to experience the real life of the French countryside. Le Chaudron Magique in Brugnac is a working organic farm featuring angora goats. Tour the animal pens, pet and feed the goats, see a goat cheese making demonstration and give the kids (baby goats) a bottle. This and a visit to a nearby working windmill are great children's outings.
Other Activities:
Shopping, boating,
