Discover Southwest France
From picturesque bastide villages and colourful weekly markets to vineyards, riverside walks and unforgettable days out, La Cottage is perfectly placed for exploring one of France’s most beautiful and unspoilt regions.
Historic Bastide Villages
One of the great pleasures of staying at La Cottage is discovering the beautiful bastide villages that surround Saint-Maurin. Each has its own unique character, from bustling market squares and medieval streets to peaceful cafés where time seems to stand still.
Explore nearby villages such as Lauzerte, Beauville, Penne-d’Agenais and Montjoi, each offering wonderful architecture, local shops and welcoming restaurants. Whether you’re wandering narrow cobbled streets, browsing artisan boutiques or simply enjoying a coffee beneath the plane trees, every visit reveals another corner of authentic southwest France.
Colourful Weekly Markets
Life in southwest France revolves around its traditional weekly markets, where locals gather to buy the freshest seasonal produce and visitors experience the true flavour of the region.
Stroll through colourful stalls filled with fresh fruit and vegetables, artisan cheeses, warm bread, local wines, olives, flowers and handmade crafts. Take your time, enjoy a coffee in the village square and return to La Cottage with ingredients for a leisurely lunch or dinner prepared using the very best local produce.
Food, Wine & Local Flavours
Southwest France is renowned for its exceptional food and wine, and staying at La Cottage places you in the heart of one of France’s richest culinary regions.
Enjoy local specialities including duck, foie gras, prunes, walnuts and regional cheeses, accompanied by wines produced in nearby vineyards. Whether you’re dining in a village restaurant, discovering a hidden café or preparing your own meals using ingredients from the local markets, every day offers another opportunity to experience the flavours that make this region so memorable.
Walking, Cycling & Nature
The peaceful countryside surrounding La Cottage invites you to slow down and explore at your own pace. Quiet country lanes, scenic walking routes and gentle cycling trails wind through vineyards, sunflower fields, orchards and charming villages waiting to be discovered.
Nearby canal paths, woodland walks and riverside scenery provide wonderful opportunities to enjoy nature, spot local wildlife and experience the slower pace of rural French life. Whether you’re seeking a gentle stroll or a full day’s adventure, you’ll never be short of places to explore.
Days Out to Remember
La Cottage is perfectly positioned for exploring some of southwest France’s most fascinating towns and attractions. Visit the historic city of Agen, admire the magnificent abbey at Moissac, discover the beauty of Penne-d’Agenais or spend the day exploring riverside villages, vineyards and historic castles throughout the region.
Every journey introduces something new, whether it’s spectacular views, fascinating history or another beautiful village where lunch in the sunshine becomes one of the highlights of your holiday.
Summer Evenings to Remember
During the summer months, village life comes alive with colourful night markets, traditional festivals and open-air meals accompanied by live music. These warm evenings provide some of the most memorable experiences of a holiday in southwest France.
Share long communal tables with local families, enjoy freshly prepared regional dishes, browse artisan stalls and soak up the relaxed atmosphere beneath the evening sky. These are the moments that many visitors remember long after their holiday has ended—and one of the reasons so many guests return to the area year after year.
Everything You Need for a Relaxing Stay
Everything has been thoughtfully provided so you can relax from the moment you arrive. From practical everyday essentials to the comforts that make a holiday special, La Cottage has everything you need for a relaxing stay.
✓ Sleeps up to 3 guests
✓ Two bedrooms
✓ Fully equipped kitchen
✓ Private utility room with washing machine
✓ Spacious bathroom
✓ Exclusive private pool
✓ Outdoor dining areas
✓ Free Wi-Fi
✓ Free parking
✓ Peaceful gardens
Our Favourite Places to Visit
(Personally recommended by Bryn & Steph)
One of the greatest pleasures of owning La Cottage has been discovering the hidden treasures of southwest France. Beyond the well-known attractions, we’ve found peaceful villages, bustling markets, wonderful restaurants, scenic walks and breathtaking viewpoints that have made us fall in love with this beautiful region.
The places we’ve chosen below are some of our personal favourites—destinations we return to time and time again and are always delighted to recommend to our guests. We hope they help you experience the authentic charm, relaxed pace of life and unforgettable memories that make this corner of France so special.
🏛 Saint-Maurin (2 mins)
Just 2 minutes from La Cottage
Our local village is where we often go for a quiet stroll. We never tire of its medieval streets, impressive abbey ruins and peaceful atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to slow down, enjoy a coffee and experience the authentic charm of rural southwest France.
🌄 Lauzerte
Around 20 minutes away
Lauzerte is one of those places we always enjoy revisiting. Perched high on a hill, its beautiful market square, artisan shops and panoramic views make it perfect for a relaxed morning or afternoon, followed by lunch at one of the excellent cafés or restaurants.
⛪ Moissac
Moissac combines history, culture and peaceful riverside walks. We particularly enjoy wandering through the magnificent abbey cloisters before strolling beside the Canal des Deux Mers and watching boats pass through the historic locks.
🏘️ Montcuq
Around 45 minutes away
Montcuq is a charming hilltop village with a lovely relaxed atmosphere, attractive streets, cafés and far-reaching views over the surrounding countryside. It’s a wonderful place for a gentle wander, a coffee in the square or a leisurely lunch, and its traditional market is well worth visiting if you enjoy local produce and authentic village life.
🏰 Penne-d’Agenais
Around 40 minutes away
This beautiful hilltop village rewards every step with spectacular views across the Lot Valley. The climb through the narrow medieval streets leads to the magnificent basilica and one of the finest viewpoints in the region.
🛍 Agen
Agen is our favourite town for shopping, cafés and local food. Its covered market is one of the best in southwest France, and it’s the perfect place to pick up fresh produce before returning to La Cottage to enjoy a leisurely meal.
🍷 Village Markets
No two markets are quite the same, which is part of their charm. We always recommend arriving early to browse the colourful stalls, enjoying a coffee in the village square and filling your basket with fresh bread, artisan cheeses, seasonal fruit and vegetables, local wines and regional specialities.
During the summer months, many villages also host traditional night markets (Marchés Gourmands). As the sun begins to set, long communal tables fill with local families and visitors enjoying freshly prepared regional dishes, local wines and live music beneath the evening sky. It’s a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere and one of the most authentic French experiences you can enjoy. We always encourage our guests to visit at least one during their stay—it’s an evening you’ll remember long after your holiday has ended.
Ready to Discover Southwest France?
We fell in love with this beautiful part of southwest France, and we hope that during your stay you’ll discover why. Whether you’re exploring historic villages, enjoying a leisurely lunch in a bustling market square or simply relaxing beside the pool at La Cottage, we look forward to welcoming you and sharing this wonderful corner of France with you.