Yes, we know it’s a cop-out, but …..
Q: What are the check-in and check-out times?
A: You may check in at any time between 4 and 6PM. Should your travel itinerary mean that you will be later than this we can normally accommodate your needs. Earlier can be a problem if we’ve a tight turnaround, but we’ll do our best. Check-out is normally between 9 and 11 on the morning of your departure. Again, earlier check-out times can be arranged if necessary.
Q: Is there a set arrival/departure day?
A: We appreciate the flexibility of being able to travel according to our wishes and we’re sure that you do too. Therefore, wherever possible we’ll accommodate your preferences.
Q: Is there secure/dedicated parking?
A: No, parking is on a first-come-first-served basis on the opposite side of the road on rue Denfert Rochereau. There is plentiful parking space on the river-side of the house on Quai de la Brèche.
Q: Do I need to rent a car?
A: Not really. The SNCF station in Sainte-Foy-La-Grande is less than a kilometre from the house and has regular services to Bordeaux, Bergerac and beyond. The nearest TGV stop is in Libourne, a 45 minute train ride from Sainte-Foy. The LGV from Paris Montparnasse stops in Bordeaux.
Q: Where are the nearest food shops and restaurants?
A: Less than 300 yards away! But to be more specific ….
Shops: There is a “Super U” about 1KM from the house, an Intermarche a little further away, and a Lidl and huge LeClerc about 1.5KM from Les Terraces. There is an abundance of butchers and bakers in the town. Tuesday – Friday there are a couple of vegetable stalls in Place de la Mairie (almost all locally grown seasonal produce). The weekly farmers’ market is held on Saturday morning.
Restaurants: There are at least a dozen restaurants in the town, all within walking distance of the house, catering to a wide range of budgets and tastes.
Q: What recreational activities are available?
A: In a word, lots! In addition to sight-seeing here’s a brief sample:
Tennis: There are municipal tennis courts in Sainte-Foy-La-Grande
Golf: The prestigious Chateau des Vigiers is a ten-minute drive from the house. For a more relaxed approach to golf, there’s the Golf de St. Meard
Kayaking: There are kayak (and canoe) rental companies all the way up and down the river. The nearest is in Port-Sainte-Foy-et-Ponchapt, on the opposite side of the river.
Boules: Porte Sainte Foy has a vibrant and active boules club, while pétanque pistes can be found at Place du Foirail in Sainte-Foy-La-Grande and at the Plage des Bardolets .
Cycling: The area is a super location for cycling, and there is a company that will deliver bikes to the house.
Fishing: If lake fishing is your bag, there are many close to hand offering both trout and carp fishing. Otherwise you can fly-fish in the Dordogne!
Flying: The aerodrome at Port-Sainte-Foy offers an introduction to flying, lessons and tours. Telephone 05 53 24 2 50 or 06 84 55 26 98 for information.
Horse Riding: The Poney [sic] Club de Sainte-Foy-La-Grande offers riding for all ages. For more infomation, please visit their website.
Fitness / Gym: There is a gym about 1.5km from Les Terraces that offers short-term memberships.
Walking Tours: The Tourism Office in Sainte-Foy-La-Grande offers both self-guided and torchlight (July and August only) walking tours of the bastide, plus other activities throughout the year. Drop in and ask (English spoken).
Cinema: The Cinema de la Breche (200m from Les Terraces) offers current films on a weekly schedule, including English screenings (“version originale”, or VO).