Welcome to the beautiful Bergerac region, home of Maison du Fort, where we invite you to experience the very best of southwest France. From vineyards and grand châteaux to art galleries and vibrant weekly markets, there’s an abundance of places to visit and things to do during your stay. Enjoy golf, yoga, or horse riding, or simply unwind with mindfulness and nature-based activities designed for total relaxation. At Maison du Fort, we’re more than just retreat hosts — we create bespoke guided holidays tailored to your interests, ensuring an unforgettable and rejuvenating French escape.
Bastide Villages
Discover the enchanting Bastides and medieval villages of the Bergerac region, nestled in the heart of a beautifully preserved natural landscape in south-West France. These historic Bastide towns offer one of Europe’s finest collections of well-preserved medieval architecture, attracting visitors seeking authentic heritage, culture, and scenic charm. Explore the timeless beauty, rich history, and unique atmosphere that make the Bergerac Bastides a must-visit destination for travellers, historians and art lovers alike.
We love to take our guess out sight-seeking, for a picnic and sketching together with en plein painting to all these beautiful destinations in our wonderful region of Dordogne and Lot et Garonne as part of our immersive retreats and art holidays.
Wonderful Markets
Experience the vibrant markets of the Bergerac region, a true paradise for food and wine lovers. Every day of the week, discover lively local markets filled with the authentic flavours of Lot-et-Garonne — from fresh produce and artisan cheeses to fine wines, poultry, prunes and walnuts. Whether you’re exploring a bustling town market or a charming village gathering, enjoy the unique opportunity to shop like a local and savour the region’s rich culinary heritage and terroir.
As part of your holiday with us, we will take you to a range of markets and brocantes to immerse yourself into the wonderful french way of living and to inspire your creativity and well being.
Les Jardins de Clapiéra in Montignac de Lauzun South-West France
Les Jardins de Clapiéra is a beautifully curated garden destination in Montignac-de-Lauzun, Lot-et-Garonne, south-west France, offering visitors a peaceful and immersive experience in horticultural diversity and natural beauty. Spanning roughly two hectares of cultivated borders and wild planting schemes, the gardens showcase a rich botanical variety, including an impressive collection of sage species from around the world, mixed plant borders, and thoughtfully composed plant mosaics that evolve with the seasons. The design emphasises harmony, texture and colour, with shady oak and pine groves creating cool resting spots and quiet corners for reflection.
Open to the public during the warmer months and also available to explore by appointment, Les Jardins de Clapiéra provides a contemplative setting for nature lovers, garden enthusiasts and anyone seeking a serene outdoor setting. As part of the wider estate that includes the neighbouring gîtes of Les Gîtes sur la Colline, guests staying on-site enjoy free access to the gardens, and can also take part in gardening workshops or seek expert horticultural advice to deepen their appreciation of planting techniques and garden creation.
Whether you visit to admire seasonal blooms, stroll through its varied plantings or simply relax in a peaceful green space, Les Jardins de Clapiéra offers a quiet retreat into the rhythms of nature and a rich palette of botanical interest amid the scenic countryside of the Bergerac-Duras region.
During your stay we can arrange for a mindfulness painting and sketching workshop at the gardens, a simply visit to be one with nature or attend a gardening workshop, these wonderful gardens are just a 10 minute walk from Maison du Fort.