Manoir Tournesols

The villa

It’s a true privilege to be able to stay at Manoir Tournesols, an artistic and incredibly beautiful house set in enchanting gardens close to the border of Lot-et-Garonne and Gironde, surrounded by landscapes of summer sunflowers, orchards and organic vineyards.

Once an early 19th-century coaching inn for pilgrims, the restoration of this elegant manoir is one-of-a-kind. Its owners have poured their heart and soul into this home and have created a unique retreat for guests who appreciate exquisite interior design and artistic style - it’s even been featured in the likes of Vogue and Elle.

Each of the five gorgeous bedrooms has been inspired by the owners’ travels near and far - admire vintage furnishings, chinoise wallpaper, hand-painted tiles, impressive artwork, characterful objets d’art as well as handcrafted king-size mattresses, high-end bed linen, welcoming robes and organic toiletries in each of the five bathrooms, three of which feature romantic rolltop baths.

The four-acre garden has been rewilded to create a magical ambience whether lazing by the heated swimming pool overlooking the lavender or relaxing in the wood-fired hot tub in a secret corner. Stroll past pomegranate, cherry, apricot, pear and walnut trees, see what may be growing in the vegetable garden and look out for free-roaming chickens alongside red squirrels and butterflies. Sit by the stone koi pond perhaps accompanied by a glass of wine from the manoir’s wine cellar, followed by an al-fresco feast prepared by the barbecue and pizza oven.

This part of France is all about charming bastide towns, pretty villages, vineyards, orchards, local produce markets and atmospheric marches nocturnes in the height of the summer - a true paradise for food and wine lovers alike. Visit the award-winning boulangerie in nearby Monségur by the Dropt valley, hire bikes to cycle along the Canal Latéral’s voie verte , appreciate the beauty of the Garonne River from Meilhan-sur-Garonne and enjoy seasonal canoeing and kayaking opportunities.

Visit the wineries and grand château in Duras, try the delicious tomatoes from Marmande and soak up the ambience of the fantastic Saturday morning in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande by the banks of the Dordogne. Venture to idyllic Saint-Émilion, Bergerac or Bordeaux for a grand day out or, within a 90-minute drive, you could be sampling white wine and oysters by the Atlantic coast at Arcachon Bay.

In the Lot-et-Garonne department, close to the border with Gironde, Manoir Tournesols is surrounded by landscapes of orchards, corn fields, vineyards and summer sunflowers. This region is known as the ‘orchard of France’ thanks to the abundance of fruit and vegetables grown here which can be sampled in local restaurants and bought at produce markets dotted around local towns and villages.

The house is located in a little hamlet and just a couple of minutes away on foot is a tennis court that is free to use for guests (the manoir has rackets available to borrow).

The nearest bastide town is Monségur (8km), a charming place overlooking the Dropt valley. There’s an award-winning boulangerie here as well as restaurants, a weekly food market and a night market in the height of the summer, a superb experience where local food and wine is served accompanied by live music. You can also find summer canoeing and fishing opportunities along the Dropt River, not to mention some picturesque walking routes.

Other pretty market towns include Duras (15km), famed for its wine, summer night market and impressive château, and Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (32km) by the banks of the Dordogne which hosts one of the largest and most beautiful markets on a Saturday morning. Still in the Dordogne but a little further afield, Issigeac (52km) is classified as one of France’s ‘ Plus Beaux Villages ’ and its Sunday morning market is loved by locals and visitors alike.

Closer to home, discover characterful villages and historic towns such as La Réole (13km), Castelmoron d’Albret (18km) and Eymet (30km) as well as Marmande (14km), known for its tomatoes. Enjoy walks by the Garonne River alongside summer canoeing and kayaking excursions and soak up the ambience of the summer night market in the idyllic hillside village of Meilhan-sur-Garonne. Cyclists of all ability should follow the voie verte by the Canal Latéral, passing relaxing scenery en route.

Wine-lovers have a choice of wonderful vineyards both near and far and shouldn’t miss a trip to the gorgeous hilltop village of Saint-Émilion (53km), surrounded by its historic vines which are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bergerac (55km) and Bordeaux (80km) can also be visited for a fantastic day out or venture west and you could be sipping white wine accompanied by oysters near Arcachon (136km) on the Atlantic coast or sampling the fine wines of Margaux (116km) on the Médoc peninsula.