Things to do in the local area 

Below are just a few of our favorite places to visit & things to do in the local area.

Mussidan (1 Km from Villa Magnieu)

Boulangerie, supermarkets & railway station are all within walking distance (around 1 Km). Mussidan has a good market on Saturday & a selection of local shops, bars & restaurants. The cinema shows a mix of French & English films.

Tennis (1 Km from Villa Magnieu)

Mussidan tennis club has 2 outdoor courts & 1 indoor court. Friendly staff with tuition available if required. A relaxed atmosphere in an informal setting.

Museum "Musée André Voulgre" (1 Km from Villa Magnieu)

The museum was the home of a prominent local doctor and is just as it would have been when he lived there. There are some additional period nic nacs as well as displays showing various industries & crafts back from the time of André Voulgre & before. There is also a large workshop housing old machinery and tools. We highly recommend a visit to the museum; especially as it will give you a good feel for the history & culture of our local area. Behind the museum is a small park with a good selection of climbing frames and swings for younger kids.

Beaupouyet Forêt du Vignoble (6 Km)

10 minutes drive or 25 minutes by bike from Villa Magnieu. Peaceful forest close to Villa Magnieu with picnic area, walking paths & well marked mountain bike trails. 

Moulin et Gabarre du Duellas  (11 Km)

Take a trip on the river & pass through the lock. Beautiful scenery & abundant wildlife. Explore the old mill & gardens too.


We also recommend a visit to the restaurant at the mill.

Canoeing (11 Km)

Based on our local river, the L'Isle. Starting at the historic Moulin de Duellas you will begin your leisurely paddle down the river. You will be met at your finish point and taken back to the moulin by minibus. A great way to burn off a little excess energy & explore the beautiful river. 


Google search "Montpon Canoe"



Saint Astier (20 Km)

20 minutes drive east from Villa Magnieu. Saint Astier is a pretty medieval town on the river and well worth exploring. It has a market every Thursday which winds through the narrow streets. Saint Astier also has a good selection of bars, cafes & restaurants.

Grand étang de La Jemaye (25 Km)

30 minutes drive north from Villa Magnieu. Beautiful lake & sandy beach with restaurant, refreshments, toilets & children's play area.

Bergerac (26 Km)

Just 30 minutes drive south from Villa Magnieu, Bergerac is a historic & vibrant town. Situated on the river, boat trips are available during the summer season. Bergerac also has an excellent outdoor karting track & 10 pin bowling.


Bergerac international airport is a 35 minute drive from Villa Magnieu.


Périgueux (43 Km)

35 minutes drive east from Villa Magnieu. A large, historic town on the river Isle. Lots to explore including a stunning cathedral, medieval streets & modern shopping. Perigueux also has plenty of great places to eat & drink.

Saint Emilion (48 Km)

50 minutes drive west from Villa Magnieu. An absolute must for any wine lover. Saint Emilion is a beautiful town, full of history & a good selection of places to eat & drink. It has many steep, winding cobbled streets so we recommend you wear suitable shoes. While you are there, be sure to visit the ancient wine caves.

Lascaux (82 Km)

The famous caves of Lascaux are a 90 minute drive to the east of Villa Magnieu. The caves are a UNESCO Heritage Centre with paintings thought to be 17,300 years old. To help preserve the original paintings a visitors centre has been created with reproductions of parts of the caves and paintings. This is close to the original caves which are near the village of Montignac. 

Bordeaux (100 Km)

A great city to explore with a large, pedestrianised shopping centre, theaters, museums, galleries, restaurants & bars. Bordeaux deserves a full day but you could travel via Saint Emilion which is only a short detour on the driving route & takes you through some of the fabulous vineyards of this famous wine region. Bordeaux is around a 1 hour & 15 minutes drive to the west of Villa Magnieu. You can also catch a train directly from Mussidan to Bordeaux. Mussidan train station is a 3 minute drive or 15 minutes walk from home.

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detailed booklet.