An area abundant with bastides, fortified hilltowns, picturesque and with markets, restaurants, and variety to satisfy the inquisitive and the gourmet. Montcuq, Lauzerte, Tournon, and not far from the large medieval market town of Moissac.

It was soon established that there are four courses within reasonable travel, Espalias near to Agen, Roucous near Montcuq, and Villeneuve Sur Lot and Chateau Les Merles near to Bergerac. Both Espalais and Roucous are nine hole courses, and very interesting to play. Roucous is set in a valley, with a starting hole to challenge the best tee shot, a short par 4, that runs along a narrow shelf and doglegs to the right. Then it is down into the valley, holes with a little more room for error, then a climb back to the clubhouse, lunch, leisurely French style, a swim if it is warm, then out for another nine holes.

Espalais is set in a river plain, between hills, approached down an avenue of tall trees that seem to say you had better be hitting it straight today. Our plan was to play just nine holes, but the best laid plans go astray when the first nine were so enjoyable. So it was back to the first tee for the other nine. Eased into the round with two dogleg par 4's. the going gets tougher with a long par 5 and a par 3 over a lake. The lakes come into play on both the 7th and 8th holes, before an easier finishing hole that gives the chance to soothe the battered spirit. A good test, with the added attractions of superb wildlife, the kingfishers along the lake providing a sight to be remembered.

Then retire to the clubhouse for an excellent lunch of local fare, with wine for less than ten euros.

Villeneuve Sur Lot is a very good eighteen hole championship course. The Goodman family who own the venue, have ensured that the facilities there are of the highest order, and have been organising competitions at many clubs in the South of England, with the winners travelling to Villeneuve for the finals. The accommodation and clubhouse and restaurant all compound to make it an ideal golfing centre. In addition to the eighteen hole course, there is a delightful nine hole short course, perfect for that short game practice.

The main attraction is the golf course, set in rolling countryside with lakes which demand quality driving and approach play to the large contoured greens which are a feature of the course. Accommodation is ideal fro visiting groups wthether large or small, and there are always good offers available if the search is made.

Chateau les Merles, in the village of Tuilieres, just a few kilometres from Bergerac, is a must visit location, a superb hotel, recently refurbished by the family owners. The restaurant there is famed, it is called 'La Bruyere Blanche', named after an ocean going yacht that had been their home for the previous eight years. The golf course runs along the eastern boundary, adjacent to the forest, with changes in elevation and lakes that make it a great addition to the hotel. The spa and fitness centre is there to ease the aches from golf and tennis, or just walking. There are special packages available for the Christmas and New Year holidays, and with very convenient flights to Bergerac, there will be many takers. A gourmet's delight.

Four courses, each very different, but each a pleasure to play, never busy, in fine condition and the added benefits of the clubhouse restaurant to complete the day out.

Contacts:

Espalais: www.golf-midi-pyrenees.com

Tel: 0033 563 290456

Villeneuve Sur Lot:

Website: www.vslgolf.com

Tel: 01628 629558 (UK)

Chateau Les Merles:

Website: www.lesmerles.comTel: 0033 553 631342