Castelmoron d'Albret itself, where ‘Le Manoir du Cèdre' is located, is renowned for being the smallest independent self-governing commune in the whole of France, covering just the village boundaries but, more importantly, it is also famous for its medieval honey-coloured stone dwellings lining the narrow streets, which are filled with flowers all summer long. The tiny village square is dominated by the Romanesque church facing the Marie, all perched on a rocky outcrop amidst of an ocean of productive vines.

The ‘Entre Deux Mers' wine label of the area refers to the two great rivers to the North and South of the Gironde , the Dordogne and Garonne . Both are within easy reach, providing exciting and interesting boat trips through the lower gorges and ancient riverside hamlets. Amongst the un-missable sights along the river Dordogne are the castles at Montfort, Beynac and Castelnaud and the chateau of Monbazillac with its fairytail architecture

Bordeaux is an hour's drive to the west with its cosmopolitan commercial centre, international airport and Old Town, (le Vieux Bordeaux) one of the largest well preserved 18th century town districts in France (50,000 buildings). A further 30 minutes west brings you to the Atlantic coast with its pine forested ‘Landes' region offering miles of secluded cycle trails, freshwater lakes and ‘Big Surf' for those who dare! The coast boasts 250 kms of fine sandy beaches and the largest sand dune in Europe , ‘Le Grand Dune du Pyla', three kms long and 100m in height. Nearby is the Bassin d'Arcachon, home to the finest oysters and mussels just waiting to tempt your taste buds.

Bergerac, Buzet, Cahors, Duras, Medoc , Monbazillac, Pomerol and St Emillion, the world renowned names roll off the tongue, as does the fine wine produced in these areas. The gastronomic tour continues with the local specialities such as, Fois Gras, Truffles, Cêpes mushrooms, Cassoulet and Confits of ‘Canard et Porc'. Especially famous are the ‘Pruneaux d'Agen' with all varieties of local recipes utilising the ubiquitous oven-dried plum, so beloved by Frenchmen (and Women) since Roman times. In the Spring, you'll find countryside around Agen bathed in the delicate white blossom of the plum orchards that stretch for mile after mile as you travel the un-crowded highways and byways.

To the South stand the majestic Pyrenees , rising to 11,000 ft, the natural barrier between France and Spain . Two hours drive and you have the ski slopes in winter and impressive mountain walks in summer, a naturalist's delight. Further afield, to the East, are the stunning gorges of the rivers Tarn and Lot , cut over centuries into the plateau of the Central Massif. The towns of Cahors, Villeneuve sur Lot, Rocamadour and Le Puy all beckon with their individual characters and settings amidst rivers, rocky cliffs and volcanic cones respectively.