AQUITAINE, in South West France, is known as the land of quality of life. It offers all the facets of its bountiful and luxuriant nature, from its wines and gastronomy to the beauty of its heritage and the joys of its sports. Five counties with varied landscapes which sweep the visitor from one to the next over little more than a couple of dozen miles. Sometimes, between the pleasures of the sandy beach and those of the gourmet palate, one need take only a step between the relaxation of thalassotherapy and the joys of sport, just a stone's throw, between the first paintings of the history of mankind and the most comfortable chateau inn, a mere 15 minutes walk. The Aquitaine region is known for its wide open spaces. As a result there are more than 50 golf courses, and the quality of them has made it France's leading region to play. Villeneuve sur Lot Golf & Country Club has one of the up and coming courses in the region. This is the new name for a well-established course, now under new ownership. An exciting plan is in progress to develop the facility into a prestigious and highly regarded Golf and Country Club offering year-round activities. The location is only a short drive from the ancient town of Villeneuve sur Lot and 30 minutes south of the airport at Bergerac, and with roughly a 90-minute flight you can be there in two hours, ideal for a weekend break. In late September the temperature touches 80°F with a cloudless sky and just a breeze. The golf course, pristine and reclining between rolling wooded hills and fields of sun flowers, encouraged thoughts of landscaping painting. The climate is so reliable that the courses in this area can be played 365 days a year and only occasionally are sweaters required. Already it has a driving range, two practice putting greens (one with practice bunker and approach area), swimming pool, tennis court, pro-shop as well as a full-time teaching professional. Eventually there will be a golf village of 60 or so villas, a gym and health club with all the trimmings and a club. There's already a nine-hole, par three academy course on the 240-acre estate and woodland walks by the River Lot. There's horse riding nearby and the region abounds with vineyards which welcome visitors. Add the unsurpassed local cuisine and ease of access and deduce that holiday venues don't come much finer and at a price which does not rob your pocket. The course includes several holes in a valley setting and others subject to changes of elevation of varying degree. It's of simple design, suggesting that minimal earth moving was undertaken by the French architect and what he found is, by and large, what you'll see. Tree-lined in parts, the fairways follow the natural contours and so, like most British moorland courses, there are some blind shots here and there and a series of lakes and ponds that require careful circumnavigation and a degree of accuracy. Bunkers are minimal and most are strategically-placed to act as directional beacons or to prevent a wayward ball running into more serious trouble. The fairways are generously wide, some up to 50 yards in places, and there is little rough, although if you're too far off line you'll be scratching your head over the next shot and if you have to search for your ball chances are you'll be reloading. So it's a grand driving course, particularly from the elevated tees which also serve to stretch the course, a muscular challenge at 6,679 yards from the tiger tees and quite meaty from the club tees of 6,200 yards, both par-72. There are beautiful views of the surrounding countryside from many places around the course, particularly the eighth and 14th holes. The highlights are the greens. They are large, variable in configuration, cunning in their subtle undulations and impeccable in presentation. The British greenkeeper, a master of his trade, is a kind-hearted soul. The greens generally run at about nine on the stimp meter which, he says, is quite fast enough for a holiday course, even for club members who know the intricacies. Anything quicker would increase the volume of putts thus slowing down play and detracting the fun. That's the essence of this charming course. It is picturesque, welcoming and great fun for golfers of all levels. The other local attractions are a glorious bonus. After a most pleasant round of golf, a warm welcome is guaranteed in the clubhouse, a former farmhouse which is full of character and original features. Meals are served in the clubhouse restaurant 'La Menuiserie' under the scrutiny of Master Chef - Jan de Blok. The region of Villeneuve sur Lot is referred to as the 'Cradle of Arts', it has an abundance of prehistoric sites, there are outstanding finds at Lascaux, Madeleine and Rouffignac, the abbeys, fortresses and chateaux will delight those interested in architecture and archaeology. Attention should be paid to Chateau de Birron, the valley of the five Chateaux (inc. Beygnac), Carcasonne and the numerous 'Bastide' towns within easy reach of the VsL Golf & Country Club (Monflanquin, Monpazier, Villereal and more). A wine-growing region of worldwide reputation, the vineyards of Bordeaux produce Margaux, Medoc, Sauterne and Saint-Emilion wines, leading examples from an area where many excellent wines are produced. Aquitaine abounds with time-honoured recipes and new cuisine, with local specialities like truffles and foie gras to whet the appetite of the gourmet. The central square and the river in Villeneuve sur Lot are especially attractive but the real beauties are Penne D'Agennais and Pujols, both with well preserved medieval areas full of shops, bars and some of the best restaurants in the region. It is of course possible to travel by ferry and drive to your destination by car taking in various places of interest on the way. This and much more awaits your visit. For more information on trips to France and other destinations, call Adam Goodman on 01628 629558 or visit www.poshgolftravel.com. | 
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