Walking – Great area for walking with marked paths criss-crossing the region.  Le Clozet is on a part of the pilgrim route of St James of Compostella that runs from Agen to Condom and  passes at the side of our house. Our section is 8kms long and goes to Condom via La Romieu.

Water activities – within 30 minutes are numerous man-made lakes (plan d’eau), many with sandy beaches. The nearest is at Castera Verduzan. There is also a large campsite at Lectoure, Lac des Trois Valles where one can enjoy a range of activities. Fishing is permitted in many of the irrigation lakes and rivers – lists of fishable sites and permits can be bought from any of the region’s tourist office.

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Walibi Water Fun Park – near to Agen. This is a great family day out. Full of rides and activities for all ages, even scary ones, there are numerous bars and restaurants on-site. Not cheap but families benefit from a good group reduction.

Cycling – a number of cycles available for guests at Le Clozet. For more serious cyclists bring your own as the region is quiet with little traffic. Safe for families with little children. Good off-road routes as well for mountain bikes. In high season bikes can be hired at Lectoure. Labastide d'Armagnac, 45 kms away, is well worth a visit. It has a small chapel, Notre-Dame-des-Cyclistes – which is France's own official sanctuary for racers.

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Golf clubs – 4 courses within 15 - 45 mins, nearest being the well rated Golf de Fleurance which is built around an 18c Gasconne house. Many natural obstructions such as streams, lakes, trees and valleys, and dotted with numerous bunkers. Classed as a 9+9 with many different re-start points, it gives the impression of being a real 18 hole course. Classed as the ninth best 9 hole in France. Due to the wonderful Gers climate it is open all year. It also has a good restaurant with special golfers' menus starting at 10 euros. Other courses are Gold Club de Guinlet near Eauze; the 18-hole Golf d'Auch-Embats which also has a good restaurant. The 9 hole Golf de la Martines near L’Isles Jourdain, The 9+9 Golf de Gascogne near Massaube and the 9+9 Golf du Chateau de Pallane at Tissac.

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Horse riding – there are several local centres, including La Plume and La Romieu.

Tennis – nearest courts at Saint Mezard (3kms); Large tennis complex at Condom opposite the new outdoor swimming pool.

Quad-biking – about 35 mins from the house, near Roquelaure, to the north of Auch.

Horse-racing and Trotting – nearest course is at Castera-Verduzan, Another large course is near to Beaumont de Lomagne.

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Car and Motorcycle racing – Circuit Paul Armagnac at Nogaro, 50 miles south west, is a modern challenging circuit. Events most of the year. Club days are good where you see amateurs flogging their pride and joy around the track.

Flying – Good flying clubs at all the local airports, Agen and Auch. You can also learn to parachute at Agen. Hang-gliding and para-gliding at St Clar, 30 kms away.

Antiques and Brocante – Every town has at least one brocante. Many fairs throughout the year. In the season you can visit an outdoor “Vide Grenier”  a type of boot sale. Have done them myself and they are great fun, there are still bargains to be had.

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