Big group vacation rentals in France start at La Balie, our beautiful farmstead set in the rolling hills of Lot-et-Garonne surrounded by walnut groves. At La Balie we sleep 16 guests in three characterful stone cottages: Le Pigeonnier sleeps 6, La Grenouilliere sleeps 6 and La Lavandiere sleeps 4. Each cottage has a fully equipped kitchen, communal spaces, en-suite bathrooms and spacious living rooms with wood burning stoves. Outside you will find private grounds, large dining areas for al fresco meals and a heated salt water pool with sun terrace. This blog is your guide to seven charming villages around our home. You will discover medieval squares, local markets, farmhouses and hidden chateaux. Each village is a short drive away and easy to explore on a big group trip. Then we share four fun activities you can book for your group. Read on to plan your perfect group vacation with La Balie as your ideal base.
Table of Contents
Villages & Towns Near La Balie
1. Monflanquin
Monflanquin is a medieval bastide just 8 km from La Balie. This golden village was founded in 1256 and still has covered arcades that look like a grand honeycomb. You can walk under stone arches and imagine life in the old days. On Thursday morning the market fills the square with stalls of cheese, bread and fresh fruit. Local artisans offer pottery, textiles and candles hand made nearby. You can stop at a small cafe under the arches for coffee and croissants. The village has a small church with a tall bell tower that you can climb for views over rolling vineyards and oak woods. After your visit, head back to La Balie for a refreshing swim in our private pool and a group meal on our large terrace.
2. Monpazier
Monpazier sits 12 km from our cottages and is one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France. The town square is ringed by 40 stone and half timber houses with warm colors. In summer evenings you will find live music and outdoor dining under softly lit lanterns. A guided tour explains the old town hall, the original prison and the baker’s oven. Do not miss the church bells at sunset. One shop sells duck confit and local Périgord walnuts, perfect for a picnic in our La Balie gardens. After exploring, return to our fully equipped kitchen to cook a shared feast using local produce.
3. Monsempron-Libos
Monsempron-Libos is 15 km from La Balie and lies by rivers, Lot. This town is a riverside location where you can begin to explore the valley of the Lot. You can follow the walking path along the river to see dragonflies and wild flowers. On Thursday mornings a vibrant market sells fresh fish, local produce including goats cheese. A friendly bistro invites you to taste a warm duck salad or walnut tart. The town hall is a fine building with a clock tower that rings on the hour. For a group trip, pack a picnic and sit on the riverbank before returning home to La Balie for an evening game of table tennis in our studio function room.
4. Prayssac
Prayssac is set on a sunny hill 20 km south of La Balie. From its winding lanes you can look over the Lot valley to distant chateaux. The market on Thursday morning is lively and full of local wine, artisanal products and fresh flowers. In autumn, the grape harvest brings deep reds and golds to the vineyards around town. You can climb the church tower for a view of the silver river below. Small shops sell pottery and hand woven textiles. On the edge of town you can book a kayak trip for your group and paddle past old mills. After your adventure, return to La Balie to warm your muscles in the pool or relax in a group chat by the wood burning stove.
5. Villeneuve-sur-Lot
Villeneuve-sur-Lot lies 18 km west of La Balie and runs along the wide river. Founded in 1264 as a border town, it still has parts of its old walls and towers. The center has a modern market hall where you can sample fresh cheese, cured meats and local jam or enjoy lunch seated over looking the river. You can stroll on the riverside boardwalk under plane trees and watch the boats drift by. For history buffs there is a small museum about medieval life in the region. In summer months there are open air theater shows in the old citadel courtyard. Your group can stop for coffee in a cafe overlooking the water before heading back to La Balie to share stories over a large dinner in our spacious dining area.
6. Issigeac
Issigeac is a hidden gem 27 km from La Balie. This village is framed by timber houses, narrow lanes and an old stone gate. The Sunday market is famous in the region and runs all morning. You will find live poultry, walnuts, honey and fresh bread. Local bakers sell pastries filled with walnut praline. You can visit a small chapel with stained glass windows from the 16th century. In summer, the village hosts open air cinemas and music nights on the market square. After buying your local bread and artisan grown supplies, return to La Balie where the group can relax in our private grounds and prepare your sumptious feast to enjoy alfresco style.
7. Villeréal
Villeréal is only 17 km from our cottages and has one of the best preserved bastide markets in the area. The wide central square is lined with shops and craft studios. You can watch potters at work or taste cheese in the small fromagerie. A local museum shares the history of the bastides with simple exhibits that any age can enjoy. On Tuesday afternoons you can join a free walking tour in English. The village has a calm feeling at sunset as the locals gather at the bakery for fresh baguettes. After the walk, your group can return to La Balie to cook a meal and dine under the stars.
Tours & Activities for Groups
Guided Hiking in the Woodlands
From La Balie their are easy forest hikes. Walk 2 to 3 hours in oak and chestnut wood lined valley of the Gavaudun valley La Balie over looks. You will learn about plants, birds and old stone bridges. This walk is great for families especially on Sunday’s when the village of Gavaudun hosts local artisans who serve food and wine in the village square to live music.
-
⭐ Difficulty: Easy
-
⏰ Duration: 2–3 hours
-
📍 starting point: La Balie studio
-
📞 For details: Ask your host on arrival
Wine Tours in Cahors Vineyards
You can arrange private wine tours to nearby Cahors vineyards. Your group visits two family estates for tastings of Malbec red wine. You will learn wine making steps and get to taste local cheese and olives.
-
⭐ Experience: Tasting & cellar visit
-
⏰ Duration: 4 hours
-
📍 Cahor
-
💵 Price: depending on the vineyard
Kayaking on the Lot River
Just outside Prayssac you can rent kayaks for a fun group adventure. Paddle under old stone bridges and spot herons on river banks. You can book kayaks and take a picnic baskets so you can float and eat by the water.
-
⭐ Fun factor: High
-
⏰ Rental: 2–4 hours
-
📍 Location: Prayssac river launch
-
🥪 excludes: Picnic basket option make your own
Relaxation & Games at La Balie
Enjoy on-site group-friendly amenities at La Balie. We have a petanque, table tennis, yoga mats. The heated salt water pool is open all day. You can also borrow bikes to cycle local lanes or relax on the terrace in one of our sun loungers, beside the turquiose water of our pool
-
⭐ Facilities: Pool, games, bikes
-
📍 Location: La Balie grounds
-
🕒 Hours: Open daily
Tips & Tricks
As hosts at La Balie we want to help your group make the most of your stay:
-
Shop early at the Villereal or Issigeac markets for the best cheese and bread.
-
Ask us about local private chefs for a gourmet meal at La Balie.
-
Book any wine tours or river trips at least two weeks before your trip.
-
Use our studio function room for group games, yoga or a small celebration.
-
Plan a picnic by the river in Monsempron-Libos for a restful half day.
-
Or just enjoy our private heated salt water pool every day.
Conclusion
La Balie is the perfect starting point for big group vacation rentals in France. Our country estates style farmhouses give you private grounds, communal spaces and group-friendly amenities. Explore Monflanquin, Monpazier, Issigeac and four more medieval towns during the day. Then return to our heated salt water pool, al fresco dining areas and large dining tables under the trees. Whether you plan a family reunion, anniversary celebration or a relaxed trip with friends, La Balie has everything you need. Book your stay now and experience Lot-et-Garonne in comfort with your whole group. www.labalie.com
What makes La Balie ideal for large groups?
La Balie offers large dining areas, spacious living rooms, private grounds and a heated salt water pool. Our studio function room is perfect for events and group activities.
How many guests can La Balie host?
We sleep 16 guests in three cottages. Beds can be set as king double or single to suit families and friends.
What amenities are included at La Balie?
You get fully equipped kitchens, en-suite bathrooms, communal spaces, al fresco dining, air conditioning upstairs and daily housekeeping on request.
How far is La Balie from Monflanquin?
Monflanquin is just 8 km away, a 10 minute drive. It is easy to visit for a market in the morning and return by lunch.
Can I host an event at La Balie?
Yes. Our light filled studio is ideal for yoga retreats, seminars, milestone birthdays and small wedding receptions. Contact us at www.labalie.com for details.
Are pets allowed at La Balie?
We welcome well-behaved pets. Please let us know in advance so we can prepare your cottage, Cecile is also a qualified vet and can arrange the paperwork for your pet to return to the UK.