Lyons-la-Forêt ©

Lyons-la-Forêt © Gillian ThorntonLyons-la-Forêt, EureDeep in the heart of a huge beech forest,40km east of Rouen, Lyons-la-Forêt is anenchanting mix of red brick buildings andhalf-timbered houses, typical of the 17 thand 18 th century Norman style. At its heartinPlace Benserade, an 18 th century coveredmarket on wooden pillars still hosts a varietyof stalls each week. Henry I of England diedat the castle that once stood here on an oldfeudal mound, and composer Maurice Ravelfrequently stayed here, writing some of hismost beautiful music at a house called LaFresne. Today there are tearooms, restaurants,and antique shops to help visitors while awaya few hours. Or maybe stroll down beside theLieure river to visit the church of Saint-Denis.Pérouges © Marilou Perino, Pérouges-Bugey TourismBruniquel, Tarn-et-GaronneHigh above the confluence of the Vèreand Aveyron rivers, some 30 km east ofMontauban, Bruniquel boasts not one fortressbut two, conveniently known as the Old andYoung castles. Founded by Queen Brunehaut,daughter of the Visigoth king, Bruniquel clingsto the hillside in tiers. Expect steep cobbledstreets, limestone houses adorned withclimbing roses and lilacs, and period propertieswith mullioned windows dating back to the 15 thcentury. Visit the partially restored rooms ofthe Young Castle and take in the panoramaacross the Aveyron Gorges from the openRenaissance-style gallery of the Old Castle,built on the ramparts. Ancient stronghold of theCounts of Toulouse and an important medievaltrading centre, Bruniquel still prides itself on itsartisan boutiques.QUALITY FRENCHMANUFACTUREDFIBREGLASSSWIMMING POOLSOPERATINGTHROUGHOUT FRANCE5 STAR REVIEWS1 WEEK INSTALLATION OVER40 POOL MODELS 10 YEAR GUARANTEE(+33) 6 42 50 04 31www.poolsdirect.onlinecontact@poolsdirect.onlinewww.facebook.com/poolsdirectS I R E T : 9 0 4 9 5 3 9 5 7 0 0 0 1 934 | The Good Life France Bruniquel © Gillian ThorntonThe Good Life France | 35