Area description for Le Vieux Logis

Solferino

The Domain Imperial de Solferino was instigated by Napoleon III around 1857 as part of the rehabitation and land developement of the region and the village was given its name after his victorious battle in Solferino, Italy. Various types of experimental farms were introduced growing cotton, tobacco, potatoes and maize
The old cottages can still be seen but are now in private ownership

To-day, Solferino is a small village: timber and farming are the primary source of commerce, maize and white asparagus being its main crops. The church in the centre of the Imperial Village is dedicated to Empress Eugenie, Napoleon III's wife, with the old Hotel de Ville on one side and the presbytery on the other.

Napoloen III, his wife and son were accepted into England by Queen Victoria when his was exiled from France and they are all buried in the mausoleum at St Michael's Abbey, Farnborough .

Landes

The forest of Les Landes is entirely man-made having being planted in the 19th century as a way of taming the vast stretches of sand and swampland. In the space of 50 years the old moorland landscape with its wandering flocks of sheep watched over by the famous Landes stilt walkers had given way to a rich growth of maritime pines. The pines grow spontaneously in the humid, relatively warm climate and the managed forest is now a major source of employment in the region.

The main rivers in the area are la Garonne, l'Ardour and la Leyre

Aquitaine/Dordogne

Aquitaine, region of lakes, rivers and vineyards. The region boasts the longest beach in Europe from Biscarrosse in the north to the foothills of the pyrénées in the south. Many visitors are attracted to the area for its wealth of activities from water sports, walking and cycling and, of course, for its therapeutic healing in the hot spring water around Dax.

The forest of Les Landes has been designated a regional national park and is a treasure trove of flora and fauna, including more than 270 species of migratory birds in the Teich Bird Reserve.

The local cusine of foie gras, confit de canard and magret de canard should not be missed. Nor should the oysters and mussels farmed around the Bassin d'Arcachon. You must not leave before trying oysters seasoned with lemon juice and washed down with a glass of chilled white wine.