Not yet overcrowded with tourists, the riverside town of Tonneins is situated in lovely countryside in France’s southwestern Lot-et-Garonne district, not far from Bordeaux and the Atlantic coastline. Cheap car hire in Tonneins can be arranged through 121 Carhire France, who deal with major companies such as Argus and Avis.

Tonneins, centre of the French tobacco industry for hundreds of years, was hard hit when the factories moved to Spain. The famous quays along the Garonne river where the tobacco barges used to moor are empty now, and the area’s agriculture focuses on sunflowers, maize and rapeseed.

The region, famous for its beaches, its wines and its locally grown fruit of all kinds, is ancient, dating back to Roman times and before. Lovely villages and towns, historic abbeys and chateaux, medieval streets, churches and buildings, forests, rivers and hills all make it the perfect destination for a relaxing visit.

With car hire in Tonneins, there is much to see outside the town itself. The spectacular caves at Domme, the vineyards, the forests of the Landes de Gascogne national park, and the ancient villages and towns of Penne d’Agenais, Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Florimont and Gaumier are all within easy driving distance from Tonneins.

The city of Bordeaux is just a short drive away with car rental in Tonneins. Its shopping facilities are all you could wish for, from boutiques through antiques and craft shops, department stores and shops specialising in meats, cheeses and wines. After lunch, a walk on the Atlantic beaches is a great idea.