About the Area

The Lot, rich in its diversity of landscapes and architecture offers authentic values, amazing nature, knowledge and beauty. Whatever the season, a short or long break, there will never be a lack of activities waiting to be discovered. As well as the scenery, the region is famously known for its food, in particular the Cabecou cheese made from soft and light unpasteurized goats milk. The Lot River winds its way through the wine area extending from the historical town of Cahors 40 kilometers to the west, covering an eara of 3,500 hectares. In addition to vineyards in the valley and on the hillsides, vines have been planted on the rocky Causse (high, chalky plateau). The deep-red wine from the area around Cahors was once numbered among France's most famous products. Full bodied wines have been pressed here since the 7th century.

One of the main and most interesting activities of the week is to visit the local markets. Around St Cirq Lapopie (including St Cirq on Wednesday mornings in the summer) and the Chateau de Couanac, villages will have weekly markets. Some of the best known are on Sunday in the villages of Limogne, Concots and St Antonin Noble Val and Montcuq. On Monday in the small town of Caussade, Thursday in Villefranche de Rouergue and Saturdays in Cahors. As well, the villages nearby will have most of the convenience food stores, baker, bank, post office, tourist office, chemist and doctors.

Cahors, the capital of the Lot region, with its medieval quarter is densely packed with old four-storey houses linked by streets and alleyways so narrow you can almost touch both walls, has a rich history and is a very pleasant place to enjoy and venture through. Among a choice of beautiful buildings, not to be missed is the Cathedral St-Etienne consecrated in 1119, which is crowned with two 18 meter wide cupolas (the largest in France) and the fortified medieval bridge called Le Pont Valentre, more commonly known as the 'Devil's Bridge' (one of France's finest). Going east following the spectacular Lot or Cele River, Figeac has a picturesque old quarter, with many houses dating from the 12th to 18th centuries. The town is not only known for its beauty but also because of JF Champollion, born there in 1790, who unravelled the mysteries of Egyptian hieroglyphics.

The Lot region also boasts a suprising number of underground treasures including the Grottes du Pech Merle; a maze of painted caves at Cabrerets in the Cele valley near to St Cirq Lapopie, where prehistoric paintings and engravings more than 20 000 years old can be seen first-hand. The Peche Merle site is a particularly breathtaking subterranean landscape with its seven galleries of natural geological formations dotted with paintings of mammoths, horses and bison making this one of the most poignant demonstrations of Palaeolithic art in the world.

GETTING THERE:

The main airports are TOULOUSE and RODEZ which are both approximately one hour and 30 minutes drive away. Car hire is available at the airports.

Driving through France is made easy by the extensive number of highways, which will make your journey a fast and safe one.

Trains are available to Cahors and cars can also be hired from Cahors station.

ACTIVITIES:

Local information is supplied in each of the houses and the owners, who will welcome you at the beginning of your stay, will be able to help you with any questions or queries you may have regarding various outings or places to visit. Below is a brief selection of what is available in the area close to the homes:

- The rivers Lot and Cele have swimming available, canoe-kayak hire and passenger boats which take you along the river Lot.

- For those a little more adventurous, rock-climbing, spelunking, flying, parachuting and free-fall are also available.

- Horse riding is an interesting and enjoyable way to discover the surrounding woods and countryside. A few clubs are located within easy reach of St Cirq Lapopie and Le Chateau de Couanac.

- An unlimited number of tracks and trails, including the GR65 (a pilgrims walking trail extending all the way to the Pyrenees) will offer hours of undisturbed country walks.

- Bicycles are available for hire in villages close to the rental properties.