Today, Maggy and Marjorie take you on a journey to discover a little corner of France that has completely bowled them over: the Lot valley and the town of Cahors. An area full of charm, with a gentle way of life that's sure to win you over.
A unique vineyard
Ah, the wine of Cahors... What would this region be without its famous vineyardsWho shaped the banks of the Lot?
The Lot valley, around Cahors, is also a little paradise for lovers of good wine and good food. We love the idea of combining wine discoveries with the natural, unspoilt landscapes that surround us here. Numerous wine tours and activities are organised by the Cahors and Lot Valley Tourist Office.
There's nothing like a trip to the La Roue restaurant in Cabrerets to enjoy a fine Cahors wine with a gastronomic speciality.
Heritage not to be missed in the Lot valley
In the heart of the Quercy region, the Lot valley is a real gem, with its meandering cliffs and picturesque villages. Each of these villages has its own unique charm, and we love taking the time to stroll through their narrow streets full of character.
But that's not all. As well as being magnificent with its impressive geological formations, the region is also packed with historic buildings. Here are just a few of the most important:
- Cahors Pont Valentré, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the domed cathedral of Saint-Etienne.
- Cabrerets and its Pech Merle cave A few kilometres up the Célé from the Lot, you can travel back in time to Cabrerets, by visiting the Pech Merle cave, to admire its original parietal frescoes. Stay in our accommodation at the Maison du Barry before setting off on an adventure to visit other nearby must-sees:
- Saint-Cirq-Lapopie Small listed medieval village France's most beautiful villagesperched on a rocky outcrop.
- Bouziès and its Ganil towpath to the foot of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie.
- Puy l'Evêque Medieval village classified as "Most beautiful village in France", with a long history of river activity.
- Albas A superb little village overlooking the river and vineyards, from which wine was shipped along the Lot to Bordeaux.
- Cénevières Cénevières castle, a witness to many eras, majestically overlooks the Lot valley.
- Capdenac-le-Haut classified as the most beautiful village in France.
Cahors, a city of art and character
Cahors, the jewel in the crown of Quercy, has an enchanting medieval heritage and unspoilt countryside. After admiring theValentré bridge and the majestic Saint-Etienne cathedral, immerse yourself in the maze of cobbled streets where half-timbered houses and Renaissance hotels tell the story of a prosperous trading city.
The town, encircled by the meandering Lot, is also an invitation to a stroll along the quays or in secret gardens of Cahorslike that of the bishopric.
Food lovers will not want to miss the famous Cahors winewhile art lovers will admire the works of the Henri-Martin Museum or the frescoes in the Saint-Gausbert chapel.
A diversion to the Place François-Mitterrand marketanimated and colourful, or the Halles covered marketA visit to the town, where the Quercy way of life can be savoured around every corner, is the perfect way to explore the town.
The greenway of the Lot Valley, along the V86 cycle route
The Lot valley is perfect for cycling enthusiasts (or those who just like a quiet ride). It offers a greenway with few gradients, linking Cahors to a host of emblematic sites.
Imagine cycling through lush green countryside, past the region's iconic historical treasures. The Lot valley and the town of Cahors are a bit like all that: magnificent landscapes, a good dose of heritage and a lifestyle that invites you to take your time.
The V86 greenway in the LotIt's a real gem, winding its way for 143 km along the old railway line between Saint-Pierre-Toirac and Soturac.
If you want to pedal between Capdenac and CahorsYou'll cover 80 km. While this route can be covered in a day, we strongly recommend that you take at least two days to cover some of the more challenging sections. lovely stops along the way. It's an ideal combination of medieval history and cliffs.
If you prefer to arrive from the west, you can leave from de l'Aiguillon to Cahorscovering 162 km. This is a A relatively flat route along the vineyards. You can take advantage of river navigation to vary the pleasures!
The entire cycle route along the Lot, from Aiguilon to Capdenac, is 240km long. Perfect for discover all the riches of the Lot in 4 to 5 days.