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Explore Cahors and the Lot Valley
We have selected for you the visits not to be missed to make your trip an unforgettable memory...
Around Cahors, the medieval village of Saint-Cirq Lapopie, Puy-l'Evêque the prehistoric cave of Pech-Merle as well as the Pterosaur Beach, the phosphate mines of Cloup d'Aural, the stone of the Causse de Limogne, the sublime landscapes of Quercy Blanc are essential visits.
We guarantee you a stay rich in discoveries and emotions! Spending your holidays with us is the guarantee of a well-deserved rest. In the middle of nature, far from the worries of everyday life, you can really escape. Walks, sports activities, meals on terraces, discovery of local gastronomy and cultural visits are mandatory, the important thing is to take the time...
Cahors,
its history and its Valentré bridgeaaah Cahors... Many know by name, but very few have been there. What a mistake ! This city has a particularly preserved ancient and medieval heritage. Proof, Cahors has two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the famous and sumptuous Valentré bridge with its three defense towers dating from the XNUMXth century, and the famous Saint-Etienne cathedral with its surprising cupolas giving it a unique style. But the sumptuousness of Cahors can also be savored through its many steep medieval-style streets located in the historic center. You will then experience a real journey through time thanks to the countless houses dating from the Middle Ages.
Saint-Cirq Lapopie,
Favorite village of the FrenchBeyond many other sites […] Saint-Cirq has placed on me the only enchantment: the one that fixes forever. I stopped wanting myself elsewhere.
These words of the famous surrealist writer André Breton best illustrate the emotion that will grip you when you discover this unreal-looking village. Located on a rocky outcrop more than 100m above the Lot, nestled in the heart of the cliffs, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie makes a great impression, seduces, moves. This village, which seems frozen in time, is endowed with many historical monuments, and observes an effervescent artisanal life. Elected “favorite village of the French” and ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, its discovery will certainly be a highlight of your stay.
Puy l'Eveque,
in the heart of the vineyardThis picturesque village with magnificent ocher colors is perched on a cliff offering panoramic views of the Lot and the surrounding vineyards. Attached to the Lot, a former fruitful trading port, it has an astonishing medieval and Renaissance heritage.
The village of Puy-L'Evêque is one of those little-known nuggets, which surprise all those who discover it.
Montcuq
We pronounce the Q! ;)We smile first, then we hum, we finally admire. It's obvious Montcuq rose to fame with its simple name, but the village deserves your attention for many more reasons: Nino Ferrer, emblematic singer but also its rich history. Montcuq makes you smile, seduces you, animates you and tells stories.
The Lot River,
its meanderings, its points of viewThe Lot is even more beautiful seen from the sky. On foot, by bike or by car, go to point of view of Mont Saint-Cyr above Cahors, in the villages d'Albas, Saint-Cirq Lapopie (Rock of Lapopies, Circus of Venes), Bélaye, Crayssac (Upper Attic), Douelle (site of flight of paragliders), and the Luzech peninsula (oppidum of the Impernpar). An exceptional view of the city or the villages, the vineyards and the superb Lot river awaits you.
Even better at sunrise or sunset when the colors are enhanced!
The cause of Limogne
and its small heritageCaselles, dolmens, wells, dry stone walls, butterfly washhouses... punctuate the landscapes and arouse curiosity. It is a small ancestral and magnificently preserved heritage, which makes us proud. This is certainly thanks to the solidity of their stone construction, but also to the passion of the inhabitants who maintain and restore them voluntarily. Hikes and walks lead you to meet these jewels, which make our landscapes always alive and intriguing.
Our vineyards:
an exceptional terroirCahors is a name that takes you on a journey through the history of a town with a medieval past, but also through gastronomic pleasures. This wine was invited to the court of the tsars, today it is at your table that it comes into its own. A tannic wine for laying down, it owes its character to its terroir, and its finesse to its winegrowers. L'AOP Cahors shares its laurels in this area with theCoteaux du Quercy PDO. This deserves to be known for its personality nourished by plains and hills, and by the harmonious alliances that it combines while balancing with local gastronomy. A winning duo that will seduce you twice.
Explore the cave of Pech Merle
Only 13km from Saint-Cirq Lapopie, go back in time by visiting the cave of the Pech Merle. This cave is one of the oldest in Europe and very well preserved. During the visit, you will see on the walls prehistoric paintings and engravings of more than 20 years of horses, mammoths, bisons, aurochs, bears... More than 000 animals play with the relief of the rock, the colors and the light. You can also admire the Devil's Castle in the village of Cabrerets who hides in the village, stuck to the cliff.
The Cloup d'Aural phosphate pits
Discover the evolution of climates over 30 million years? The phosphatières of Cloup d'Aural offer it to you. The guides seduce you with their passion and paleontological knowledge. When you descend into the heart of this open pit, in an evocation of a tropical forest, the freshness envelops you at the same time as its stories. More than 600 fossils have been discovered there, the oldest specimens of which date back 52 million years.
Pterosaur Beach
A somewhat special beach is located in Crayssac, 15 minutes from Cahors in the Lot valley. Without sand or sea, 150 million years ago there was a lagoon with pterosaurs: flying reptiles cousins of dinosaurs that left their footprints. In search of Emile, Bob, Arthur and many others.
What we love about Pterosaur Beach:
- quality guided tours by diggers with a touch of humor
- an excavation site still in use
- a visit suitable for children from 7 years old.
The Causses du Quercy Geopark
The Causses du Quercy recount 200 million years of Earth history. And thanks to this exceptional geological heritage, the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park has obtained the UNESCO World Geopark label. Beyond this international recognition, the visitor can browse this expanded timeline through the many sites to visit. Small journeys for the visitor, but big leaps in the history of humanity! On the program of geological treasures and exceptional landscapes and heritage.
The black triangle of Quercy
Do you know the black triangle? It is a space located in the Causses du Quercy regional natural park, protected from light pollution. It is the purest sky in mainland France to admire the stars, planets, comets and the Milky Way and we are proud of it!
The black triangle of Quercy
Lalbenque truffle
Nicknamed the "black diamond", it will shine on your taste buds. This mushroom is fascinating, both for the scents it gives off and for the flavors that will delight you. But beyond a luxury product that sits lordly in all the delicatessens of the world, the truffle embodies a universe made up of landscapes, terroir, passion, experience, nature and culture. The most brilliant it is the winter that one finds it under our oaks, the mélanosporum. In summer, the aestivum is less vibrant, but gives the opportunity to discover another aroma. And it is at the markets labeled "Remarkable Site of Taste" and "Vineyards and discoveries" of Lalbenque, from December to the end of February and from Limogne-in-Quercy, from December to February and from mid-June to mid-August, that you can get them. The truffle is in all states to surprise you and satisfy your taste buds.
The bastides
They were built throughout the south-west in the 13th and 14th centuries according to a standard plan: a central square with covered roofs and arcades, an eccentric church and a plot or dmaier plan, composed of straight and parallel streets with houses and gardens. The most interesting are those of Castelnau-Montratier, Labastide-Marnhac, Beauregard, Castelfranc and Labastide-du-Vert.
The Quercy Blanc
The earth changes color, the heritage is still there, witness to a rich history: Boisse windmill, Rouillac chapel, Romanesque churches, bastide and medieval town. Taking your time in Quercy Blanc means living the present time in the colors of a prestigious past. On your return, the white of the stone blends perfectly with the sunflowers and fields of lavender.
Our gastronomy: delicious quality products!
Taste our local products, whether duck confit, foie gras or duck breast, truffles, Rocamadour cheese, Croustilot (local bread), saffron, melon, walnuts and lamb from Quercy. Added to these products, Quercy recipes such as pastis (a kind of light alcoholic apple cake), the my what (a kind of pot-au-feu with a leavened dough made from eggs and duck fat), and the famous Quercy salad. The many typical restaurants will satisfy all your desires!
The most beautiful colorful markets
Cahors and Prayssac, voted the most beautiful markets in Midi-Pyrénées: obvious! In the Lot, land of flavors, scents and colors, the markets are unmissable and offer a multitude of appointments. Morning, noon and evening, winter or summer, there is always an exceptional product to unearth. You will be overcome by emotions and only the choice will be difficult. All to the rhythm of good humor made in the South-West. With our markets, stock up on flavors and memories!
Authentic encounters and perpetual holidays
Here the locals are really friendly and fond of making you discover their little secret corners. The climate is so mild all year round that it's like being on vacation. It's calm here and we take our time. See you soon perhaps at the bend of a terrace or gourmet market.
A sportsman's paradise!
You can swim and explore the Lot and the Célé in canoe Kayak, enjoy superb spots of fishing on our waterways, hike on foot or by bike in the Causses du Quercy Natural Park, climb the famous cliffs of Saint-Géry, hike potholing and canyoning... Tree climbing course, paintball, footbulle, etc, there is no shortage of ideas for fun with family or friends!
Cycling for all
With its preserved landscapes, the destination Cahors – Lot Valley is the ideal territory for the practice of outdoor activities. So why not let yourself be tempted by an excursion or a cycling holiday? Whether you choose the road bike, mountain bike or VAE, this means of transport will allow you to discover the most intimate corners of the south of the Lot.
The Lot River at the center of nature
We are a wine countryMore the water runs through our veins. The Lot and Célé rivers, each at its own pace, each in its own setting, offer a multitude ofnautical activities : swimming in natural water, canoeing, cruises, rental of a houseboat or just for a day and of course the fishing in protected waterways.
Cultural and sporting events where conviviality reigns
Many activities punctuate life in the Lot: music, gastronomy, theatre, science, village festival, fireworks or art, there will be something for everyone.
Walks and hikes for everyone
Hikes in the Lot Valley will make you discover rich and varied landscapes. From the vine, to the use of stone and water. Walking the paths is the certainty of discovering an exceptional rural and natural heritage. With family, between friends, it is at the bend of the paths that the charm operates.
Santiago de Compostela
Pilgrimage or spiritual path, the road to Santiago de Compostela is above all a place of privileged and enriching encounters. The Via Podiensis crosses our landscapes, which has earned us recognition from UNESCO, which has included the section between Bach et Cahors World Heritage Site as well as St-Etienne Cathedral and the Valentré Bridge.
On the road to Santiago de Compostela
Travel our beautiful roads
Here the roads are atypical and at each place, there is a little corner to stop, admire, and take your time. there are even many circuits that we can advise you.
Quality accommodation for all budgets
The cost of living in the Lot is one of the lowest in France. Walking tours, free museums, activity from 2 to 100 euros a day, impossible to get bored even without a penny in your pocket.
In restaurants in the region, local daily specials can be found for less than 10€, and having an aperitif for less than 3 euros a glass is also possible!
As for the prices of accommodation : guest rooms from €40 to €150 for 2 with breakfast, hotels from €40 per double room in 2 stars to €150-200 in 4 stars, campsite pitches at less than €10, youth hostel and stopover gîtes from 15 euros per person...
Small galleries and passionate artists
Craftsmanship is honored in all its forms. Traditional trades are defended by craftsmen, sometimes artists, heirs to ancestral techniques, who put their know-how and their passion at the service of their trades for the admiring pleasure of visitors.
You will be able to discover ancient trades such as painters, engravers, sculptors, jewellers, hatters, ceramists, visual artists, mulching and caning craftsmen or even wood turners.
The greatest sites to visit nearby
Cahors, the Lot Valley are located near major tourist sites between 1h and 2h drive barely: Figeac, Rocamadour and Padirac chasm in the Dordogne valley, the Lot and Vineyard valley with Puy l'Evêque and Luzech, Gourdon, Quercy Blanc with Montcuq, Lalbenque and Limogne truffle capitals, Sarlat in the Périgord Noir in the Dordogne, Saint-Antonin Noble Val in the Tarn-et-Garonne, Villefranche de Rouergue and Najac in the Aveyron, Cordes sur Ciel and Albi in the Tarn...
The 12 "fun" challenges to complete on site
And you, how many have you already made?- A selfie with the statue of the Lalbenque truffle grower: we smile, even if he doesn't...
- Unearth (virtually, you have to leave it there) the wild beast of Cahors to phosphate mines.
- Look up at the stars and observe them thanks to the astronomy table of Limogne-en-Quercy.
- Find out who the Mad Dingo Rapineur is. To find out, go to the alleys of Puy-l'Évêque.
- Count the marbles of the clock Cahors : time passes, but do not fall asleep!
- Understand what a caselle is; clues: the Nouel caselle and its framework in Lalbenque and the Saint-Vincent stepped caselle.
- Search the league of Crégols and above all do not fall into it!
- Taste Rocamadour and thank the goats with hugs.
- Follow in the footsteps of the Petit rapporteur in Montcuq, find the Petit Montcuquois and tell yourself that you can laugh at everything with good humor and lightness!
- Walk in the footsteps of Nino Ferrer, admire his talents as a painter in the town hall of Montcuq and explore his history on vinyl in the medieval tower.
- Remember the 7 deadly sins by deciphering the walls of the Martignac church in Puy-l'Évêque.
- Carry out the investigation, look up and find the clever smile of the little devil from Pont Valentré.
And above all remember to immortalize all these discoveries by sharing your best photos on social networks with the hashtag #cahorsvalleedulotvaleedulot