Upstream…downstream…up…down…port…starboard…the spectacle of the river is an escape destination in itself.
Its meanders make its reputation and its charm, its relief too. Punctuated by white or ocher limestone cliffs, towpaths, vineyards and villages nestled in the shelter of its meanders, the Lot River has a steady pace that must be followed on foot, by bike or by car.
And you, in all this? You just have to discover, paddle, walk, run, fly, learn, be surprised. Everything is permitted in the Lot Valley. Everything is dreamed. Everything is within reach of hands, feet, heart, laughter.
A day at Cahors
And why not start with Cahors, a good starting point to know Gallo-Roman and medieval history of Destination Cahors - Lot Valley. The prefectural city is strategically placed on the way to Santiago de Compostela and its emblematic monuments are therefore listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Cahors will surprise you with its historic center full of hidden treasures in a curled up cocoon of 30ha and with its imposing Valentré Bridge, the most beautiful medieval bridge in France, because it is very well preserved. And his Jssecret gardens will make you want to explore a little more the secret and preserved alleys of the city.
The most beautiful villages in the Lot Valley
Continue your exploration along the river, discovering the charming villages of the Lot valley : perched, nestled in a meander, "Favorite of the French" or "Most beautiful in France", simply beautiful, they all have a nice moment to offer you and share. Saint-Cirq Lapopie -the best known of all, but also Albas et Belaye -more secrets and yet they benefit from being known to you, Puy-l'Evêque -gateway to the vineyard, Montcuq -so famous and there is so much to discover about him, Luzech -a nice surprise… These are all the pearls of a precious necklace that sublimates the river so well.
Immerse yourself in prehistory
In the Lot valley, there is what can be seen and what can be guessed, but which is absolutely to be seen! So it is with our geological heritage. This Valley has its ups and downs, but morale remains intact. She digs into the heart of the Earth with her caves, phosphate pits, paleontological sites in the heart of (and next to) the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park. Its geological wealth earned it to belong to the UNESCO Global Geopark. Excuse a bit. You have a non-exhaustive choice of caves and in particular that of Pech Merle and its real paintings of -29 years, but also the Pterosaur Beach, which will take you back 150 million years and again the Cloup d'Aural phosphate pits, which invite to an even more distant journey of 170 million years. And these are just the choice pieces of an exciting and abundant diversity.
The valley along the water
Cahors - Lot Valley is a country of wine, but water runs through our veins. To follow the thread of the Lot and Quercy Valley is to unroll the thread of a busy life, that of a memorable stay. To each his Valley, to each his memories, to each his pleasures and happiness for all. On a cruise or as captain of your own boat, motor or rowing, sailing on the Lot means choosing another rhythm, another point of view, its own navigable path.
The Lot Valley is an experience to live, by nature!
The black triangle, celestial treasure
In the heart of the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park, a breathtaking spectacle takes place every night. Indeed, every night the sky puts on its spangled outfit and puts on a show with its most beautiful jewels.
Shooting stars, nebulae, comets, milky way... Many celestial objects will reveal themselves to you with startling brilliance.
The black triangle of Quercy is one of the most preserved night skies in France, and will offer you a moment of emotion and reverie that will delight young and old alike!
Art along the Lot Valley
Is it a light? Landscapes ? Is it a spirit? Colours ? But what inspires all these artists ? Come see it for yourself, come talk to them to understand what attracts them so much. In any case, many of them choose to settle among us along the Lot Valley or a few steps away, drier. Maybe it's just an art of living that inspires them...