Lot & Dordogne

The Lot department formed part of what was the pre-revolutionary Quercy province, so called because of the many Roman-named ‘quercus’ or cork oak trees that populate the region. This naturally abundant area is characterised by limestone cliffs and green valleys. A number of rivers wind their way through the landscape dotted with old chateaux and beautiful stone villages, many of which are listed on the official register of recommended sights in France. In fact three of these ‘plus beaux villages' are no more than 10-minute’s drive from our location. This part of France has been occupied since Neanderthal times and the rich history of the area is fascinating to explore. 

In our immediate vicinity

• The three nearest medieval 'plus beaux villages': Loubressac (5 minutes drive), Autoire (10 minutes drive) and Carennac (10 minutes drive).
• Visit the caves at the Gouffre de Padirac Unesco site - 10 minutes drive.
• The cliffhanging basilica of Rocamadour, a major Unesco pilgrimage site on Saint Jacques route - 30 minutes drive.
• Twice weekly food markets at Bretenoux and Saint Céré - 15 minutes drive.
• Chateau de Castelnau , Chateau de Montal and Montal golf course - 10 minutes drive.
• Canoeing, kayaking,river swimming, fishing, horse riding, hiking, hot air ballooning and hang gliding are all available in the area.
• The region boasts wonderful wild life and flowers including 52 varieties of wild orchids.
• Historical architectural and archeological sites.
• Brocante and local produce shopping. Local produce restaurants and farms to visit all in close range.

To the North

• Discover Beaulieu sur Dordogne set upon the river and take a ride on the Dordogne in a Gabare. Fifteen minutes away.
• Drive half an hour to three more of the 'Plus Beaux Villages". Red stoned Collonges la Rouge, Curemonte and Turenne.
• Visit the Abbey of Aubazine where the orphaned Coco Chanel was tutored by the nuns.
• An hour away is cosmopolitain Brive la Gaillarde with its gastronomic shops and restaurants.

To the West

• The yellow stoned medieval town of Sarlat is 1 hour 15 minutes from us.
• The spectacular gardens of Eyrignac and Marqueyssac gardens are close to Sarlat.
• The hillside village of La Roque Gageac, Domme and the chateaux of Beynac, Castelnaud and Milandes are a stones throw from the above gardens.

To the South

• Navigate the Lot river and wander around the magical village of Saint Cirq Lapopie
• Visit the caves of Pech Merle
• Have tea at the Chateau de la Treyne or lunch at the Pont de L'Ouysse
• Visit Cahors with its Pont Valentre and hidden gardens.
• Sample the Cahors plum coloured wines in their vineyards

To the East

• Visit medieval Figeac and the museum of writing
• One and a half hour drive to the extraordinary romanesque abbey church of Conques with its fabulous treasury.