Introduction
The Lot is a rural department in south-west France which has three rivers running through it: the Lot, the Dordogne and the Cele.
History
The department has a rich history and the changing fortunes of its capital Cahors says it all: settled by the Gauls and Romans, occupied by the Moors, ruled by the English, a seat of learning for 400 years and an active force of resistance in World War II.
Major cities
Weather
Average temperature in the Lot| Period | Celsius | Fahrenheit |
|---|
| January-March | 3-12 | 38-53 |
| April-June | 9-19 | 49-67 |
| July-September | 14-25 | 57-77 |
| October-December | 5-14 | 42-57 |
Tourist attractions
Rocamadour is an absolutely spectacular village, built almost vertically into a cliff face in the canyon of the Alzou stream. Its famous 12th century Black Madonna can be found in the Chapelle Notre-Dame. She is said to perform miracles, and pilgrims still flock to pay their respects and seek cures for their ailments. If you are energetic, you can climb up to the ancient ramparts for magnificent views across the valley. Unfortunately Rocamadour is at times overrun with tourists so arrive early. There are, however, many other quieter villages worth visiting: Peyrerusse-Le-Roc, once a medieval stronghold but abandoned in the 1700s, Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie, a beautiful little village built under a limestone outcrop, Marcilhac with its ruined abbey and, possibly the most beautiful of all, Puy L'Eveque with its attractive houses, church and castle. About 12 miles east of Rocamadour is the Gouffe de Padirac, a massive limestone sinkhole with beautiful lakes, waterfalls and stalactites. For another underground experience, visit the Grotte de Pech-Merle with its remarkable cave paintings. There are also magnificent stalagmites and stalactites as well as the footprint of a Stone Age adult and child. Cahors, capital of the department, is an interesting town featuring the famous Valentré Bridge. The narrow streets between the 12th century Cathedral and the river have been restored and make an interesting walk.
Family entertainment
If your children are into dinosaurs they will love Prehistologia, the prehistoric adventure park at Lacave, 5km from Rocamadour. There is also an animal park at Gramat, four wildlife centres at Rocamadour and an adventure park at Pradines, near Cahors with rope-ladders, abseiling and aerial walkways.
Museums, galleries and culture
The Musée Gaston Rapin in Villeneuve-sur-Lot has a very good permanent exhibition on traditional crafts and local history as well as some excellent temporary exhibitions. If you are interested in Egyptology you may be surprised by the excellent Musée Champollion in Figeac. Jean-François Champollion, the Egyptologist who deciphered the Rosetta Stone, was born here and the museum is a testimony to his life and work. One of the best open-air museums in the region is in Cuzals, the Musee de Plein Air du Quercy. There are reconstructed buildings illustrating French rural architecture and demonstrations of traditional activities. The Resistance movement was very active in the region and the Musee de Resistance in Cahors gives a poignant insight into the fight against Nazi Germany. Also in Cahors is the Musee du Vin, housed in a magnificent 14th century building.
Wine tasting
Cahors is famous for its "black" wine, said to be the darkest in the world. There are about 200 domaines and châteaux in the area, most of which sell to the public and will offer a tasting. There are six in the immediate vicinity of Cahors: Domaine des Amandiers, Clos Bican-Segur, Domaine des Gravettes, Les Hauts de Saint-Georges and Point de vente Cotes d'Olt
Walking
The Lot is an excellent area for walking with many ancient footpaths through vineyards and wooded hillsides. The long distance footpath, the GR65, runs from Le Puy in the Massif Central all the way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain and takes up part of the Lot. This ancient pilgrim's route covers some beautiful countryside, through woods and valleys and by the river itself with its limestone cliffs and crags.
Golf
The Souillac Country Club at Lachapelle Auzac offers one of the few 18 hole golf courses in the department. There are, however, two 9 hole courses, one the Golf des Raucous at Sauveterre, 25 km south of Cahors and the other the Golf Club de Montal at Saint-Jean Lespinasse, the latter with beautiful views overlooking the Chateau de Montal.
Other activities
The River Lot is ideal for canoeing. You can hire them by the hour from numerous locations around Cahors and Caix which are all well signposted. There are many swimming lakes (plans d'eau) particularly in the north of the department. As well as swimming, many have facilities for fishing and other water-sports as well as boules. The Lot is famous for its fishing especially carp and black bass. It also has over 1500 km of bridle paths and 25 stables making it an ideal destination for horse lovers. It also provides beautiful terrain for cycling and there are many trails clearly marked with coloured arrows. For the more adventurous, quad bikes can be hired in Frayssinet-le-Gelat or try the small aerodrome at Lalbenque for parascending, parachuting and hang gliding.
Food and drink
Goose is very popular but expensive so it is normally reserved by the locals for high days and holidays. It is delicious roasted with local prunes and Armagnac. The fat from the roasting process is then used to make the delicious potato dish pommes sarladaises. Duck is equally popular but slightly cheaper and appears on menus in every conceivable form: roasted, grilled, and stewed as well as in a confit. Confit de canard is particularly popular in the Lot and as well as being served on its own is often used in a cassoulet, a peasant hot-pot of duck, vegetables and beans. Pigeon is another popular meal, usually stuffed with anything from the humble liver and breadcrumbs to a more elaborate preparation of Quercy walnuts, herbs and Quercy saffron. Quercy lamb is a regional speciality as of course is the famous foie gras. In the Autumn truffles and wild mushrooms appear on the menu. If you are collecting your own mushrooms, take care as some are poisonous. The Roquefort cheese, the lesser-known goat's cheese of Rocamadour and the pruneaux fourres (stuffed local plums) are an excellent way of rounding off a meal.
Ease of access
Cahors is 600 miles from Calais and it is now possible to travel by motorway all the way, apart from a dual carriageway section round Paris. Whichever port you use it will take at least 8 hours driving. If you prefer to fly and then hire a car, there are airports at Toulouse and Bordeaux and some of the budget airlines use Bergerac. It is possible to take the Eurostar to Paris and from there the high speed train to Toulouse which stops at Cahors or to Rodez which stops at Gramat. There are also two coaches a week from London Victoria to Cahors.
Value for money
Lot offers good value for money with many restaurants to suit all pockets. Some museums offer discounts for teachers and journalists as well as students so remember to pack proof of your occupation.
Summary
The Lot is a delightfully rural part of France with lovely old towns, impressive prehistoric sites, quaint villages and plenty to offer visitors in terms of leisure activities, culture and gastronomy.
