TV 5 - Monde
17th March 2010

Holidays in the Lot, Lot et Garonne and Tarn et Garonne

The Lot and Quercy region in the sunny south of France - the perfect place for a well earned holiday!

Lot and Quercy

Where is it?

Lot and Quercy Region

More detailed map...

Cahors Weather



What's the Weather Really Like?

Does the sun always shine?
Is it really as sunny as they say in the Lot and Quercy? Take at look at some facts and figures.

Which Airport?

Airports in the region
Travelling by air? Choose from one of five airports served by budget airlines from the UK.
Tourist Information Offices in the Lot Tourist Information Offices in the Lot et Garonne Tourist Information Offices in the Tarn et Garonne

Market Days

Market Days

Holidays and Leisure

Lot and Quercy - The perfect holiday destination!

The Lot and Quercy region is an ancient land of hills and valleys, rivers and overhanging precipices. Bastide villages crown the craggy tops and perch precariously on the edge of sheer cliffs. Vineyards drape the lower slopes and oak forests romp over any uncultivated land. It’s an outstandingly beautiful landscape. Situated as it is, in the southwestern corner of France, squeezed between the elegant city of Bordeaux and the fabulous city of Toulouse, it enjoys a delightfully warm, climate and an extended summer, warm weather often continues well into November... more...

NEW BOOK - White Stone Black Wine

Life among the ancient vineyards of the Quercy Blanc

White Stone Black Wine by Amanda LawrenceLooking for the perfect holiday read this year?
Want to find out more about the undiscovered Quercy Blanc?
White Stone Black Wine - "A relaxing and entertaining book about life in the Quercy region"
Synopsis
A light-hearted and whimsical romp through the lovely Quercy Blanc, one of the last undiscovered corners of southern France. White Stone Black Wine is generously slanted towards the regional specialities and famed local wines. It is as light as a soufflé, just as delicious and will fall very happily into a holiday suitcase..

Read more...

Cabrerets And The Surrounding Areas

Notes from a visitor

Cabrerets In The LotSituated 30kms East of the region’s main town of Cahors, Cabrerets sits astride the Celé river (which itself joins the river Lot at Conduche) in a quiet valley sided by imposing limestone cliffs. The village itself dates from around the thirteenth century and as a result, has a lot of history to share with any visitor who takes an interest... Cabrerets In The Lot...

Book Review - Moondrop To Gascony

by Anne-Marie Walters

Moondrop to Gascony by Anne-Marie WaltersThe inspiring tale of one woman’s war.
Anne-Marie Walters was a mere twenty years old when she was recruited by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) and secretly dropped by parachute into occupied south-west France one freezing, moonlit night in January 1944.... Moondrop to Gascony...

Cahors Concert - Thousands Raised For Haiti

February 2010 Concert

Cahors Concert For HaitiWhen pianist and jazz-singer Judy Blair saw the plight of the Haiti earthquake victims, her response was immediate: she started organizing a benefit concert. Just as she had for the Katrina disaster. The musicians she contacted, including Gary Brooker (founder of Procul Harum)... Cahors Concert For Haiti...

Hot Air Ballooning in the Lot and Quercy

Vol en Montgolfiere

Hot Air Ballooning in the Lot and QuercyA hot air balloon ride provides a unique way of experiencing the sights and sounds of the region from a new perspective.
We recently had the opportunity to take a balloon flight with one of our neighbours - and it was a fantastic experience! A mix of fear and complete calm. Fear because you are 300m above the ground in a basket suspended from a balloon and calm because it is so peaceful and quiet - no wind, no noise - apart from the noises from below - dogs barking mainly. Well it was 7 on a Sunday morning! Hot Air Ballooning...

Camping In The South Of France - Just For Adults

Château de Lacomté Country Retreat

Camping In South West FranceNEW for 2010 - A Camping Holiday for those seeking serenity. Château de Lacomté Country Retreat introduces Camping and Holiday Rentals "Just For Adults" in South West France.
Peaceful 4 * Camping Château de Lacomté is idyllically situated within the heart of the “Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park”. Camping In The South Of France...

Prayssac In The Lot Valley

Holiday Destination With Plenty To Offer

Prayssac MarketThe pretty town of Prayssac is located in between two of many large, meandering bends of the river Lot in a beautiful area of France known as the gastronomic heart of the country. Prayssac is a growing, lively area, ideal to spend long awaited, welcomed summer breaks.... Prayssac...

Lot and Quercy Restaurant Guide

Lot and Quercy Restaurant GuideLooking for places to eat in the Lot and Quercy region? Check out our Restaurant Guide and read reviews of some of our favourite eating places...

Monet's Water Lilies in the Lot et Garonne

Latour-Marliac at Le Temple sur Lot

Monet's Water Lilies in the Lot et GaronneWhat's the connection between Claude Monet and a Lily nursery in the Lot et Garonne? The nursery of Latour-Marliac not only supplied the lilies that became so famous through Monet's paintings, but also provided the inspiration for his garden at Giverny Monet's Water Lilies...

Castles in the Lot

Castles in the Lot
Chateau Bonaguil
The Lot department has a wide variety of ancient castles, many of which are open to the public. Here we list our selection of 14 historic sites that are well worth a visit... Castles in the Lot...

Wildlife Parks and Countryside Visits in the Lot

Wildlife Parks in the Lot
Rocher des Aigles
Our favourite wildlife parks and countryside outings in the Lot department, covering wild animal parks, bird sanctuaries and much more... Wildlife Parks in the Lot...

Bicycle Gourmet's Treasures of France

Cycling through the French countryside with a video camera

Bicycle Gourmet's Treasures of FranceWant to explore the "Treasures of France" from the comfort of your armchair?
Bicycle Gourmet Christopher Strong has created a collection of DVDs recording his exploration of rural France - the people, the food and the wine.
The series was created over a 5 year period and covers virtually every French region. Here he tells us about The Bicycle Gourmet and what it took to bring it all together...
Bicycle Gourmet's Treasures of France...

Cahors from Mont St-Cyr

An aerial view of Cahors

Cahors from Mont St-CyrThe historic city of Cahors lies on a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the meandering river Lot and tall hills. The peninsula faces approximately North-South and high on the hills to the eastern side is the viewpoint at Mont St-Cyr. It's a winding and hilly drive by car, but well worth it for the view of the whole city... Cahors from Mont St-Cyr...

Caves and Caverns in the Lot and Quercy

Les Grottes et Gouffres

Caves and Caverns in the Lot and QuercyThe Lot and Quercy region contains many underground caves and open caverns - a result of thousands of years of erosion of the limestone by underground streams. Many of these caves are open to the public and contain cave paintings and wonderful displays of stalactites and hidden underground lakes... Caves and Caverns...

The Secret Gardens of Cahors

Les Jardins Secret de Cahors

The secret gardens of CahorsCreated in 2002, the secret gardens of Cahors amount to 29 in total and are laid out along a waymarked route around the city. The secret gardens include an arab garden, a lavender garden, an apple tree garden, a garden of spices, a monastery garden... Cahors Secret Gardens...

Cave Diving in the Lot

World class venue for cave diving

Cave Diving in the LotFrance is spoilt for caves of a world class with most départements containing caves. As far as sumps (flooded cave passages) are concerned then the Lot is in a class of its own with hundreds... Cave Diving in the Lot...

Champollion Museum in Figeac

Jean-François Champollion (1790 - 1832)

Champollion Museum in FigeacA celebrated son of Figeac, Champollion revolutionised our understanding of ancient scripts by deciphering the hieroglyphics on the famous "Rosetta Stone". First opened in 1986, in the house where he was born, the Champollion museum has remained dedicated mainly to hieroglyphics and Egyptology. Champollion Museum, Figeac...

Tournon d'Agenais Flower Festival - 1 May

First of May, First of May, Flowers Strive to Bloom Today

Tournon d'Agenais Flower FestivalThey certainly did in Tournon on Thursday. This ancient and beautiful bastide village was overflowing with flowers and plants of every conceivable variety. The sun shone, heat radiated from the old stones and delicious fragrances permeated the alleyways... Tournon d'Agenais Flower Festival...

Cahors, Ancient and Beautiful Capital of the Quercy

Photo: CDT Lot Jean Maureille
Pont de Valentré
Roman bastide, medieval city of Bishops and Popes, and gateway to the glorious south, this enchanting old town captivates all who come to know her…
more...

Book Review - Lot by Helen Martin

Le Lot - Travels through a limestaone landscapeLot – Travels through a limestone landscape in southwest France. Helen Martin's book is a vast volume of impeccably researched fact and delicious personal preference. She puts meat on the bones of other guidebooks... more...

Africajarc - African Music Comes to Cajarc

July

AfricajarcFor one weekend each year the tiny village of Cajarc in the Lot plays host to a huge African music festival - Africajarc. With so much to see and hear it's a not to be missed event if you are in the region at the end of July... Africajarc...

Canoë-Kayak on the Lot, Dordogne and Célé Rivers

A guide to canoe and kayak hire centres

Canoë-Kayak on the Lot, Dordogne and Célé RiversCanoes and Kayaks can be hired by the hour for exploring the Lot, Dordogne and Célé river at your leisure. Alternatively, you can be transported up river and take your time drifting back downstream with the current. There are many places to hire canoes and all are well signposted in summer Canoe and Kayak...

Horse Riding and Pony Trekking in the Quercy

The perfect way to explore the region

Horse Riding in the Lot and QuercyThere are many horse riding and pony trekking centres in the Lot and Quercy region, allowing visitors to take full advantage of the enormous number of trails available. Many centres offer beginners classes as well as the possibility to hire a horse for the day and explore at will... Horseriding...

Edith Piaf - Gluges Church Donation

Edith Piaf, Gluges church donationEdith Piaf was one of France's best known and most loved singers. Less well known is that she was a regular visitor to the Lot and Quercy region. Lesser known still is the secret donation she made to save the church at Gluges in the Northern Lot... Edith Piaf...

The Most Beautiful Villages in the Quercy

In search of perfection in the land of sunshine and stone

Photo: Agence Estelum
Loubressac, Lot
Throughout the Lot and Quercy region there are simply hundreds of charming stone built villages, often perching on a hilltop with magnificent views of the surrounding area. Each village has its own individual character... more...

Staying at a Château in Villeneuve-sur-Lot

A brief stop on a European Tour by camping car

Chateau BonaguilRetired librarians, Jill and Ian Maxted have spent the last few years travelling around the whole of Europe, accompanied by Modestine, their faithful camping car. Here they recount one small part of the trip where they spend a memorable few days in a family Château in Villeneuve... Maxted Travels...

Looking For Saints in the Quercy - Part 2

The elusive tomb of Saint Namphaise

Church at Caniac-du-CausseLinda McCabe continues her tale of chasing saints across the Quercy. Having travelled thousands of miles she finally gets close to the elusive tomb of Saint Namphaise in the little village of Caniac-du-Causse... Tomb of Saint Namphaise...

The Attractions of the Lot and Quercy Region

A Taste of Midi-Quercy

Where is the Midi-Quercy?Our corner of the Quercy region of south-west France is known as Midi-Quercy. It’s a peaceful haven of contrasting scenery, extensive wild life and picturesque mediaeval villages... more...

Holiday Activities in Lot et Garonne

Things to do in the region

Canal de Garonne
Canal de Garonne
Whether you’re interested in the quiet life and long walks, are seeking a relaxing spa treatment or are looking for white knuckle excitement on the rides at the Walibi adventure park, you’ll find it all in the Lot et Garonne. more...

Things to do in the Lot

Listing of activities available in the region

Photo: CDT Lot
Canoeing on the Lot
With so many activities to choose from there's sure to be something of interest in this region ranging from walking to hang gliding. The River Lot is a great attraction for many people ... more...

Big Carp Fishing in the River Lot

A really big one this time

Lot Valley DawnAfter a wet weekend Monday 11 July provided a classic Lot valley dawn. Wreaths of mist rising from the glassy surface of the river and the promise of a warm day to come... more...

The Black Wine of Cahors

Revered by Tsars, Popes and Princes

AOC Cahors wine Why black? Principally because it is almost black, just hold a bottle up to the light and you’ll see into its deliciously inky depths. Cahors wines are reputedly the darkest in the world; they are also some of the strongest and richest and will keep for years... more...

Out and About in Tarn et Garonne

Activities to keep you busy

Canoeing
Canoeing
As this region has so many miles of rivers (Tarn, Garonne, Aveyron) it will come as no surprise that water based activities are well catered for.. more...

Looking For Saints in the Quercy

"I went on a wild saint's chase..."

Linda McCabeI am now home safe and sound from my trip to France. It was exhausting, but very rewarding. One of the goals I had was to find out what I could about an obscure saint that I had stumbled across while doing research for my novel... Wild Saint's Chase...

The Ancient History of the Lot

Man and nature, limestone and water

Cave PaintingLandmarks denoting the passing centuries are particularly numerous in the Lot. Traces of the art present in our distant ancestors' daily lives, cave paintings, specimens of tools, vestiges of human occupation abound. Living water is omnipresent beneath the causse and has shaped fantastical landscapes under the thick rock vaults... more...

A Journey Down the Lot

From Fumel to Villeneuve-sur-Lot

Villeneuve-sur-Lot
Villeneuve-sur-Lot
At Fumel the Lot moves into the 21st century, shedding its ringlets along with its pristine lack of industry, car parks and commercial sprawl as it meets flatter country en route to its confluence with the mighty Garonne at Aiguillon. From the valley road the scenery might seem unexciting...
An extract from "Dordogne & The Lot" by Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls. more...

Tourist Information Offices in the Lot and Quercy

Covering the Lot, Lot et Garonne and Tarn et Garonne

Photo: CDT Lot Jean Maureille
Pont de Valentré
This is a detailed listing of official tourist information offices in the region and includes email addresses and website links, where available. The websites are mostly in French, but don't be put off ... more...

Puy L'Eveque Fireworks

Spectacle Pyrotechnique

Puy l'EvequeFor one night in August each year, the sleepy town of Puy L'Eveque is taken over by pyrotechnicians for a spectacular display of fireworks. Viewed from across the river Lot, with the ancient stone houses as a backdrop, it makes a magnificent event.. more...

Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of England

The English rule of South West France

Eleanor of Aquitaine
Eleanor's Tomb
Beautiful, spirited, fascinating and the richest heiress in medieval Europe, Eleanor of Aquitaine was the most desirable parti of her time. She was also a woman of great strength ... more...

Market Days in the Lot and Quercy

Complete Listing for the Region

Sunny market day
Prayssac market
One of the everyday delights of life in France is a visit to the local market to experience the freshness and quality of the produce and buy direct from ... more...

Big Carp Fishing in the River Lot

A couple of memorable nights at Arcambal

Big carp from the River LotBob Spinks is a keen fisherman and had heard the rumours about big carp in the river Lot. Last summer, with son Michael, he decided to try it out for himself and found more excitement than either of them had bargained for…
more...

Albas Wine Festival

Largest Cahors wine festival in one tiny village

Abas Wine Festival, May 2005Albas is a charming little village, built entirely of the local stone and wedged precariously into a rocky cleft on the left bank of the river. Today is the day of the annual fête du vin and the whole village bows in worship of the grape and gives itself up to the pleasures of the table... more...

The Growing Art Movement in Puy l’Eveque

La Nuit des Arts

Flower Pitcher by Sharon TompkinsPuy l'Eveque is a delightful medieval village perched on the right bank of the meandering river Lot. When Artist Sharon Tompkins arrived in Puy l’Eveque in September 2004, little did she realise that this sleepy little town was soon to become the centre of a burgeoning art movement.
more...
Lot and Quercy Life Newsletter
France Guide










French Public Holidays

French Public Holidays

Did you know that Good Friday is not a public holiday in France?

Why not print out our list of holidays for 2010... more...

Travel

How to get there

Fly or drive? The choice is yours... more...

French Entrée