Lot And Quercy
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Property, Holidays and Life in the Lot and Quercy Region
BIENVENUE!
To the fabulous southwest. We have created this site to give you a comprehensive guide to the Lot, Lot et Garonne and Tarn et Garonne covering property for sale, holiday accommodation, holiday activities and much more. So whether you're searching for holidays, properties or the wonderful life in this sunny corner of France, you'll find them all here.
Editors, Lot and Quercy.
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Red Wine of CahorsRestaurant Guide
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The Quercy Diary - A year in the Quercy
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Hotels in the Lot and Quercy
A Year in the Quercy
Lot and Quercy Holidays, Property and Life
The Number 1 on-line guide to the region
| Lot and Quercy Property • Property for Sale • Property Guide • Mortgages & Insurance • Lot and Quercy Estate Agents • Lot and Quercy Regional Guide Lot and Quercy Life • Lot and Quercy Lives • The Quercy Diary • Gardening • What's On? • Food and Drink • Regional Recipes • Family | Lot and Quercy Holidays • Holiday Guide • Things To Do • Places to Visit • Towns and Villages • Cahors Wine • Restaurant Guide • Featured Accommodation • Bed and Breakfasts • Camping and Camp Sites Resources • Discussion Forum • Business Directory • Essential Local Services |
Latest Lot and Quercy News and Stories...
Lot and Quercy Life - Current Edition
The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, and as the church bells pealed in solemn remembrance I stood in twenty-two degrees of glorious sunshine in the market square watching the parade on one side and negotiating half a kilo of Bleu des Causses on the other. Even for south-west France, it was incredibly warm. Normally by mid-November the fires are lit, every chimney is smoking, sales of haricots blancs have rocketed and I am holed up in my warm kitchen for the winter. Not so this year.
Holiday Gite In the Lot Valley (Sleeps 2-5)
Le Pigeonnier, 25 mins West of Cahors
A charming, 200 year old cottage built in the typical Quercynois style of local white stone. This delightful property is set in the heart of the picturesque hilltop hamlet of Rouffiac with its breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside.Now available for holiday lets
Massage Therapy Comes To Prayssac In The Lot
Exploring The Benefits Of Massage With Ceri Isaacs
We now have scientific proof of the benefits of massage - benefits ranging from treating chronic diseases and injuries to alleviating the growing tensions of our modern lifestyles. Having a massage does more than just relax your body and mind - there are specific physiological and psychological changes which occur, even more so when massage is used as a preventative, frequent therapy and not simply mere luxury. Massage not only feels good, but it can cure what ails you...
Massage Therapy In Prayssac...
La Troupe d’Acteurs du Quercy
The Show Goes On
Since I last wrote a few words about my exploits with La Troupe d’Acteurs du Quercy things have moved on. Well, they do don’t they? The sands of time and all that. From a personal point of view I have really enjoyed the opportunity to murder a few people...
Swimspas in France – A Swimming Pool and a Spa
The best of both worlds, from only €12995!
Swimspas are rapidly growing in popularity with property owners in France. They combine the benefits of a swimming pool and a spa, can be used all year round and are economical to run. We spoke to Simply Spas, a leading supplier of swimspas in France to find out more...
Swimspas in France...
Carroll Property Services
The last word in property maintenance and management
We moved to South West France seven years ago with the dream of setting up our own company and
living a better quality of life in rural France. We started our specialist property maintenance company 'Carroll Property Services' after identifying a gap in the market place for quality property maintenance...
Carroll Property Services...
Chats Du Quercy
Cat Rescue And Rehoming Centre
The purpose of Chats du Quercy is to find permanent, safe homes for homeless cats and kittens with responsible and caring owners. We aim to provide quality, short term housing in a safe, disease-free and stimulating environment...
New Septic Tank Rules for French Property
Certificate of compliance
A new regime for septic tanks came into effect on January 1st of this year, which has brought a new concern for sellers of Dordogne property. At the time the preliminary contract is signed, the seller is now required to produce a certificate of compliance in relation to any septic tank arrangements.
fosse septique regulations...
Spas, Hot-Tubs and Jacuzzis in France
Simply Spas in the Lot et Garonne
Simply Spas are one of the leading suppliers of Spas, Hot-Tubs and Jacuzzis in France. From their base in the Lot et Garonne they supply and install Hot-Tubs and Spas throughout France. The Simply Spas "Spa Gardens" provides the opportunity to sample a wide range of Spas and Hot-Tubs before making a purchase decision. The spa superstore has over 20 different spas on display...
Spas and Hot-Tubs in France...
Ironwood Motif Internships
Help create a thriving gardening business
We are Lindsay Nixon & David Low. We have lived in France for over six years. Together, we run a small but very successful artist blacksmith business, Ironwood Motif, which we set up in April 2005. We also run a garden design, maintenance & plantation business
The Pink Ball 2010
In aid of Breast Cancer Research and Poor Paws
This was the event of the season – a good old-fashioned charity ball!The sun shone and pink Champagne flowed in the centre of the little village of Sauzet on the 27th June. One hundred and seventy people attended this year’s charity ball in aid of cancer research and Poorpaws, dressed in a style rarely seen in this rural backwater of South-west France... The Pink Ball 2010...
British Losing Money On International Transfers
High bank charges and poor exchange rate to blame
People who own additional properties abroad and make regular mortgage and/or utilities payments will also be badly affected, as every transfer is open to individual transfer charges, in addition to exchange rates. Data from the UK’s number one property website, Rightmove Overseas, reveals that...British Losing Money On International Transfers
Learning First Aid in France
Find out about the services of the Croix Blanche
We were recently contacted by Beckie Roques, who works with the Croix Blanche association that provides first aid assistance across France and first aid training courses to individuals and groups. Beckie will soon be qualifying as a first aid teacher and will be offering first aid training courses in English and French.
Why Are French Estate Agents So Expensive?
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While the basic job of UK and French estate agents is the same, in practice they are vastly different. First, the French move house less frequently than the British. So the volume of transactions is smaller. Secondly the French population is dispersed over a much larger area than the British. We take properties...
BNP Paribas International Buyers
British Buyers Still No.1 in France
BNP Paribas International Buyers have been taking a look at the French property market and have come up with some interesting figures, plus the announcement of a special deal on fixed rate mortgages...
Cycling In The Lot
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When asked about the original reason that made us decide to move to France nearly 15 years ago with our, then young, sons, I remember trying to cycle down to our village in Kent and thinking that I could never let our boys do the same. It was just far too dangerous...
Property Renovation In France – Good News On VAT
New Tax Changes Help Renovators
French estate agents often get asked what the sale value of a property will be after it has been restored. This question often arises because the potential purchaser is looking for an opportunity to make a profit. But French property doesn’t work like that. The UK concept of moving in, doing up and moving on just doesn’t work
Shade Sails - The Coolest Shade Around?
Trendy Sail Shades Catching On In France.jpg)
The French are usually ahead of the game when it comes to new fashion trends and accessories, but it seems there is one area where they have been beaten - by the Australians! Anyone who has spent time in France during the summer will know that shade is a serious consideration.Shade Sails now available in the US.
New German site just launched: Sonnensegel
Trendy Sail Shades Catching On In France...
Cabrerets And The Surrounding Areas
Notes from a visitor
Situated 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...
Cahors Concert - Thousands Raised For Haiti
February 2010 Concert
When 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)...
Planning A Move To France?
Ten things you need to know
So you’ve finally done it, you’ve found your dream home in France and are getting ready for the “big move”. Congratulations and welcome!Here is our top ten list of things you need to do when arranging your move to France.
Book Review - Moondrop To Gascony
by Anne-Marie Walters
The 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.
Running A Gite Business In South West France
What's it really like?
So what’s it really like running a Gîte business in France? Well, in short – it beats working for a living! So forget what you think it’s like and give 5 minutes to reading a real life account of setting up and running gîtes in France...
Camping In The South Of France - Just For Adults
Château de Lacomté Country Retreat
NEW 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”
Prayssac In The Lot Valley
Holiday Destination With Plenty To Offer
The 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....
Getting Married in France
Some helpful advice for those taking the plunge...
Get married in France? Isn’t that difficult, people will ask, mindful of French bureaucracy? Well, I got married myself here eight years ago, I have just organised my stepdaughter’s – much bigger – wedding and I have helped various friends with the paperwork in the intervening years. So here’s how to do it! I am writing this from the point of view of British nationals, though I believe it will equally apply to other nationalities...
Adopt A Dog From Les Chiens de Figeac
Give a senior dog a chance
I volunteer at my local refuge in Figeac and although I always have a fun time playing with the puppies, I am always more bowled over by the grandpas and grandmas that make up most of our shelter’s population. They are just as loving but in a calmer more dignified manner and they are quite happy to sit with you for hours. The benefits of adopting a senior dog are numerous...
Buying A Dream House in the Lot et Garonne
My Little French House
My love affair with France began nearly 20 years ago, when I was 18 years old. I was drawn to France, why - I don’t know. I had never been to France, never experience the French culture or food; I just knew I wanted to be there someday. I used to dream and believe by the time I was 35, I would live 6 months in Australia and 6 months in France...
Overcoming The Language Barrier
My decision to teach French happened by accident really. I had a call from a friend who had artisans on site and both sides were having trouble understanding what was required. I was happy to help but after I’d gone I was flattered to find the builder thought I was French. When my friend understood this, he said ‘Why don’t you teach it? It would really help me and I can think of several other people who would really value it too’. And that's how it all started...
What is the Best Place to Advertise Your Rental Property?
Inside tips from a rental property owner
With the huge choice of on-line advertising options it's almost impossible to judge which is the best. To help you with this choice we can reveal some inside information from one of our clients - fully booked last year, but where exactly did the enquiries come from?
Best Rental Advertising...
Hot Air Ballooning in the Lot and Quercy
Vol en Montgolfiere
A 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!
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Tracking Website Visitors With Google Analytics
A introductory video guide to this essential tool
Do you have a website for your business?Do you know how well it is working?
Do you know how many visitors you have, which pages they visit and how they find the site?
If you have a website but don't know about tracking website visitors, this introductory video is for you. It provides a brief tour of the features of the FREE Google Analytics tracking system. Tracking Website Visitors...
Motorcyling in the Quercy
A change of scene
Like a good many of us who plunge straight into moving lock, stock and barrel to France, never having had a holiday home here, we underestimated the challenge of living in a foreign country...
Castles in the Lot
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Dog Walking with Les Chiens de Figeac
A day out with man's best friend
I started volunteering at the Figeac dog refuge not long ago. I hesitated before getting in contact with them as I was worried about the old ‘tugging at the heart strings’ syndrome. With two dogs and two cats already, I know my limits but was afraid that I would end up bringing another young scamp home...
Wildlife Parks and Countryside Visits in the Lot
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FrenchEntrée Property Search
Helping you find the perfect property
Looking for a property in south west France? To help you in your search for the perfect property in the Lot and Quercy region, covering properties in the Lot (46), Lot et Garonne (47) and Tarn et Garonne (82), please complete our Property Requirements Form...
Midsummer Blues Train Charity Evening - UPDATE
2,000 Euros Raised for Poor Paws and Cancer Research
Alison Hibbard, Sue Glibbery and Pat Lockett are delighted to announce that more than 2000 Euros profit was made from the various fundraising activities on and around 21st June in support of La Ligue Contre le Cancer and Poorpaws.The evening was heralded as a great success and the feedback has been extremely positive.... Full Details...
Buying and Renovating an Auction Property Part 2
The Renovation Work
Buying a property at auction is an exciting prospect - buying an auction property that needs total renovation promised to be an even bigger challenge for James and Vanessa HOPKINS. In the concluding article of this two part story, Vanessa describes the renovation work...
Need To Convert Currency?
Using a currency exchange specialist can save you money.
Moneycorp are one of the leading currency exchange specialists, have been established for over 30 years and handle transactions in excess of £11 billion per year on behalf of their clients.
Moneycorp Offers
* Extremely competitive commercial exchange rates
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* The ability to “fix” an exchange rate for up to two years
We're Working in the UK, but France is Still Our Home
From the UK to France and Back Again
Following the sale of our UK house, we realised that the French experience was now a reality. Little did we realise just how many changes were to come when we moved to Puy L’Eveque in 2003!
A Vegetable Plot in the Lot
Gardening, the hard way
I spent the better part of this afternoon upside down with my head in our rainwater cistern battling the all predatory forces of heaven and earth. I think I’m winning.Spring is the time for grand designs, and for years now, we have aspired but failed to keep up with the Jones’s, or more precisely, the Bousquets. But this year will be different...
BNP Paribas International Buyers
Mortgage Solutions For Your French HomeBNP Paribas International Buyers is a subsidiary of the BNP Paribas Company, specialising in financing French property for Non resident purchasers. We can offer a varied range of mortgage products...
Musical Marmite in the Lot and Quercy
An association of multi-cultural musicians
Anyone who’s spent a significant chunk of their lives in England and later moved abroad will, at some point, find themselves trying to explain Marmite to their new neighbours. Whether you wake up at 3 in the morning with an insatiable craving for a thick slice of hot buttered toast and Marmite or gag at the very thought...
Bargain Prices on Village Properties
A selection from the Lauzerte area
Village properties are still relatively underpriced in this region and are ideal as a "lock it and leave it" holiday home - with no pool or extensive garden to maintain and friendly neighbours to keep an eye on things. Here are a selection of 10 properties in the Lauzerte area for less than 200k euros and starting from only 65k euros!
Dog Refuge in Figeac - Les Chiens de Figeac
Taking care of dogs in the Lot
Les Chiens de Figeac is a charity association that has been helping homeless dogs in the Lot region for 20 years. When Nicci HALTON and her partner moved to France in 2002, they decided to get involved
Horses in the Quercy
Moving house, they say, is the third most stressful thing after death and divorce, I disagree, moving one’s beloved horses to a foreign country far eclipses merely moving some sticks of furniture and a load of boxes from one house to another.We moved from Scotland to France in October 2003, we drove out two 4x4’s pulling heavily burdened trailers...
Chateau de Bonaguil
Medieval Fortress near Fumel
A few miles north of Fumel, a small valley leads to the hamlet of Thèze. If you’ve ever imagined a world of knights in shining armour, then the most powerful fortress in French medieval history, Château Bonaguil will not disappoint...
2008 - Not a Good Year for Sheep Farming
Blue Tongue outbreak in the Lot
Regular contributor Tessa Collier gives us an update on life in the Lot over the last 12 months. For many people, 2008 has been a difficult year, but this has mostly been due to the "credit crunch". Tessa's problems came from a more unlikely but more deadly source - a mosquito from Belgium...
Low Priced Properties in the Lot and Quercy
We look at what's available for less than 160k euros
Although the property market in France is quieter than usual, some agents are suggesting this is actually a good time to buy. There is a huge range of choice available and many sellers are willing to negotiate on price which can more than offset any recent changes in the exchange rate. The current slow down is not likely to last forever and once things pick up again prices can only increase.
Running a Bed and Breakfast in France
Still a good option?
Mark and Fiona Vallance have been running their thriving Bed and Breakfast business in the Lot Valley for the last three years. We caught up with them recently as they were planning a new business venture and they gave us an update on their experiences of running a B&B in France…
Bicycle Gourmet's Treasures of France
The Pope of biodynamic wine - Nicholas JOLY
Want 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.
In this article he recounts his visit to the estate of Nicholas JOLY - The Pope of biodynamic wine...
Running a Gîte Business in South West France
Could you do it?
How many of us dream about moving to France, but somehow it all fails to materialize? Mike Burrows tells us about his dream come true running a Gite business and why it could be your turn next...
White Stone Black Wine by Amanda Lawrence
Life among the ancient vineyards of the Quercy Blanc
Looking 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..
Lot and Quercy Business Directory
Create your own Directory Entry
With over 200 businesses already listed across the Lot and Quercy region, this is the ideal place to get your business in front of our large and growing audience. A basic listing includes email and weblinks and is only €40 for 12 months...
Cahors from Mont St-Cyr
An aerial view of Cahors
The 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...
Stress Solutions in South West France
The home of Reiki in France
From their base in the Lot et Garonne, Stress Solutions offer a range of treatments and services to help you cope with the stress of modern living including Massage, Reiki and Reflexology...
Horse Riding and Pony Trekking in the Quercy
The perfect way to explore the region
There 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...
Do you need a website or a web page?
Find out about the cost effective solutions that FrenchEntrée Lot and Quercy can offer to get your business highly ranked online! Let us take away some of the stress of setting-up business in the Lot and Quercy by creating, optimising and managing either a web page or website profiling your business...
Web Pages and Websites...
Special Places to Stay in the Lot and Quercy
Looking for Bed and Breakfast Accommodation?
Looking for somewhere special to spend a few days in a delightful setting with English-speaking hosts? Check out our selection of Featured Bed and Breakfasts in the Lot, Lot et Garonne and Tarn et Garonne...
Regional Snapshot - The Lot and Tarn et Garonne
In the Northern Midi-Pyrenees
The Midi-Pyrenees is the largest region in France, and possibly the most diverse, stretching from the undulating charm of the Dordogne valley in the north to the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees in the south...
Caves and Caverns in the Lot and Quercy
Les Grottes et Gouffres
The 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...
Featured Properties - Houses up to €150k
A place in the sun could be cheaper than you think
We have a collection of properties that are ready to move into and would make perfect holiday homes. The real bargains are to found in village houses which are now among the cheapest in France. With prices starting at only €60k, a place in the sun could be within your reach...
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The French Wine Shop
An English wine connoisseur in Figeac
Anthony Nielson, former owner of a London advertising agency, arrived in the Lot 11 years ago. He literally fell in love with the little town of Figeac, bought and set up The French Wine Shop to supply quality French wines to customers around the world.
Furniture for France - Now Open Nr Brive
Quality UK sourced furniture delivered direct to your property in France. 
Delivery from just £99 for any quantity of furniture. Visit our showroom near Brive to see the furniture first hand.
Swimming Pools
Invest In Happiness With A Piscine Ambiance Pool
We have over 20 years experience building & installing the finest quality swimming pools & spas. Find out more & make your swimming pool dream a reality today!
Medieval villages, glorious countryside, varied landscapes, riverside locations, the Tarn et Garonne offers a great range of properties, have a look at our selection of Tarn et Garonne properties for sale.
Being one of the least populated départements of France, the Lot offers great traditional properties in amazing rural peaceful locations. Have a look at our properties for sale in the Lot.
Located south of the Dordogne area, the Lot et Garonne offers the perfect combination of things to do and see as well as a very relaxing environment. Visit our properties for sale in the Lot et Garonne.
Quick Links
French News HeadlinesRules of Rural Living
Running a Cahors Vineyard
Photo of the Month
What's the Weather Like?
Amanda Lawrence
Camping and Campsites in the Lot and Quercy
Camping in the Lot and Dordogne Valley
Wanted - Sales Agents
Have you got what it takes? Leggett Immobilier is recruiting sales agents across France. We have more clients, more sales and need more agents. If you are highly motivated, bilingual, professional and love property, then contact us.
