Activities
Canoeing on the Dordogne river
Canoeing on the Dordogne river
Canoeing on the Dordogne river
Always a favourite with all the family; canoes can be hired for a full or a half day. Most operators will either drop you off upriver at the start of your trip or pick you up downriver at the end.
Moulin du Saut
Canoeing on the Dordogne river
Canoeing on the Dordogne river
A walk down the 'secret valley' of the Alzou will take half a day winding along a wooded valley past the ruins of 3 ancient watermills. Finish up in Rocamadour.
Gramat
Canoeing on the Dordogne river
Gouffre de Padirac
The nearest town has independent shops and pâtisseries, a weekly farmers market, and several cafés and restaurants.
Gouffre de Padirac
Parc animalier de Gramat
Gouffre de Padirac
A visit to these stunning underground caverns includes a fabulous boat ride along an underground river.
Parc animalier de Gramat
Parc animalier de Gramat
Parc animalier de Gramat
Forget your preconceptions - this is not a zoo! A favourite with youngsters who will enjoy the meerkat family as much as the daily feeding of the wolves.
Pech Merle
Parc animalier de Gramat
Parc animalier de Gramat
The prehistoric cave paintings at Pech Merle are over 20,000 years old. Just make sure you dress up warm - the caves are a steady 12° C all year round.
Sightseeing
Rocamadour
Rocamadour
This dramatic cliffside village, built on a shrine to the Madonna, is a major site along the pilgrim's path to Santiago de Campostela.
Cahors
Rocamadour
A beautiful university town with an annual Blues festival and home to the famous 'black wine' of Cahors.
Art gallery in Rignac
The Galerie d'Art La Sirène du Causse is a short walk away in Rignac, also home to the local café 'Le Petit Rignac'.
St. Céré
St. Cirq LaPopie
St. Céré is a delightful market town; home to the Atelier-musée of impressionist Jean-Lurçat and an annual music festival.
St. Cirq LaPopie
St. Cirq LaPopie
St. Cirq LaPopie
A lovely mediaeval town overlooking the Lot. Lots of restaurants and cafés for a relaxed lunch.
Marquessac
St. Cirq LaPopie
St. Cirq LaPopie
The beautiful 'hanging gardens' of Marqueyssac.
Special Interests
Dark skies
This is a great place for star-gazing; many an evening has been spent watching shooting stars overhead
Wildflowers
Stunning wildflowers to be seen include this Butchers Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) spotted in the vallée d'Alzou.
Birdwatching
Music festivals
A family of black kites has recently been seen soaring overhead.
Music festivals
Music festivals
The St.Céré music festival includes classical music and opera set in a variety of lovely and historic locations; while the Cahors Blues Festival is an accessible blues festival with some big names.
Cycling
Quiet lanes and stunning scenery make this a beautiful area to explore by bike
Markets
Throughout the year there are weekly markets, farmers markets, 'vide grenier' and 'foire brocante'.
To find a flea market during your stay see: