The Lot - Our Area

Le Vert is 3 kms from the village of Sauzet where there is a Boulangerie, two General Stores, a Restaurant and Bar, Post Office and a Doctor. For more shops and the Farmers' Friday Market, Prayssac is just 20 minutes away, beside the River Lot. Cahors, only 14 miles to the east, is the historic capital of the Lot Departement and is famous for its fortified bridge, old town and domed Cathedral. Twenty minutes to the north-west is Puy L'Eveque, an attractive medieval town on a promontory overlooking the Lot river and reflected in its calm waters. To the south, ten minutes away by car, Montcuq is a little country town with a colourful Market on Sunday mornings, which provides a popular meeting place.

The old name of the Departement of the Lot was Quercy and the adjective 'Quercynoise' is still used today to describe the architecture, craftwork and other elements typical of the Lot. The Quercy Blanc is an area of spectacular scenery ranging from craggy gorges to the gentler undulating countryside of the south-west with rural market towns, peaceful valleys, quiet roads and an unhurried pace of life.

At almost every bend you will find attractive stone houses, with the characteristic roman canal tiled roofs of the area. The countryside of the Lot is quiet and uncrowded.

This land is the genuine sunny gateway to the South-West. Its winters are relatively mild, its springs and autumns are often marvellous, and it enjoys long, hot, dry summers.

For sightseers there is spectacular Rocamadour, the second most visited site in France, with its buildings clinging to the cliffside; Padirac, one of the largest chasms in Europe with its caves and subterranean boat trips; Pech-Merle's superb 20,000 year old cave paintings; the picturesque village of St Cirq Lapopie; the rather busy but nonetheless attractive riverside villages of Beynac, La Roque Gageac and Domme in the Dordogne; the bastide towns of Monflanquin, Monpazier and Villereal; the Chateau de Biron and the fortified Chateau de Bonaguil.

As well as sightseeing, there are plenty of other activities close at hand. The hilly landscape of the Lot lends itself to cycling, even if you do have to get off and push from time to time!

There are many attractive local walks, including two 'Circuit' which pass through Le Vert, as well as the 'Grand Randonne 36' which travels up the Lot valley, sometimes following the crests of the hills, sometimes following the valley floor. The rural environment and exceptional local architecture add real pleasure to walking or cycling in the Lot.

The river Lot has now been opened for navigation and it is possible to take boat trips between Luzech and St Cirq-Lapopie, passing through Cahors, and past the vineyards, chateaux and villages which lie in the valley. Canoes can also be hired from base nautique along the river.

Swimmers can enjoy lakes with sandy beaches at Catus, Montcuq, Montaigue de Quercy, Tournon, etc, as well as the municipal outdoor pools at Montcuq, Prayssac and Puy L'Eveque. Horseriding is available locally and there are tennis courts at Sauzet.

Throughout the summer months a wide range of events are on offer locally including concerts, theatre, art exhibitions or simply village fetes.

Sampling the local wines is another delightful distraction and gives an opportunity to meet the friendly local producers. You will find many domaines and chateaux only too happy to receive visitors and offer a 'degustation'. The rich dark Cahors wine, much loved by the Romans when they occupied this part of France, and later enjoyed by the Tsars of Russia, gains its character from the sunny slopes below the Causse or in the river valley.

Last, but not least, the gastronomy here is part of the way of life, and the local delicacies include goose and duck confit, walnut gateau, foie gras, truffles and little round goats cheese called 'cabecou'. There are many good and inexpensive restaurants and ferme auberge in our area.

Back To Top