Things to do...
The LOT valley has so much to offer it's really hard to know where to start. If you like walking, swimming, canoeing, cycling, fishing, golf, browsing around medieval towns, colourful markets, vineyards, eating, drinking, sightseeing, relaxing, postcard views, nature, exploring and just having fun, then it's well worth a visit. You are assured a friendly welcome, and will undoubtedly find your holiday flies by so fast that you’ll want to visit again!
Spring
It's a great place to be in the spring as the weather is mild and wild flowers, birds and butterflies are found in abundance. The temperature is just right if tennis is your thing, and for walking the numerous routes that criss-cross the countryside around here – the most famous being R65, Le Chemin de Saint Jacques de Compostelle. Both the light and the gentle peace are ideal for landscape artists to set up their easel and take in the uninterrupted views. And if you don’t like crowds, spring is the time to visit the ancient villages (Rocamadour, Moissac, Saint Cirq Lapopie), chateaux (Bonaguil), and caves (Gouffre de Padirac, Grotte du Pech Merle).
Summer
The summers are hot and the pool is a great place to sunbathe and cool down. Music and wine festivals and village fêtes go on throughout this time. Canoeing along the river Lot is a lovely way to while away a day – in search of the perfect spot for a picnic, French style. And, talking of food, what better way to indulge in the region’s gastronomy than to install yourself at a local restaurant that specialises in foie gras, magret and cassoulet.
Autumn
Autumn is a blaze of colour with the trees really showing their full beauty. The last few years have afforded us a glorious autumn, making discovering this region very pleasant – the Lot boasts a particularly rich network of paths and tracks for walking, cycling and horse riding. And, of course, this is when the rugby seasons gets underway – the French Rugby League is strongly supported here, as is the Heineken Cup, which Stade Toulousain won in 2005.
Winter
Winter offers you the chance to take a break from the hustle and bustle of every day life and enjoy the rich foods and warming wines of the region. There are several well renowned, Michelin starred restaurants within striking distance. This season also provides an excellent opportunity for those thinking of buying here, to sample life and house-hunt when the area is quiet – if you like it here in winter, you’ll love it the rest of the time. Once back at the gite, the wood-burning stove is a good spot to snuggle around on a cold wintry evening with a rich hot chocolate. Christmas and New Year breaks are available, an ideal place to get away from it all, but do book early or you may face disappointment!
“Thank you for your hospitality and making us feel so welcome. We hope to return and spend longer next time.”
Sally & Nat, Yorkshire, UK