10 Must-Do Things in the Lot

Are you visiting the Lot and not sure what to do or see? Hilltop villages, caves, rivers, castles, and markets: the department is brimming with attractions for every taste, whether you’re traveling alone, with family, or with friends. Here are 10 must-see activities and attractions, perfect for both children and adults, many of which are easily accessible from the Slow Village Mas de Saboth, about 15 minutes from Cahors.

2. Hiking along the towpath

Starting in Bouziès, this trail follows the Lot River to the foot of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Carved into the cliff in the 19th century, it was used by boatmen who hauled the gabares with horses. Along the way, you’ll come across the Ganil lock, which is still in use. Allow about three hours for the loop including the village; the route to the lock is flat and suitable for families.

3. The City of Cahors

Cahors, the capital of the Lot department and a City of Art and History, has preserved its rich medieval heritage. Its Valentré Bridge, built in the 14th century, and its Saint-Étienne Cathedral are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela. Here, you can sample Cahors wine, made from Malbec grapes, and climb Mont Saint Cyr to see the city from above—preferably at sunset. A cruise on the Lot River also departs from the city.

5. The Padirac Chasm

The Padirac Chasm drops 75 meters before connecting to an underground river located about 103 meters below the surface. Amid stalactites and stalagmites, a boat ride takes you through the caverns: an unforgettable experience and a little adventure for the kids. Allow about 1 hour and 30 minutes for the tour, and be sure to bring a light sweater—the temperature inside is around 13 °C.

6. The City of Figeac

A City of Art and History, Figeac is the birthplace of Jean-François Champollion, who deciphered hieroglyphs. The Champollion Museum, “Les Écritures du monde,” traces the history of writing, and the Place des Écritures—whose floor is a giant reproduction of the Rosetta Stone—is an amazing place. The old town and its narrow streets are best explored on foot.

7. The Pech Merle Cave

In Cabrerets, in the Célé Valley, the Pech Merle Cave is a true cave of prehistoric art: mammoths, horses, and handprints were painted there more than 20,000 years ago. Tours are guided only, in small groups, and last about fifty minutes. The Amédée Lemozi Museum of Prehistory, right next door, rounds out the visit with 300,000 years of Quercy history.

8. A cruise on a gabare boat on the Lot River

From the port of Bouziès, guided cruises aboard a “gabare”—a traditional flat-bottomed boat—allow visitors to admire the cliffs, the towpath, and the Château des Anglais from the river, including a passage through a lock. Canoes and kayaks, available for rent at the confluence of the Lot and Célé rivers, offer another way to explore the valley.

9. The town of Souillac

Located on the Dordogne River, Souillac is a small town with a rich heritage. Its 12th-century Sainte-Marie Abbey Church is a masterpiece of Romanesque art. The Automata Museum there houses one of Europe’s most extensive collections of antique automata and mechanical toys.

10. Cénevières Castle

Perched on a cliff above the Lot River, the Château de Cénevières is one of the most beautiful Renaissance castles in Quercy. Built in the 16th century around a 13th-century keep, a tour takes about an hour and takes visitors through about ten furnished rooms, including an alchemy laboratory. From its terraces, the view of the Lot Valley is superb.

Not to mention…

Martel and its steam train. The Truffadou runs along the Dordogne River on a track carved into the cliff face, 80 meters above the river, between Martel and Saint-Denis-lès-Martel. The trip takes about an hour, with either a steam or diesel locomotive, depending on the day.

Dovecotes and gariottes. These dry-stone huts and dovecotes are typical structures of the Quercy region and bear witness to the importance of agriculture in the area.

Local specialties. Saffron, truffles, Cahors wine, Rocamadour AOP cheese, walnuts: the Lot is a region for food lovers, best experienced at its markets.

Family Activities and Outdoor Activities

The Lot is a wonderful destination for family vacations: kids love the Padirac rowboat, the Monkey Forest, canoeing in Bouziès, the gabare cruise, and the Pech Merle Cave—a real adventure and an experience to share with people of all ages.

When it comes to nature, the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park offers numerous marked trails, and you can explore the river on foot, by canoe, or on a boat tour. For a gentle introduction to the area, the Bouziès towpath is flat all the way to the Ganil lock, offering a walk along the water’s edge with beautiful views of the cliffs.

Planning Your Trip: A 3-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: Cahors, the Valentré Bridge, and Mont Saint Cyr, followed by the Lot Valley;
• Day 2: Bouziès, the towpath, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, and a gabare cruise, or the Pech Merle Cave in Cabrerets;
• Day 3: Rocamadour, the Monkey Forest, and the Padirac Chasm.

Figeac, Souillac, and Martel are easy to visit as part of an extended trip, over the course of an extra day.

When is the best time to visit the Lot?

Spring andfall are ideal for all kinds of activities: mild temperatures, colorful landscapes, and less crowded attractions. Summer is hot and lively, with farmers’ markets in the evening, but the most popular attractions are very crowded then. Winter is quiet and a time for culinary delights, with truffle markets. Some attractions close during the off-season: be sure to check their opening dates before you go.

Each of these attractions is well worth a visit, and the Lot region has many more to discover during your stay at Slow Village.