Lot is the ideal window to the entire southwest corner of France: fantastic countryside, exceptional heritage and unforgettable cuisine await you.
There are so many major sites in Lot that visitors are spoilt for choice! Nature has moulded the département's unique landscapes and the limestone plateaux, the Causses, in their turn, have given it its character.
Several magnificent villages have found sprung up here, and you will want to make every effort to discover them all. Why not make a start with Rocamadour or Saint-Cirq-Lapopie? They share similar characteristics, perched on natural promontories and majestically dominate the surrounding valley. Walk through their cobbled streets to discover the architectural treasures that they hide.
In a curve of the Lot, the département capital Cahors has prospered. Its most famous landmark is the Valentré Bridge with its three fortified towers. You will also want to stroll through the town to take advantage of its relaxed atmosphere and do some shopping in the market in front of the cathedral before going on a boat trip to admire the town from a different angle.
If these old stones make you want to see them in their natural state, you will not want to miss a visit to the famous Padirac Chasm which dives into the earth after a descent of more than 330feet and admire the most surreal rocky foundations and translucent waters of the lac de la Pluie. Further south, you will find the Pech Merle Cave with quite a different ambience. In 1922, two young people discovered its walls filled with splendid cave paintings dating back 25,000 years. Consider booking in advance as the number of visitors is limited each day.
If you prefer to be out in the fresh air to being underground, the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy is the ideal place for a hike or other sports in the heart of the countryside to discover enchanting landscapes and to unwind.
The local area of the Lot is not short of attractions to recharge your batteries and certainly knows how to stimulate the most demanding of taste buds throughout the year from truffles, saffron, lamb, melons etc. Discover all the right places for accommodation with character in the heart of the département and benefit from the best offers in real time.
