A week in the Lot
Easy to reach by car or train, the Lot remains a must-see destination in south-west France. Planning a week's holiday in the Lot? Here's a suggested itinerary to make your stay in this region even more enjoyable.
Whether you're coming from Paris or another major French city, Cahors is a must-see during a week's stay in the Lot. Start the day with a visit to the cathedral of Saint-Étienne, with its blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Follow this with a visit to the Pont Valentré, a landmark in Cahors. After lunch at one of the town's famous restaurants, wander through its medieval streets. Finish your first day with a tasting of the region's wines, including Cahors wine.
Continue your week by heading for Saint-Cirq-Lapopie for the second day. Spend the morning exploring this town near Toulouse. Listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", Lapopie will win you over with its narrow streets lined with shops and its various points offering uninterrupted views of the River Lot. In the afternoon, take a canoe trip on the Lot and enjoy the beauty of the scenery. At nightfall, return to Cahors to enjoy its charms.
For the third day of your week in the Lot, opt for some original activities. In the morning, invite your family to visit the Pech Merle cave. Located near Cabrerets, this cave allows you to discover prehistoric paintings. In the afternoon, plan a hike in the Vallée du Célé and don't miss out on admiring its wild nature.
Rocamadour is one of the places not to be missed during your week's stay in the Lot. To make the most of the town's assets, spend your morning exploring every nook and cranny of this famous pilgrimage site, including Rocamadour Castle. Overlooking the Alzou valley, this site offers a 360° view of an extraordinary panorama, particularly during a ride on the Petit Train. The Petit Train links the lower town of Rocamadour with the upper town. Round off your day in the village by exploring the Padirac chasm, or hire a small boat to cruise the underground river.
On the fifth day of your holiday in the Lot, set off to discover Figeac. With its rich historical heritage, Figeac is a town with a rich past. As well as its monuments, Figeac is home to one of the world's most famous museums dedicated to writing: the Musée Champollion. In the afternoon, you can kill time shopping or treat yourself to a massage in one of Figeac's wellness salons.
Enrich your week in the Lot by discovering the local gastronomy and nature. In the morning, visit a farm specialising in the production of Rocamadour cheese. You can also explore a foie gras factory. After a hearty lunch in one of the town's restaurants, why not plan a relaxing moment by the water or a hike around the Lac du Tolerme?
To round off your week in the Lot, explore Souillac and the Dordogne Valley. Souillac is famous for its abbey church and museums, while the Dordogne Valley is famous for its châteaux and viewpoints. At the end of the day, you can decide to head back to Cahors or plan your departure.
Whether you're a family or a couple, a week's holiday in the Lot is sure to be a great success. As well as the wide range of leisure activities on offer, enjoy a peaceful stay at Camping les Hirondelles. One of the region's most famous star-rated gîtes, this establishment has the advantage of being close to the region's most beautiful towns, such as Saint Cirq Lapopie, Souillac and Quercy, and their tourist attractions.