Boat trip in the Lot
Looking to recharge your batteries with a nature activity that's full of emotions and discoveries? Take advantage of your stay in the Occitanie region to take a boat trip on the Lot, the emblematic river of south-west France. Taking it easy is the perfect way to describe this unrivalled river excursion. You'll discover captivating landscapes, picturesque villages and unique experiences. Most of the boating locations are less than an hour from Les Hirondelles campsite in Loupiac.
Touring the sublime landscapes of the Lot
Rising in Lozère, the Lot flows through the Occitanie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Nouvelle-Aquitaine regions, before joining the Garonne at Aiguillon. This beautiful French river can be navigated for 160 km upstream and downstream of Cahors, thanks to its calm, serene waters. As you cruise along, you'll discover the Lot's sublime landscapes. Green hills, breathtaking cliffs, languid meanders, a riverbank rich in biodiversity, valleys dotted with vineyards, villages full of character...Birdsong and the chirping of insects provide the soothing musical backdrop to your journey. Sometimes you'll have to stop the boat and get a bit of height to be overwhelmed by the beauty of the place. From the Saut de la Mounine, you have an incredible panorama that sums up the Lot: winding river, limestone cliffs, rocky causse, cultivated valleys. From this promontory, you can watch the ballet of birds of prey.
In Cahors, Mont-Saint-Cyr offers an exceptional view of the town. From up there, you can enjoy an unparalleled panorama of its bridges and buildings of varied architecture. Take to the mountain at sunrise or sunset for an idyllic view.
Head for the most beautiful villages
The River Lot crosses the department of the same name from east to west, from Capdenac-le-Haut to Soturac. Its tranquil course takes in 19 towns and villages, each as beautiful as the next. Two of them are on the prestigious list of France's Most Beautiful Villages: Capdenac-le-Haut and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. If your boat trip starts at the very beginning of the Lot section of the river, don't miss the walk through the village of Capdenac-le-Haut. This village, built on a rocky spur, overlooks the river at an altitude of 100 metres. Climb the steps, stroll along the ramparts and visit the medieval castle.Further downstream, a stopover at Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a must. As well as its enchanting charm, this French favourite is home to a whole host of heritage sites. Not to be missed: the Moulin d'Aulanac, the Gothic church of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, the home of the poet André Breton, and the wine museum. Explore the cirque de Vènes, a sublime towpath. Don't forget to climb to the top of the Rocher de Lapopie. To round off your pleasant boat trip in the Lot, head for Puy-l'Évêque.
This is a magnificent medieval hillside town. Stroll through its narrow streets for a trip back in time to its rich past. Two buildings stand out: the 13th-century tower and the imposing church of Saint-Sauveur, built between the 14th and 15th centuries. Puy-l'Évêque offers a pleasant view of the Cahors vineyards.
Enjoy the Lot from the river
A boat trip on the Lot is a combination of a change of scenery and new discoveries. There are several ways to enjoy these unique experiences on this long, tranquil river.Firstly, you can take a tour boat. On this cruise, you can enjoy the commentary of a local guide and a meal on board.
Secondly, you can hire a boat without a licence to cruise the river at your own pace and choose your own itinerary.
Thirdly, take a canoe-kayak for a more unusual experience. You can also try your hand at other activities such as fishing, swimming or picnicking by the water.