Would you like to discover the South-West of France? Then come and visit the Lot and its incredible medieval villages!
A little-known destination in France, the Lot reveals its secrets to those who explore its beautiful villages of yesteryear. Frozen in time, the narrow streets of these medieval towns take us back to a time far removed from our everyday lives.
But visiting the Lot also means experiencing the thrill of the great outdoors: on foot, by bike or in a kayak. Open your eyes wide to admire the unchanging traces left by man and nature over thousands of years. Generation Voyage presents 9 must-do activities in the Lot region.
1. Le Gouffre de Padirac
Start your visit by exploring the famous Gouffre de Padirac, located 8 km from Rocamadour. This unique chasm in Europe is a gaping hole 35 metres in diameter and 103 metres deep. But don’t worry, the descent is easy with an elevator!
For 1h30, cruise the underground river in a boat accompanied by a guide. This true exploration will take you to the discovery of a giant 60-metre stalactite: the Grande Pendeloque. It’s hard not to stand in awe of this natural creation suspended above Lac de la Pluie. A little further on, admire the Grand Dôme room and its concretions fashioned over millions of years by nature.
Please note: during the high season, this vertiginous chasm attracts a lot of people. We therefore advise you to book in advance on the Gouffre de Padirac website to avoid a long queue. Also, the temperature never rises above 13°C, so remember to bring warm clothes.
2. Prehistoric sites
The Lot region is home to two prehistoric caves that bear witness to these ancient times. Firstly, in the Cougnac cave, you’ll discover eight original one-and-a-half-meter-wide representations on the walls. True masterpieces, displayed before the questioning eyes of visitors.
The Pech Merle cave in the Célé valley is also one of France’s leading sites for cave art. For 1 hour, decipher the 70 animal and human figures on the walls: handprints, deer heads, horses and mammoths. Everything that represented the life of prehistoric man 25,000 years ago is covered in these seven rooms. Two local children discovered these incredible drawings in 1922!
In order to preserve these ancient paintings, the number of visitors is limited to 700 in July and August. So book your visit well in advance to make sure there’s enough room. As with the Gouffre de Padirac, don’t forget to wear warm clothing!
3. Devil’s bridge
The Valentré bridge in Cahors is a Unesco World Heritage Site, thanks to the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago de Compostela. To learn more about the history of one of the most beautiful medieval bridges, book a guided tour through the tourist office. Then stroll through the plane trees of the town of Cahors and its famous vineyards.
A little anecdote: legend has it that the architect of the Valentré bridge gave his soul to the devil in exchange for his help on the construction site, hence the nickname « Devil’s Bridge ».
4. Must-see villages in the Lot
Rocamadour
The medieval town of Rocamadour majestically overlooks the Alzou canyon from its rocky promontory. A veritable feat of balance, this perched village clings to the void at a height of over 120 metres! Seen from afar, the architecture of the houses blends perfectly with the steep rocks and verdant forest.
We recommend a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets, full of old-world charm. Rocamadour is also a major pilgrimage site on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. It is thanks to Rocamadour that thechurch of Saint-Sauveur and the crypt of Saint-Amadour have been classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
If you get the chance, visit the town in September during the Mongolfiades. In the morning, the balloons take off at sunrise into the still-thick mist of the valley.
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
In 2012, the French voted Saint-Cirq-Lapopie the most beautiful village in France. When you visit this medieval village on the side of a cliff, it’s easy to see why. These narrow streets, where time has no hold, are best visited on foot, to soak up their historic architecture. Its imposing church dominates the meandering river below, like a guardian of the hidden treasures of its history.
Many artists have drawn their inspiration here for decades, thanks to the natural light reflecting off the stone of yesteryear. Stroll to the rhythm of your footsteps, imagining the inhabitants of the time going about their daily lives. That’s what the Lot is all about: stepping back in time with a heritage that hasn’t aged a day!
Figeac
Another village that seems to live beyond the centuries is Figeac. Its well-preserved medieval streets give the impression of being frozen in time.
The entire historic center is made up of incredible medieval houses, each as authentic as the next. This hilltop town also offers a 360° panorama of the Lot valley and river below. It’s also a not-to-be-missed stop on the Route de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle!
5. Local specialities
Visiting the Lot also means discovering local specialities. Delight your taste buds with duck confit, foie gras, truffles, cheese or Quercy lamb. From Michelin-starred restaurants to more intimate inns, local recipes are sure to please.
Then stroll through some of the finest markets in the Midi-Pyrénées, in Cahors and Prayssac. The aroma of truffles mingles with saffron and the scent of Rocamadour PDO. You won’t want to leave without a taste of Cahors Malbec wine, accompanied by a Quercinoise sweet.
6. The road to Santiago de Compostela
The Voie du Puy offers several stages in the Lot region, notably between Bach and Cahors. Pilgrims discover a route dotted with cathedrals, abbeys, medieval bridges and villages perched high in the valleys. It’s also a way of finding communion with oneself and the surrounding nature!
7. Greenways in the Lot Valley
The Lot valley is the ideal playground for cycling. There are 3 Véloroutes and 2 voies vertes through unspoilt countryside.
Take the Véloroute Vallée du Lot with its 160 km of signposted paths between Cahors and Aiguillon. This itinerary is perfect for families, as it has few changes in altitude through the villages. Visiting the Lot by bike means admiring hidden corners of nature to the sound of birdsong.
8. Sport in the great outdoors
The Lot valley captivates the hearts of all nature-loving sports enthusiasts. Kayak along the Lot, Dordogne and Célé rivers. Or test yourself against the rocks during a climbing session, or go hiking in the forest. So many sensational experiences to enjoy in breathtaking landscapes!
9. Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park
Stroll through the vast Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy in the Lot valley. The program includes hiking and biking in this green lung. It was even awarded the Geopark label in 2017 for its rich geological heritage. A place not to be missed when visiting the Lot!
Other things to see and do
- Visit medieval castles: Cénevières, Bonagui, Castelnau-Bretenoux ;
- Underground caving;
- Wine tasting in the Cahors vineyards;
- Discover the many medieval villages of Autoire, Martel, Loubressac and Carennac;
- Star gazing in the purest skies in France, in the Parc Nationale des Causses du Quercy.
How do I get to the Lot?
The Lot has no airport, but there are two nearby. Brive airport in the Dordogne valley is 1 hour away, and Toulouse is 2 hours. If you want to fly, you can compare offers via our partner Skyscanner to find the best prices!
The easiest way to get here is by car. The A20 freeway serves the Lot region very well. The Valley is 6 hours from Paris, 1 hour from Toulouse, 4h30 from Lyon and 5h30 from Nantes. So it’s easy to get from one point to another during your vacation.
The train is also a gentler alternative for visiting the Lot. The Paris-Toulouse line passes through Le Lot in just 5 hours. Bordeaux is 4 hours away by train. To get around afterwards, take SNCF coaches. They serve the main villages in the department.
Where to stay in the Lot?
The Lot has a wide range of accommodation to suit every taste and desire. If you prefer nature, opt for accommodation near the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy. Cahors also occupies a central position for visiting the south of the Lot, as does Rocamadour for exploring the north. If you’re looking for a unique experience in the heart of nature, book an unusual night in the trees or in a bubble.
The Voie du Puy is dotted with hotels, B&Bs and exceptional gîtes. Hikers benefit from quality services during their stopover in the Lot Valley. The department also boasts a number of motorhome parks, notably in Cahors and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Whatever you fancy for the night, you can find the perfect place to stay by searching on our hotel comparator. If you prefer a « home from home » experience, you can also choose to rent an Airbnb!
As you can see, a visit to the Lot region means discovering an extraordinary range of experiences during your vacation. Between luxuriant nature and medieval villages, let us take you on a timeless adventure.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Occitanie