Pont Valentré over the river Lot, Cahors
Activities
The Lot is a beautiful rural 'département' in the middle-south of France. It is known for its diverse natural beauty, its great culinary tradition, and the way it has kept its original character with age-old stone houses and villages.
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The following websites provide up-to-date activities in the region and are very informative:
www.tourisme-lot.com (in French, English and Spanish) and
www.cahorsvalleedulot.com (in French, English, Spanish and Dutch) .
Natural surroundings
The surrounding landscape is highly diverse, with moderate hills, valleys with little streams, steep cliffs near the river Lot, plateaus (‘les causses’), large forests, agriculture, (e.g. sunflower fields), and vineyards.
The Domaine borders the nature reserve 'Les Causses du Quercy' which includes a UNESCO world geopark. Domaine d'Al Chai is mainly surrounded by woodland.
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The area is known for its clean air and natural beauty, both in landscape and flora and fauna. In spring and summer you can find vast amounts of wild orchids and a wide variety of butterflies around the house. Year round you will be surrounded by birds, (e.g. songbirds, birds of prey, and owls), deer, wild boars, and badgers. The rivers Lot and Vers are full of trout and other attractive fish. You're likely to hear the owl in the evening and the roaring deer during mating season.
There is little light pollution so on a clear night the sky is highly impressive, with vast amounts of stars, the milky way, and shooting stars in August.
Hiking
Do you prefer to walk a long GR (grande randonnee, “great hike trail”) or go for a relaxing stroll? There are thousands of kilometres of walking trails in the Lot, starting at your doorstep. The Pelgrim’s road to Compostella also leads through the Lot and Cahors.
There is a map with routes waiting for you upon your arrival.
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Riding
The surroundings are great for both mountain biking and road cycling at all levels. You can cycle on the road along the river and through the vineyards, or take a challenging route up to the famous village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie.
Downhill mountain bike trials through the forests, with trees covered in spectacular green mosses, are just some examples of the many different beautiful routes. Bring your own bike or rent one nearby.
The natural trails are also excellent for horse riding, there are multiple stables nearby.
Rivers
Swimming, kayaking, and fishing, in the river Lot, or in one of the smaller streams like the Vers or Célé is an experience like no other.
Vineyards and wine tasting
Cahors is the region where the Malbec grape originates. The dark full-bodied red wines pair well with the local dishes and cheeses. You can try and buy wines in the vineyards of impressive medieval chateaux but also at small independent winemakers.
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The vines grow in the valley along the river Lot, up on the hills, and at the plateau, all 'terroirs' giving the wine a different and unique flavour.
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It is also very exciting to explore many of the newer bio and natural wines. And don't be fooled, there are some wonderful white wines too.
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A list of recommended places to go for a wine tasting is waiting for you.
Culinary
The culinary experience can be enjoyed in one of the many local and affordable restaurants, where the quality will amaze you. Or in the Michelin star restaurants that you can also find in the Lot.
There is a 1000-year-old market in Cahors on Wednesday & Saturday mornings in the shadow of the cathedral.
In wintertime the truffel market in Lalbenque is an absolute highlight.
Culture
Cahors and other villages and small towns, castles, historical monuments, museums, secret gardens, markets, are all worth memorable day trips. Please visit www.tourisme-lot.com and www.cahorsvalleedulot.com for more information and tours.
Some highlights include: Grotte de Pech Merle, Gouffre de Padirac, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (voted most beautiful village of France), Rocamadour, Pont Valentré in Cahors (UNESCO world heritage).
