Le Perchoir du Quercy, gite in the South of France
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Montcuq is in the south of the Lot département, about thirty kilometres from Cahors and a hundred from Toulouse. You might wonder what to do around this small village, which seems to be lost in the Lot countryside...
If you're staying for a weekend, Montcuq is the ideal place to relax and enjoy nature. Just wander through the narrow streets of the village, stop for an ice cream or a drink on the terrace of a café. In summer, walk down to the lake to cool off in its turquoise waters. All year round, go for a walk and admire the colours of nature.
You'll find a small selection below.
LAUZERTE
25 minutes away by car.
Cahors, the capital of the Lot department, is a town with a rich historical heritage.
Stroll through its medieval streets and don't forget to visit the famous medieval bridge, the Pont Valentré, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Will you be able to find the devil hanging from one of the stones, ready to tell you his legend?
It's always a good idea to visit Cahors on market days!
And don't forget to taste some Cahors wine!
Afterwards, why not take a drive through the Lot Valley and admire the villages and landscapes as the river meanders by?
Only 40 minutes away by car.
Moissac is a popular destination in the neighbouring département of Tarn-et-Garonne. Many tourists come here to admire the magnificent Romanesque cloister of the 12th century abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The town is also well worth a visit for its many Art Deco buildings, built after the Tarn flood of 1930.
1 hour away by car.
One of the most popular villages in France, St-Cirq-Lapopie offers breathtaking views over the River Lot from its rocky outcrop.
Step back in time to the Middle Ages as you wander its narrow streets, home to many artists and craftspeople.
Finish your visit with a stroll along the magnificent towpath carved into the cliffs by the River Lot, or admire the village from a gabarre (a flat-bottomed boat).
The Pech Merle cave is not far away and really worth a visit: it's home to an extraordinary collection of prehistoric paintings!
1 hour 15 minutes by car.
Rocamadour, a medieval town perched on an impressive cliff overlooking the Alzou gorges, is a real highlight of the Lot.
It has been one of the world's most important pilgrimage sites since the Middle Ages, making it a destination steeped in history.
There are numerous footpaths from which you can admire the beauty of the site from viewpoints.
You can complete your excursion with one of the many nearby activities, such as Le Rocher des Aigles or the Forêt des Singes.
Don't miss the Gouffre de Padirac, a natural wonder only 8 km away.
If you set out on foot, you'll discover an exceptional rural and natural heritage. From gariottes to chapels, from low stone walls to windmills, from fountains to viewpoints, from undergrowth to sunflower fields, from truffle fields to vineyards...
As a keen walker, I'll be able to show you the most suitable routes for your tastes and level of ability.
There are many possible routes starting from the house.
The gîte is about 2 km from the GR65, the route to Santiago de Compostela.
Canoeing is an excellent way to discover the wonderful wild landscapes that surround us and an original way to bond with family and friends.
Whether on the Lot, just 20 minutes from here, or in the Célé valley, less than an hour away, there are several routes waiting to take you on sensational descents that are safe and accessible to all.
These are often lined by small pebble beaches, perfect places to stop for a swim or a picnic.
When the temperature rises, there's nothing better than cooling off in natural waters.
Just 5 minutes from the house, you can swim in the emerald green waters of the Montcuq lake. It has been awarded the Blue Flag for the quality of its water and environment.
The lake has everything you need to have a great time: a white sandy beach, shaded areas, a play area and supervised swimming in season.
Elsewhere, you'll find a number of river beaches along the Lot and Célé rivers as you explore the region.
Farmers' markets are an excellent way to discover local produce and meet dedicated small-scale farmers.
Sundays in Montcuq, Fridays in Prayssac, Wednesdays and Saturdays in Cahors... So many opportunities to soak up the good humour of the south-west of France and taste the specialities of Quercy: truffles, melon, Rocamadour cheese, pastis, etc.
We're just a few kilometres from the Cahors vineyards, some of which even produce organic wine.
Many wine makers organise guided tours and tastings. I encourage you to go and meet these passionate people.
You will find the best addresses in the welcome booklet.