What to do in the Lot?
Our detailed guide.

Gourdon

Stone lanes, the Rue du Majou, the church of Saint-Pierre and, at the very top of the hill, an esplanade with panoramic views over the Bouriane. It is also the handiest town for everyday needs during your stay: shops, supermarkets, a railway station and a Saturday-morning market.

On Saturday mornings the market livens up the town centre: ideal for stocking up on local produce at the start of your stay.

• From the Domaine≈ 15 min · 13 km
• Duration1½ hours to half a day
• PricesFree
• OpenAll year round

Grottes de Cougnac

Two neighbouring caves: one known for its forests of delicate stalactites, the other for its original prehistoric paintings (giant deer, ibex, mammoths). A rare guided tour, just twenty minutes from the houses.

• From the Domaine≈ 20 min · 15 km
• DurationAbout 1 hour
• Prices€12.50 adult · €7.50 child
• Open5 April to 31 October

Labastide-Murat

The house where Joachim Murat, later King of Naples, was born now holds a small museum. The Maison du Parc, visitor centre of the Causses du Quercy regional nature park, introduces the landscapes, wildlife and trails of the causse: a good starting point before a hike.

• From the Domaine≈ 20 min · 14 km
• Duration1 to 2 hours
• PricesMusée Murat from €3 · Maison du Parc free
• OpenMusée Murat: 15 July – 15 September

Moulin fortifié de Cougnaguet

Deep in a green valley on the banks of the Ouysse, this fortified 14th-century mill is one of the finest in Quercy. Still in working order, it can be visited with a guide: a lovely outing to share with children.

Combine it with Rocamadour, just a few minutes away.

• From the Domaine≈ 20 min · 17 km
• DurationAbout 45 minutes
• PricesFrom €7 adult · €4 child
• Open1 April to 31 October

Canoeing on the Dordogne

Between Souillac, Pinsac, Meyronne and Gluges, you can paddle down the Dordogne by canoe or kayak beneath the cliffs, with pebble beaches for picnics. Free return shuttle; several routes, for half a day or a full day.

You need to be able to swim 25 metres. Set off in the morning to enjoy the river at its calmest.

• From the Domaine≈ 25 min · 20 km
• DurationHalf or full day
• PricesCanoe €22 · kayak €26 per person (full day)
• OpenIn season, from spring to the end of August depending on the outfitter

Le Rocher des Aigles

Above Rocamadour, eagles, vultures, falcons and many other birds fly freely out over the void. The centre is also dedicated to breeding and conserving endangered species.

Arrive 20 minutes before the show to get a good seat.

• From the Domaine≈ 30 min · 23 km
• DurationAbout 1½ hours
• PricesFrom €13.50 adult · €9.50 child
• Open1 April to 30 September

La Forêt des Singes

A wooded park where Barbary macaques live in semi-freedom. Visitors may not feed the animals; the park’s guides lead feeding demonstrations.

A must with children; combine it with the Rocher des Aigles on the same day.

• From the Domaine≈ 30 min · 25 km
• DurationAbout 1½ hours
• PricesFrom €12 adult · €8 child
• Open21 March to 1 November

Grotte des Merveilles

At L’Hospitalet, above Rocamadour, a cave on a human scale: rock formations, small lakes and prehistoric paintings (negative hand stencils, horses). A short visit, ideal with young children.

• From the Domaine≈ 30 min · 24 km
• DurationAbout 45 minutes
• PricesFrom €9.50 adult · €5.50 child
• Open5 April to 30 September

Hot-air ballooning over Rocamadour

A sunrise flight over the causses, the Alzou valley and Rocamadour. An exceptional experience, to be booked well in advance and subject to the weather.

• From the Domaine≈ 30 min · 23 km
• DurationA morning, including about 1 hour in the air
• PricesFrom €200 adult · from €120 (ages 10–14)
• OpenWeather permitting

Parc animalier de Gramat

Bears, wolves, bison, lynx and old domestic breeds in vast, shady enclosures. A two-hour walk that is pleasant even in high summer.

• From the Domaine≈ 30 min · 26 km
• DurationAbout 2 hours
• Prices€16–17 adult · €10–11 child
• OpenAll year round

Souillac

Explore Souillac around its Romanesque abbey church and the carving of the prophet Isaiah. The Musée de l’Automate is currently closed and should not be included in your visit.

• From the Domaine≈ 30 min · 25 km
• DurationHalf a day
• PricesWalking around town is free
• OpenTown accessible all year; check abbey church visiting hours

Maison Louis Roque

Since 1905, this family distillery has been making vieille prune, the emblematic plum brandy of Quercy. Small free museum, cellars and a shop with tastings.

• From the Domaine≈ 30 min · 25 km
• Duration30 minutes to 1 hour
• PricesMuseum free
• OpenMonday to Friday, all year round

Martel

An 18th-century market hall, the Hôtel de la Raymondie, towers and narrow lanes: a characterful medieval town, especially lively on market days, Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

• From the Domaine≈ 40 min · 35 km
• Duration1 to 2 hours
• PricesFree
• OpenAll year round

Train à vapeur du Haut-Quercy

Departing from Martel, a vintage train runs along the cliff edge, 80 metres above the valley, with superb views over the Dordogne. Steam or diesel locomotive, depending on the day.

• From the Domaine≈ 40 min · 36 km
• DurationAbout 1 hour
• PricesFrom €13.50 adult · €8.50 child
• OpenApril to September, on scheduled days

Carennac

Turreted houses, brown-tiled roofs, a priory, a cloister and a Romanesque doorway: Carennac lies on the banks of the Dordogne, where Fénelon once stayed. A village to explore at a leisurely pace.

• From the Domaine≈ 50 min · 43 km
• Duration1 hour
• PricesFree · admission charge for the cloister
• OpenAll year round

Loubressac

Perched on a rocky spur, this member of the Most Beautiful Villages of France offers one of the finest viewpoints over the valley and the Château de Castelnau. Flower-filled lanes and ochre stone houses.

Pair it with Autoire, 5 minutes away.

• From the Domaine≈ 45 min · 40 km
• Duration45 minutes
• PricesFree
• OpenAll year round

Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux

A vast medieval fortress of red stone overlooking the confluence of the Dordogne and the Cère, with furnished interiors and views as far as the eye can see. A national monument.

• From the Domaine≈ 55 min · 44 km
• Duration1 hour
• PricesFrom €9 · free for under-18s
• OpenAll year round

Château de Montal

A Renaissance courtyard carved with busts and friezes, a remarkable grand staircase and the astonishing story of a decor that was dismantled and later reassembled. A national monument, a stone’s throw from Saint-Céré.

• From the Domaine≈ 50 min · 44 km
• Duration45 minutes
• PricesFrom €9 · free for under-18s
• OpenSpring to autumn

Grottes de Presque

Discovered in 1825 during the building of a road, these caves are renowned for their tall columns and pillars of calcite. An easy guided tour.

• From the Domaine≈ 45 min · 40 km
• DurationAbout 45 minutes
• PricesFrom €10 adult · €5 child
• OpenFebruary to November

Bouziès: river cruise and towpath

From Bouziès, a cruise of about an hour heads up the Lot to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie; you can then walk back along the shady towpath, carved into the cliff. Small electric boats are also available to hire.

The ‘rando’ (walking) option – boat on the way out, back on foot in 1 to 1½ hours – is ideal with children.

• From the Domaine≈ 55 min · 45 km
• Duration2 to 3 hours
• PricesCruise €15 adult · €10 child (ages 3–12)
• OpenApril to October

Canoeing on the Célé and the Lot

From Bouziès, canoe or kayak routes on the Lot and the Célé, past cliffs, villages and little beaches. Several options, from an hour to a full day.

• From the Domaine≈ 55 min · 45 km
• Duration1 hour to a full day
• Prices€12–26 per person
• OpenApril to October

Figeac and the Musée Champollion

A medieval town of houses topped with soleilhos (open-sided lofts under the roof), and the Musée Champollion, devoted to the world’s writing systems, in the birthplace of the man who deciphered hieroglyphs. On the Place des Écritures, a giant replica of the Rosetta Stone.

• From the Domaine≈ 1 h · 53 km
• DurationHalf a day
• PricesMuseum €6.50–7.50
• OpenAll year round

Lalbenque truffle market

Every Tuesday in winter, the truffle growers line up their baskets and trading begins at the blast of a whistle. A genuine spectacle, even if you are not buying.

Arrive before 2.30 pm to see the whistle blown.

• From the Domaine≈ 50 min · 62 km
• Duration1 hour
• PricesFree
• OpenTuesdays, December to mid-March

Collonges-la-Rouge

Birthplace of the Most Beautiful Villages of France association, Collonges stands out for its red sandstone façades, its turrets, its Romanesque church with a carved tympanum and the Castel de Vassinhac.

Come in the morning, when the light makes the sandstone glow. Paid car parks.

• From the Domaine≈ 1 h · 74 km
• Duration1½ hours
• PricesFree · paid parking
• OpenAll year round

Turenne

Once the capital of a powerful viscountcy, Turenne curls around its hill. The castle gardens and the Tour de César offer 360° panoramic views. 5 minutes from Collonges-la-Rouge.

• From the Domaine≈ 55 min · 67 km
• Duration1 hour
• PricesVillage free · admission charge for the castle
• OpenAll year round

Curemonte

An unspoilt village on a ridge, with three castles, three churches and an 18th-century market hall. Colette stayed here in 1940. Cars are not allowed in the village, so you explore it on foot.

• From the Domaine≈ 1 h · 52 km
• Duration1 hour
• PricesFree · paid parking
• OpenAll year round