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| THINGS TO DO
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If you haven't seen the Lot Valley, you haven't seen France ....!!!
The LOT VALLEY has so much to offer it's really hard to know where to start. If you like walking, swimming, canoeing, cycling, fishing, golf, browsing around medieval towns, colourful markets, vineyards, eating, drinking, sightseeing, relaxing, postcard views, nature, exploring and just having fun, then it's well worth a visit.
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“Place aux Herbes” is situated in the listed medieval village of Saint Pierre Toirac with its 11th century church which is one of the most remarkable Romanesque buildings in the Lot department, with over 50 carved capitals and frieze, as well as enigmatic inscriptions. Recent archaeological excavations revealed a collection of sarcophagi. |
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This undisturbed region is steeped in history: You will walk & come across dozens of stone medieval villages, ancient castles, and stone châteaux's along the way. The castle of Larroque Toirac, built into the steep hill-side overlooking the Lot valley, has retained the medieval defensive system used during the Hundred Years war. |
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St Cirq Lapopie, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in France, overhangs the river Lot by 262 feet on a steep, rocky outcropping.
About 5km from St Cirq Lapopie is the Renaissance castle Chateau de Cenèvieres which dates back to 767. Considered one of the most beautiful castles of Quercy, Chateau de Cenevieres host exquisite wall paintings depicting the Trojan War. |
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The medieval town of Cajarc, has a water sports area on the river Lot. In the shade of the plane trees, the town has a relaxing atmosphere. The “Centre d’art Contemporain Georges Pompidou” offers each year several exhibitions of works of contemporary artists. |
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Just north, on the River Célé, lies Figeac, a great little town, where Champollion lived. M.Champollion is celebrated for deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics. His old house is now a museum and an enthralling, artistic, and educational place to visit. There are many ancient Egyptian artefacts on display, plus interactive hi-tech applications. |
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Further west, visit Cahors: In its time, it has been a Roman town; a Moorish possession; a town under English rule; a 400 years university town; and birthplace of politician Léon Gambetta, after whom many French streets & squares are named. Modern Cahors is a sunny southern backwater, with two interesting sights in its cathedral & Pont Valentré. |
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What this region does well is peace and quiet. There are many deserted mountain roads which are great for driving, or you can just follow the river. A multitude of paths invite you to walk, ride, cycle to the very heart of nature and discover its secrets.
It's great for picnics. |
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Explore the wonderful Lot and Célé valleys, take a boat or a canoe on the rivers and wherever you disembark, at whatever village you moor, you’re sure of finding new scenes, new excursions, new things to do at every turn in each river. Certainly one of the best way to appreciated this region's countryside and towns is by boat. |
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Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a novice, the Lot Valley provides endless opportunities for taking to the river. An interconnected river circuit of 130 km is ideal for pleasure and for enjoying the various water sports at bases along the river Lot. Boats of many shapes & sizes can be hired from several riverside towns along the waterways, for singles, couples, groups of friends or for all the family. No special licence is required, just a few minutes with a hirer or lock-keeper to show you the ropes. For those who prefer landlocked waters, there are a mass of well-tended lakes for swimming, yachting, wind-sailing, canoeing and a host of other water activities.
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