The Region

Cahors

Cahors is the regional centre, Built on a narrow peninsula formed by a meander in the river Lot, its history goes back to Roman times, and it was a centre of Cathar resistance in the middle ages.

For shopping, you can be confident of finding in Cahors any of the few things that you cannot find in Montcuq. There are supermarket and other utilitarian shops on the outskirts, while shops in the town centre are of greater elegance and chic.

The mediaeval part of the town is still a warren of narrow streets. The C12 cathedral has celebrated Romanesque carvings. The fortified mediaeval bridge over the Lot is unique and justly famous.

The River Lot and its region

The River Lot is one of the loveliest in France flowing in a uniquely sinuous course. Its valley snakes between white cliffs, and around fertile green meanders. Every valley in the region has its mediaeval castle, prehistoric cave, hilltop village or pilgrimage town. All have outstanding and atmospheric restaurants. The local economy is solidly agricultural.

The region is widely regarded as a gastronomic paradise. Its cuisine is famous throughout France and beyond. Local specialities include dishes based on duck, goose, foi gras, endless varieties of wild mushrooms, truffles, plums, peaches, apricots, walnuts whose oil is used for cooking. The deep red wines of Cahors, raised on these stony hillsides, were known to the Romans, and have seen a lively revival of quality and repute in recent years.

Festivals abound in the surrounding villages, and every day there is a market in one or other of them. Concerts are also widespread in the summer evenings.

Summers are very hot. Remember you are on the same latitude as Rimini! However your thick stone walls give good insulation, and your elevated position will be exposed to breezes.