“Only those thoughts that come by walking have any value.”
Frederich Nietzsch.

Situated on the edge of the forested area known as “La Bouriane”, Montcabrier in Southwest France is an ideal base from which to explore the complex weave of footpaths that thread themselves through the woods of chestnut, oak and pine.

The village is on a grande randonnée (the GR 652 and near the GR36) and is thus part of a national network of walks.

It is also the point of departure for a circuit in the official walkers guide for the Vallée du Lot et du Vignoble, which lists some 15 others between Montcabrier and Cahors.

While guidebooks are an excellent source for walks, they cannot list all possibilities. They are bound to be limited and unable to include the latest local knowledge. A good guide will know which paths have become unpassable through overgrown vegetation or flooding or where a farmer has opened up a formerly disused footpath on his or her land. Your guide will also know where there is a well, spring, dry-stone hut or even a ruined chapel off the beaten track, for example, and thus ensure you do not miss any of the delights of walking in this region.

Walkers are most welcome to discover the treasures of the area independently. Those who prefer to have a guide should discuss their requirements with Sally. She can propose a range of walks for all levels of ability and ages. A gentle stroll through the village and its forest, lasting just under 2 hours, gives you a good introduction to the history and secrets of Montcabrier (30€ per person). Alternatively, a route through the woods to Bonaguil castle (via a mysterious medieval watchtower), with a guided tour of the castle and time for a leisurely lunch in Bonaguil village, will take almost a day (100€ per person, lunch not included).

Sally’s aim is to provide a walk through time and space, to help you explore both the natural and cultural wealth of this part of France.

Walks can be booked either in advance of your stay at Atelier de la Rose or while you are here. They are also available to people who have accommodation elsewhere.