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THE LOT - MIDI-PYRENEESUntil recently the
Lot region was one of France's best kept secrets, a secret kept and enjoyed by many generations of French people. In the past few years the Lot has attracted writers from other continents and their best selling books, describing this part of "la France profonde", have extended its reputation to other parts of the world. Significantly these publications focus on the gastronomic delights to be found at a reasonable cost in local restaurants and at weekly markets.
Here is an area famous for its truffles, duck and goose products (confits, foie gras, pâtés) walnuts, cabécou goat's cheese, saffron and Cahors wines. These regional specialities can often be sampled and savoured at the source, as visitors are welcome to buy directly from one of the many family-run farms or vineyards.
The varied landscapes makes the Lot a paradise for tourists. Valleys, heathland, forests, cliffs, gorges and underground caves with lakes provide ever-changing vistas. The roads are quiet even at the height of summer, ensuring that touring remains a pleasure.
The unspoilt environment, scattered with small farms and villages, is quite charming. There are numerous picturesque towns, such as Figeac, Cahors, Gourdon and Puy l'Evêque, that still preserve their streets and houses of the Middle Ages. 'A visit to spectacular sites like St. Cirq Lapopie, where feudal lords once held court, is a 'must'.
The Lot also has important prehistoric sites at Pech Merle and Cougnac. These caves have mysterious drawings, paintings and signs, some of which date back as far as 25,000 years.
Equally mysterious, but not as old, are the numerous megaliths and dolmens. The département has one of the highest densities of prehistoric stone structures in France.
A wide choice of modern accommodation and leisure facilities complete this enticing picture.
It a land for all ages and interests, particularly lively from springtime until the autumn with a host of festivals, concerts and village fêtes.
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