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River
Lot - South West of France
Base: Doulle
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Our
base at Douelle is perfectly situated for exploring
the Lot in both directions – west towards the
Gallic town of Luzech and east as far as Larnagol
which is newly open to navigation.
Highlights
of your trip include the stone village of St Cirq
Lapopie, cut into the limestone cliffs high above
the water, the prehistoric drawings at the caves
of Pech-Merle and the region’s medieval capital,
Cahors where the magnificent 14th century Pont Valentré has
spanned the river for more than 700 years.
This is
a perfect place to stop and enjoy a glass of Cahors
wine in the sunshine before heading off to explore
the narrow cobbled streets lined with their ancient
halftimbered houses.
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| Orchards,
vineyards and pine forests colour the landscape, and
picnics on the riverbank, swimming in the clear waters
and fishing from your boat are all fun to do. For a change
of cruising style, kayaks and canoes are available to
hire at various sites along the river and make for a
fun day out. And of course, the natural environment of
the Lot is home to an amazing array of wildlife; watch
otters playing on the riverbanks, kingfishers and herons
fi shing for food and majestic eagles soaring the skies
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Spectacular
natural scenery and an abundance of wildlife
- don’t forget your binoculars!
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Amazing
prehistoric cave drawings at the Pech-Merle Caves
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St-Cirq
Lapopie - a delightful honey-coloured hilltop
village famous for its artists and craftwork
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Cahor’s
14th Century Pont Valentré, which has
spanned the river for more than 700 years
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Cahors
wine and foie gras - regional specialities
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Canal
towpaths cut high into the limestone cliffs
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Popular
for watersports - hire canoes or kayaks for the
day
The
clear waters of the River Lot meander leisurely
through wide valleys and steep gorges, beneath
spectacular limestone cliffs and past cascading
waterfalls. They take you on a memorable and unhurried
voyage to ancient castles, medieval villages and
historic châteaux. For many, this is river
cruising at its best.
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| Suggested
Cruises in River Lot |
The Douelle Cruise -          |
Douelle
- Luzech - Cregols - Douelle
From
our base at Douelle you can cruise the River Lot in either
direction and experience the delights of this wonderful
waterway at your leisure.Travel
west to the pretty town of Luzech, situated in a huge
loop of the river and dominated by the 13th century Chapelle
de Notr -Dame-de-l’Île. View cruise Map
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Duration: One Week
Cruise Type: Return Trip
Distance: 128km
Locks: 28
Cruise Time: 27 hrs
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The church is dedicated to the boatmen who once transported the local Cahors wines by barge to Bordeaux.Heading east, the imposing 7th century castle at Mercuès towers over the river. Its famous restaurant is well worth visiting. Cruise on to the historic town of Cahors and pass under the town’s medieval masterpiece – the 14th century Valentré Bridge, a stunning structure with three towers. Enjoy a glass of Cahors wine or treat yourself to some delicious foie gras and truffles – specialities of the Quercy region! Further on at Arcambal you can stop for a refreshing glass of locally-brewed Bière d’Olt.
Cruise along the foot of the Bouzies cliffs en route to the 7th century stone village of St Cirq Lapopie perched high on the cliffs and one of the best-loved sights along the river. Spend some time in this delightful medieval village and discover its red roofed, timber-fronted, honey coloured houses dating from the 13th- 16th centuries. Famous for its crafsmen through the ages – the streets today still bear the names of the crafts once made there. Over the years, many artists have made this ancient village their home – inspired by its old-world charm, peacefulness and surrounding beauty.
For a different perspective on art you can cycle to the famous Pech-Merle caves close to the town of Cabrerets and marvel at the prehistoric drawings and remarkable stalagmites in this 2km long natural art gallery underground.
Since 2007 it has been possible to cruise as far as Larnagol as efforts to open up the Lot to navigation continue. This fortified village, once a centre for silkworm farming, dominates the river and is one of the most picturesque spots on the river. The nearby village and château at Calvignac are great for a final cycle ride before heading back to Douelle. |
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