Between Perigord and Rouergue, the Lot is an exceptional destination for all lovers of nature and culture, with its beautiful rivers, beautiful villages, great sites and gastronomy, the department will surprise you as soon as you arrive.
Territory of great spaces and escape, the Lot shelters few important cities but these are in the image of the department : majestic and peaceful. In Cahors, start your visit with the emblem of the city, the Valentré bridge (14th century), classified as a historical monument and a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Continue your exploration through the historic center where you can admire the Saint-Etienne Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, the Roaldes hotel and the many medieval houses. Then go to Figeac, on the banks of the Cele. You will appreciate many monuments (churches Saint-Sauveur, Carmes...), superb old houses and can visit the Champollion museum which presents the writings of the whole world.
Then, discover the smallest cities in the department. Thanks to its rich past and the preservation of its heritage, the Lot houses no less than six of the most beautiful villages in France : Autoire, Capdenac le Haut, Cardaillac, Carennac, Loubressac and Saint Cirq Lapopie. With their ocher stone houses with brown tile roofs, it is very difficult not to fall under the spell. But many other villages deserve to be distinguished as Rocamadour where the buildings abut the steep cliff, Souillac and its fabulous abbey Sainte-Marie, Lanzac (churches, castles, dolmens), Prayssac (church, castle of Théron, megalithic monuments) or Carjac (chapel, harbor, church).
Enjoy the many trails to discover the natural heritage of the Lot. On foot, take the 750 kilometers of long distance hiking trails in the department, including the famous GR 65, a historic route to Compostela. On horseback, adventure on the six equestrian circuits specially equipped. By bike or mountain bike, follow the valley of the Lot valley or the itineraries of the loops proposed by the Tourist Office. On the way, take some breaks to admire the gulf of Padirac, the cave of Pech-Merle or even the animal park of Gramat. And, at lunchtime, make a gourmet stop in a good restaurant to taste the local flavors : Quercy farm lamb, truffle, saffron, rocamadour, wines of Cahors...
