Walking Holiday in the Lot Valley

Home to some of France’s most picturesque chateaux and hamlets, the Lot Valley is the perfect backdrop for a leisurely walking holiday. This seven-day self-guided tour takes you from village to village along forested river valleys, down endless leafy lanes and across rolling croplands, including the AOC Cahors vineyards, source of Lot’s famous ‘black wine’!

Lot is one of the least populated and least polluted departments in France. It is also one of most picturesque, with gently rolling farmlands, lush river valleys, shady groves and rocky limestone causse. The rustic landscape is scored by mile upon mile of leafy lanes that converge occasionally in a sleepy hamlet; old men sip cassís, boys play pétanque and other idyllic clichés unfold before your eyes! The region is also home to the medieval yellow-stone town of Gourdon, with its impressive hilltop vistas, and the stunning cliff-side citadel of Rocamadour. In recent years Lot has gained critical acclaim from wine critics for its ‘black wine’ of Cahors, which currently graces many of the world’s finest restaurants and dining tables.

This seven-day walking tour covers some of the most spectacular sites of southwest France. Cliff top chateaux, patchwork hillsides of vineyards and sunflowers and achingly beautiful villages are ten a penny in this magical region; little wonder then that it has long drawn artists and photographers from far afield. Among the many highlights on this tour are the absurdly-picturesque cliff-side commune of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, the 12th century Chateau de Beynac (one-time seat of Richard the Lionheart) that towers above Dordogne River and the ancient village of Rocamadour, carved deep into the cliff-face such that it virtually hangs from the high limestone causse. For a while you’ll also follow the Cahors wine trail, giving you a chance to sample some of the famous ‘black wine’ of the region whilst picnicking among the vines!

This is a wonderful, laidback walking holiday, chock-full of history, culture and fantastic scenery. The emphasis here is on discovering the landscape in a relaxed fashion, soaking in the sights, sounds and smells of this quintessentially French region. All the walking is easy-going - between 10 and 16km per day on mostly flat terrain – so those of you who like their hiking action-packed and strenuous may feel a little under-stimulated here. This said, even adrenalin-junkies would be hard pressed not to be won over by Lot’s timeless beauty and fairytale charm; combine this with luxurious accommodation and exquisite food and you’ve alchemised holiday gold!