Things to do in the region
what I enjoy doing when I visit
Lauzerte
Just 5 miles away lies Lauzerte, a town celebrated for its medieval charm and breathtaking surroundings. It's rightfully considered one of France's most beautiful towns. Wander through Lauzerte's picturesque streets, where well-preserved medieval architecture enchants at every turn. Don't miss the central square, Place des Cornières, and the Church of Saint-Barthélemy. Indulge in the delectable local cuisine at Lauzerte's restaurants. Try regional specialties such as foie gras, duck confit, and Quercy lamb at my favorite restaurants in Lauzerte: Hotel Restaurant Du Quercy and Restaurant L'Etincelle.
The closest boulangerie
Touffailles (15 minutes away by car) has a great boulangerie called Au Fournil de la Seoune. It’s a small village, and this is the only boulangerie in town on the main road – you can’t miss it. They have the tastiest croissants and bread, baked fresh every morning. Get there early (8 am – 9 am) as they will sell out. For a solid backup, there is another boulangerie called Les Douceurs du Quercy, down the hill on the main road. Their address is Lieu-dit Gauthier, 82190 Fauroux. The third option is across the road from the SuperMarche in Lauzerte. They have a bigger selection but are the furthest away.
The closest supermarket to buy food and essentials.
The supermarché in Lauzerte is excellent and offers a wide selection of food and essentials. Make sure to check their opening hours before you go. Their address is Lieu-dit Aulery, 82110 Lauzerte.
Wine and Vineyards
The Occitanie region is a haven for wine lovers, specifically famous for Cahors wine. It has its own AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée). It is renowned for its deep, dark colour and is often called "Black Wine" due to its intense, inky appearance. The primary grape variety used in Cahors wine production is Malbec, locally known as "Côt" or "Auxerrois." Malbec is known for its dark fruit flavors, robust tannins, and the ability to express the terroir of the Cahors region. The taste profile of Cahors wine typically exhibits flavors of blackberry, plum, black cherry, and sometimes hints of tobacco, cocoa, and spice. It is characterized by its strong tannins, which give the wine structure and aging potential. Cahors wine has a long history dating back to Roman times. It gained popularity in medieval Europe and was even mentioned in the writings of King Henry III of England. Cahors wine is a delightful choice for those who appreciate bold and full-bodied red wines. When visiting the Cahors region, exploring local vineyards and tasting their wines is a great way to experience the unique character of this appellation."
These are my “must-visit” vineyards:
Domaine Du Prince has excellent Cahors wine, and they do a great guided tour of their ancient facility
Location: Pauliac, 46140 Saint-Vincent-Rive-d'Olt, (Approximately 60-90 minutes from the house)
Château de Chambert is a renowned winery in the Cahors region, known for its Malbec wines. They often offer guided tours of their vineyards and cellars, followed by tastings. -
Location: Château de Chambert, 46800 Floressas (Approximately 30-40 minutes from the house)
Château Saint-Sernin produces AOC Cahors wines and has a very friendly staff. They offer tours of their vineyards and wine tastings.
Location: Château Saint-Sernin, 82330 Verfeil (Approximately 30-40 minutes from the house)
Domaine des Vergnes is a family-run vineyard that produces excellent Coteaux du Quercy wines.
Location: Domaine des Vergnes, 82110 Bouloc (Approximately 20-30 minutes from the house)
Clos Triguedina is another renowned winery in the Cahors region, known for its Malbec wines. They offer guided tours and tastings.
Location: 46700 Vire-sur-Lot (Approximately 40-50 minutes from the house)
It's advisable to check the individual vineyard's websites or contact them in advance to confirm their visiting hours, tour availability, and whether reservations are required.
Quaint villages and towns near by
You could spend an entire vacation exploring the towns in the region.
Auvillar: A charming nearby village, boasts a circular covered market and captivating views of the Garonne River.
Moissac: Visit Moissac for its impressive Saint-Pierre Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Cahors: Cahors, with its roots dating back to Roman times, offers a captivating glimpse into history. Wander its charming streets to uncover the town's historical significance. Cahors exudes a laid-back atmosphere, inviting you to relax and rejuvenate. Cafés nestled in welcoming squares beckon you to savor local wines and embrace life's leisurely pace. You must visit the market on Saturday. It’s the biggest in the region.
Montcuq: Located about 25 kilometers southwest of Lauzerte, Montcuq is a charming hilltop village known for its medieval architecture, narrow streets, historic tower with panoramic views, and an excellent Saturday morning market.
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: A bit farther away but worth the visit, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is often considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. It's perched on a cliff above the Lot River and has many well-preserved medieval buildings. You cant drive into the village. Parking is off the main road above the town.
Cordes-sur-Ciel: About 70 kilometers northeast of Lauzerte, Cordes-sur-Ciel is a stunning medieval village with cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and Gothic architecture.
Penne: Located west of Lauzerte, Penne is a medieval village with a ruined castle perched on a hilltop, offering fantastic views of the surrounding countryside.
Bruniquel: Located further north, Bruniquel is known for its two castles, Château de Bruniquel and Château de Montricoux, both open to the public.
Auvillar: This village is known for its circular market hall and charming streets. It's situated along the Garonne River, approximately 40 kilometers west of Lauzerte.
Puycelsi: Puycelsi is a fortified village with medieval walls and narrow streets. It offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and is located northeast of Lauzerte.
Other activities I love to do in the region.
A Treasure Hunt at Emmaus
Don't miss the opportunity to treasure hunt at Emmaus, the French equivalent of a charity thrift shop. Here, you'll discover furniture, books, and local artifacts—a delightful experience akin to finding hidden treasures. Cahors hosts one of the best Emmaus stores in the region – get there early!
Festive Village Fetes
In the summer, all the surrounding villages come alive with vibrant village fetes. Immerse yourself in local culture and connect with the community by checking local newspapers and billboards for event listings.
The local organic markets
The markets in the region are amazing, offering organic home-made and home-grown produce. My favorite markets are Montcuq, Cahors, Moissac, and Lauzerte. Go in the morning and fill up on great cheese, fresh organic vegetables, local wine, and local handmade ceramics and woodwork, then go and have lunch in one of the local cafes. This is France at its best!
Cycling, Hiking and swimming
There are plenty of outdoor activities in the region if you want to exercise and experience views that a car can't enjoy. The area is well-known for its hiking trails, and these are some of my favorites near the house. (I highly recommend downloading the AllTrails app. It's a paid subscription, but you get the best maps and geographical information."
Best Hike #1: Touffailles – Terre Rouge – Bordemoulis
Explore this 4.5-mile loop trail near Touffailles, Tarn-et-Garonne. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h to complete. This trail is great for hiking, and you'll unlikely encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
Best Hike #2: GR 65 Segment from Lauzerte to Moissac
Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 10 min to complete. This area is very popular for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through November. It’s a one way trip so you must arrange a pick up at the other end.
Best Hike #3: Pan d’eau des Chenes - Le Bousquet
This is a 4.3-mile loop trail near Montaigu-de-Quercy, Tarn-et-Garonne. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 42 min to complete. This trail is great for birding, hiking, and running, and you'll unlikely encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
Cycling
The best thing to do is cycle from the house and head to one of the local towns for coffee or lunch. The minor roads are terrific for cycling, and you rarely encounter many cars. In the summer, start early to avoid the heat. Destinations include Montcuq, Montaigu-de-Quercy, Lauzerte, Fumel, and Touffailles.
Swimming
Lac de Montaigu-de-Quercy is a man-made lake located to the northwest of Montagudet. It features a beach area where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water activities. It's a popular spot during the summer months. It's a great way to cool off.
Shopping
A great craft store in Lauzerte called La Petite Gandillone features ceramics, fashion, and home products made by local artisans. (address: 1 Pl. des Cornières, 82110 Lauzerte.) It's conveniently located in the town square. If you love the design and unique artifacts, a hidden gem in Cahors called Au Sop Art(address: 99 Rue du Château du Roi, 46000 Cahors, France) offers hard-to-find furniture, paintings, and objets d'art at very good prices. Many of the objects in the house come from this store. Another rare find is Couderc Douguerie in Montauban (address: 43 Rue de la Résistance, 82000 Montauban), which sells an amazing variety of home products I have never seen before. It's extremely well-curated.