Holiday Cottages South France : A - Z of Things to Do in the Lot Valley

If you are thinking of taking a cottage holiday in South France next summer, come to the Lot Valley! With its lush green farmland, mountains, forests, vineyards, spectacular gorges and beautifully preserved medieval villages, the Lot Valley in South West has plenty to offer couples, friends and families. Whether it is tranquil countryside you want to discover, medieval castles and churches to explore, local markets to shop in, or if you want a holiday in South France filled with activity, the Lot Valley is the ideal place for a get-away.

Kingfisher Holidays offer for rent an excellent selection of farmhouses, gites and cottages in South France. Our South France holiday accommodation is all situated around 50 miles from the lot river between Cahors and Villeneuve-sur-Lot.

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If you are planning stay in a cottage in South France, here is part one of our A - Z guide of things to do in the Lot Valley. Read on for our best suggestions of places to visit / things to do.

A - Agen

Agen, on the banks of the River Garonne, is Lot-et-Garonne’s county town. It has a history which dates back to Roman times, although there is evidence of an occupation here as far back as Neolithic times.

Although most of the town is quite modern, there are many beautiful medieval houses and churches here. The Museum of Fine Arts also houses five masterpieces by Goya which includes the self-portrait.  Visit the Pine Hall farmers market, open Sunday and Wednesday mornings until 12 noon, where you can get fresh fruit, vegetables and poultry. There is also plenty of opportunity for pretty riverside walks in Agen. The nearby Place des Laiters has lots of interesting shops and cafés to unwind in. If you are all shopped out, why not take a day long or hour cruise or hire a canoe on the Canal Lateral?

B - Bergerac

Bergerac on the banks of the Dordogne is well-visited by tourists and boasts some of the best wines in the Bordeaux region. In as far back as the middle ages, the town was known for exporting wines and in the 20th century it re-established its significance in the wine and tobacco trade. Among the attractions are a tobacco museum (where oddly smoking is not permitted unlike in the other museums!) and The Maison des Vins, a former monastery, where you can discover more about the local wines in the 16th century cloisters.

On the outskirts of Bergerac in Podestat is the Arboretum de Podestat which is open by appointment but offers free admission. It contains a variety of plants from Asia and a nationally renowned collection of miscanthus.

C - Chateau de Bonaguil

47500 Fumel
Tel 05 53 71 90 33

Situated high up between the valleys of Thèze and the Lémance in the Lot-et-Garonne, Bonaguil is said to be the most beautiful castle in France.  It was declared a national monument in 1862 and has undergone some restoration work since then. It has plenty to see including graffiti on the castle walls from the late 16th and early 17th century.  Visit towards the end of July and you can enjoy a stunning annual night-time firework display with lighting and sound effects, which will leave you with a lasting memory of your visit.

C - Cahors

Cahors is a typically French Medieval town which was as important as Toulouse in the Middle Ages. It is surrounded by the Lot River so there are lots of opportunities to take boat trips here, including full day outings with lunch. You can also hire a motorboat on the river for an alternative way to discover the beauty of the area.

The old town is based around the Cathedrale St-Etienne and another landmark is the stunning 14th century bridge, the Pont de Valentre, one of France’s finest Medieval Bridges. The town is famous all over the world for its fantastic wines. It has a covered market called Les Halles and open air markets on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

D  - Dining

You will get plenty of opportunity to dine out in the Lot Valley and will be spoilt for choice as there are so many good restaurants here! The area has many regional specialities and you can see duck featuring on the menu of most restaurants.

Foie Gras is another local delicacy, made from the liver of a specially-fattened duck or goose. Other dishes to try include Cassoulet (a rich slow cooked bean stew or casserole), Toulouse sausages and a dessert made from prunes from Agen which contains Armagnac. For dining inside or outside, take a visit to Les Voyageurs Route de Cahors, Tournon d’Agenais Tel: 05-53 40 70 28 where you can enjoy delicious traditional French cuisine. It is advisable to book this restaurant in advance and prices range from about 16 to 32 euros.

E - Exploring

With its stunning peaceful open countryside, lush green forests, hills and idyllic waterways, there is much to explore in the Lot Valley, whether by foot, car or bike. If you enjoy cycling,  take a ride on the 160 km veloroute (cycleway) which follows the Garonne River and goes through Aiguillon, Fumel and on to Cahors.  To find out more about good walks and cycle pathways near you, contact the local tourist information office.

F - Fumel

Fumel is situated on the banks of the Lot River and although great for shopping, you can also take river cruises from here. The Chateau de Fumel is now the mayor’s office but has beautiful gardens looking out to the water. The Chateau at Bonaguil, is near Fumel, so the two combine well for a day out.

G - Garrone River

A leisure cruise is a romantic way for couples to explore the beautiful countryside and is also a fun day out for the whole family.  For the Garonne River, you can take a riverside cruise from Nerac. You can also take a boat from Luzech or the foot of the bridge at Fumel (05 53 71 13 70) for a cruise on the Lot river.

Boats can be hired by the hour at the Canal du Midi at Agen (05 63 04 48 28) and from Moissac.

G - Gouffre de Padirac

Tel: 05 65 33 64 56

Just north of Cahors is the impressive Gouffre de Padirac which have been named the best caves in Dordogne! You can descend 103 metres into the caves via a lift or by foot and take a fascinating and memorable boat ride on the underground river. Don’t forget to wrap up warm and do arrive early to beat the queues!

H - Horseback Riding

If you like a ride in the open countryside on horseback, there are plenty of places in the Lot Valley to enjoy this. Riding stables can be spotted all over the region including at Saint-Front Lemance, Trentels, Lacour de Visa, Prayssas, Villeneuve sur Lot, Frespech, Pinel-Hauterive,Dolmayrac, Sainte-Livrade sur Lot, Lacapelle-Biron, La Croix Blanche, Monbalen, Pujols and Saint-Front Lemance.

I - Issigeac

Just before Bergerac is a pretty medieval small town called Issigeac set near Chateau de Monbazillac,  known for its delicious, sweet dessert wines. The town is simply stunning with narrow streets and fascinating ancient buildings, some of these have attractive carved detailing. In the centre is the 17th century Bishops Palace once the home of the Bishops of Sarlat.

Issigeac has a very popular Sunday market where you can pick up tasty fresh local produce and in July and August there is a night-time market open on Thursdays from 7 pm. In August you will also  experience Medieval Day, where many of the locals dress up in medieval clothing and there are arts, crafts and entertainment.

J - Jewellery

You can pick up some lovely handcrafted items of jewellery at the various markets in the medieval towns and villages. Just keep your eyes peeled for a bargain.

K - Kayaking and Canoeing

You can hire canoes or kayaks at several places along the Lot, Garonne and Dordogne rivers. These include Agen (on the Canal du Midi), Villeneave Sur Lot, Puy l'Eveque, Montayral, Casseneuil, Fumel and Castelsarrassin to name a few.

L - Lauzerte

Lauzerte is a superb historic fortified village which watched over the surrounding area until the late 18th century.  It is on the way on the pilgrim trail of Saint Jacques de Compostela and many travellers and walkers still follow this trail today. It has been named as one of the most beautiful villages in France.

M - Musee du Foie Gras

47140 Frespech (nr Penne de Agenais)
Tel; 05 53 41 23 24

Musee du Foie Gras is where you can see how this traditional French speciality comes about and after you have had the tour, you have a chance to sample some For yourself. You can also buy some to take home in memory of your trip.

M - Monfanquin

This beautiful bastide town is 30 km north of Villeneuve-sur-Lot and has a stunning, elevated location between the Lot and Dordogne. Take a stroll down the narrow streets and marvel at the ancient architecture and Gothic houses. You can dine here in one of the many traditional restaurants in the Places des Arcades or visit the Musee des Bastides where you can discover more about these Medieval fortified towns and villages.

M - Moissac

Like Lauzerte, Moissac is also a stop-off on the pilgrim trail of Saint Jacques de Compostela. You can see the Abbey of Saint Peter with its fascinating cloister, said to be the most superb example of its kind in the world. The abbey miraculously remained unscathed after the 1930 flood which destroyed most of the town. After a stroll round the abbey, look around the shops or stop for a drink at the open square near the entrance to the abbey.

Check back next month for part 2 of our A-Z guide!

Cottages South France  - click here to search our holiday accommodation

Take Your Children to South France Next Summer - With a Self Catering Cottage Holiday in the Lot Valley

South France cottages offer the perfect solution for a stress-free family-friendly summer getaway.  Fun for all ages, holidaying in south France cottages provides privacy, value for money and much larger accommodation than a hotel family room - so your children have plenty of space to run about and let off steam.

Kingfisher has a great selection of family holiday accommodation including cottages, gites and farmhouses in beautiful surroundings in South West France. Our cottages, villas and farmhouses provide space for 2 - 24 people and have fully equipped kitchens and swimming pools.

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Why Stay in a South France Cottage?

As south France cottages offer self-catering accommodation, you can eat whenever and whatever you like. You are not tied to hotel food, and instead can choose to dine in one of the local family-friendly restaurants or visit the some of the markets near to your accommodation and cook up a tasty feast. Self catering holidays are great for children who are fussy-eaters too, as you can easily serve-up something they enjoy.

Our large choice of south France cottages includes superb farmhouses and villas with 2 - 10 bedrooms. Our holiday properties offer a good standard of accommodation with well stocked kitchen facilities and barbecues, terraces and lovely rural views. Here you can holiday in private, comfortable surroundings with your family or a large group of friends without worrying about noisy children or being disturbed by guests chatting late into the night. There is no rush for the sun loungers and the kids are free to have the pool all to themselves.

As our south France cottages are based right in the heart of the French countryside, you can mix with the locals and take pleasure in everything the Lot Valley has to offer. Cottages in south France offers flexible accommodation so you can as get up as late or early as you like, come and go when you please, and explore what the region has to offer at your own pace. Evenings are trouble-free as the children have space to play or you can challenge each other with family board game. And later into the evening, you can relax, knowing your little ones are safe in bed, while you enjoy some quality adult time.

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The Lot Valley Has So Much to Offer Children of All Ages!

Things to do for families with new babies

Cottages in the Lot Valley are a great holiday choice for families with babies or newborns. Our cottages and villas offer privacy and convenience and all have a washing machine - a must for all new mums. 

Filling up the car with everything you need such as nappies, comforters, powdered milk, sterilisers, clothes and changing mats is far easier than trying to pack all of this up for a flight. Our cottages are suitable for babies and children of all ages and cots and high chairs can be provided. Please mention your requirements for these when booking.

Our villas are located in quiet locations in the rich, green countryside of the Lot Valley. Hire a car or use your own vehicle to explore and spend important bonding time as a new family. Alternatively rest and enjoy the peacefulness of your surroundings; take a swim, recharge by the pool in the warm sunshine or enjoy some quality quiet time together. In the evening you could visit a restaurant as a family or get Kingfisher’s caterers to cook you a fantastic home-cooked meal using fresh, local produce.  They will even do the washing up so you don't have to!

Things to do for families with young children

With riding, walks, fishing, farm museums, pleasure cruises, caves and castles to visit, the Lot Valley offers plenty of fun-filled activities for families with young children. Our flexible, south France holiday cottages mean you can set your own agenda and choose to fill your days up as much or as little as possible.

Le Chateaux de Bonaguil in the commune of Saint-Front-sur-Lémance is always a popular family day out. It was the last medieval castle to be built in France and is a stunning landmark dubbed the most powerful fortress in the country’s ancient history. Dating back to the 13th century, it had 13 towers and took more than 40 years to complete. The annual music and fireworks event held here in the summer is well worth a visit. 

The children will be in awe at the beauty of the caves Gouffre de Padriac, just north of Cahors. Dubbed the best caves in Dordogne, 75 metres down you can take a short but memorable boat trip in the underground river. It’s best to arrive early if you can to avoid the queues.

Swimming is always a great hit with kids. There are nearer Aquaparks at Gasques, Montaigu de Quercy and Villeneuve sur Lot which have swimming pools, water chutes and other great things to keep your little ones amused for hours.

If your children are fascinated by all things Pre-historic, there is a Prehistoric Theme Park about 6 km north of Les Eyzies, near the pilgrimage town of Rocamadour. The Prehistoric Park is the largest of its kind in Europe and reconstructs daily life from 1,500 BC. Children will delight at the cavemen, dinosaurs and woolly mammoth created for their amusement.

Keeping Teenagers Amused!

Teenagers will have lots of fun holidaying in the Lot Valley so they won’t have time to get bored.  With boat trips, cycle rides, tennis, golf, canoeing, water rafting and swimming there is plenty to keep the young adults occupied.

Teenage girls and boys might like exploring the local markets and there is also rock climbing, flying trips and micro-lighting on offer for the more adventurous. If you have youngsters who enjoy fishing, daily and weekly fishing licences are available from the local tourist office. Hire canoes or kayaks from  Castlemoroon or Villeneuve Sur Lot.

After an action-packed day the teenagers can get back to the cottage and unwind while the adults cook up an evening barbecue.

En Route to the Lot Valley

Don’t forget if you are driving to the Lot Valley with children, you can break up the journey by stopping off en-route.

The theme park Poitiers, Futurescope, is fun for all ages and includes breathtaking shows, interactive adventures, rides and a night time laser light show. The 3D/4D attractions are all set inside futuristic buildings and will be a day-out to remember.

Quality Adult Time

Holidaying in the Lot Valley is not just about the children having fun. It also gives parents time to relax and enjoy quality adult time.

At Kingfisher we offer a baby-sitting service so that adults can have a meal out knowing their children are well looked after.

If you would rather eat at home, we can provide caterers to cook in your cottage or provide a barbecue for you. It means that the adults can chat over a meal while their children swim in the pool or are safely tucked up in bed.

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Romantic Getaways in the Lot Valley – The Ideal Holiday Destination For Couples

Kingfisher Holidays offer a wide range of holiday cottages in south France for summer holiday rentals. Ideal for couples seeking an intimate self-catering retreat, these 2-4 bedroomed south France cottages may be smaller than your typical multi occupancy south France gites or villas but they are beautifully formed, well presented and delightfully situated for the most romantic of holidays in the wonderful French countryside.

Cottages South France - click here to browse our 2-4 bedroom holiday properties

About Our Holiday accommodation

We have a great selection of south France cottages sleeping 2-4 people, which are ideal for couples to stay in. These cottages are large enough to be spacious and comfortable and unlike larger French holiday gites, which can be expensive to rent, these smaller south France cottages provide just the right amount of accommodation, at an affordable price.

Our south France cottages can be found in the most idyllic spots too. Tucked away in quaint little French villages or on the edge of small towns overlooking acres of farmland and vineyards, these little French gems are a peaceful haven in which you and your partner can enjoy some quiet time alone together, away from it all. Our cottages are set in pretty gardens and lovely walks exist right on the doorstep, so whether you choose to stay in or around your cottage, enjoying its pool and gardens or venture out to explore the local countryside, you’ll find yourselves in the most wonderful surroundings.

Our south France cottages are offered in excellent condition inside and out and are all very well equipped for a comfortable self-catering holiday. You’ll find the kitchens fully kitted out with all the utensils, crockery and cutlery you’ll need and the bathrooms and bedrooms with towels and linens.

Our holiday accommodation offers you the chance to sample the gentler way of French life. The relaxed pace that pervades this area of France makes it a pleasure to go shopping in the local villages and small towns. In most villages you can expect to find a bakers, a butchers, a chemist, a post office and a small supermarket but for those occasions when you need to do a bigger shop, you are never too far from one of France’s famed hypermarkets. Usually located on the edge of larger towns, these huge retailers provide everything from washing powder to coffee and from honey to steaks and fresh fish.

In each of our south France cottages you’ll find information about the nearest shops and their opening times. We recommend a quick perusal of this since some French opening times differ to those that you might be used to in England. Many shops for example, will close for lunch and just a few select ones will open on Sunday mornings. It is important to note that very few, if any shops, will be open on Sunday afternoons so be sure to stock up your fridge before then.

Many couples, when they are away on holiday in France, prefer to visit the local markets rather than trawl around the shops. This is because the French markets have become a bit of an institution in their own right. They offer a real taste of local French fayre and also the chance to brush up on your linguistic skills as you engage in conversation, or even a bit of good natured bartering, with the stallholders. There are plenty of local markets held throughout the Lot Valley offering fresh seasonal produce as well as the staples like bread and cheese, why not visit a market near you to pick up a French stick and some local honey, or perhaps some local cheeses, like a Roquefort, an  Ossau Iraty or a Rocamadour. Your might want to get hold of a bottle of Domaine des Amandiers or Clos Bican-Ségur, some fresh, off the bone ham and some olives for a tasty romantic picnic treat. If you would rather dine at home, all our south France cottages come with facilities for eating al-fresco as well as barbecues and dining furniture.

After your meal has gone down, you may fancy a dip in the pool. Each of our holiday properties has a pool so you can enjoy a romantic swim under the stars and because it stays relatively warm in this part of the world, you could stay out swimming until quite late in the evening

Things To Do On a Romantic South France Holiday

Explore The Countryside

So, what is it about the French countryside and particularly the countryside in the Lot Valley, in south west France, that makes it so appealing? First of all, it’s about the climate. It is lovely and warm here throughout the summer months, making it ideal for romantic walks, bike rides for two, picnics and the like!

The lush greenness of the area and unspoilt countryside free from over-development also makes it a wonderful peaceful place to immerse yourself and spend quality time reconnecting.  A walk or a cycle ride around the area will be filled with beautiful natural vistas of valleys and vineyards bursting with life and stunning river scenes.

Relatively flat for great distances, it is easy and a real pleasure to walk or cycle around and the lack of any real traffic, save for the odd tractor, means it is very safe too. If you are cycling and come across a hill, there is no shame in dismounting to wheel your bike to the summit and one thing’s for sure; the view from the top will certainly be worth it.

On your travels you may well come across what’s known as a leisure lake. These are sometimes quite large bodies of water, which can be either natural or man-made. Often these calm, freshwater lakes are fringed with imported sand to give the real life impression of a beach and some have a snack bar or coffee shop too (open in peak season). They are open to locals and visitors alike and are popular with both couples and holidaying families. You can find leisure lakes all around the south west of France with a good number located around The Lot Valley, Cahors and the towns of Quercy and Fumel.

Visit a Bastide Town

The Lot Valley region is home to more than 40 ancient bastide towns, many of which have been preserved or renovated and are now very pretty towns to explore, with ancient buildings, cobbled streets and arcaded squares in which the townsfolk gather to relax and chat over coffee. The history of these towns goes back to the middle ages, they were created with a central market square, which was usually surrounded by an arcade housing the town’s shops and trades people. This central point would be located at the highest point in the town, making it difficult for invaders, as they would have to climb a hill to attack.

When visiting a bastide town, you may wish to follow in the footsteps of the ancient townsfolk and simply enjoy the convivial atmosphere that pervades the central square, sipping a glass of winie while you watch the world go buy or browsing the inividual shops in their lovely arcades.  Depending on the location, you’ll find these arcades full of artists and sculptors, piano bars and coffee shops, flower stalls and newsagents – offering plenty of opportunities to stock up on special souvenirs of your trip. You might want to enjoy a long romantic lunch together, sampling some of the local cuisine. A popular local dish is the Cassoulet, it is relatively inexpensive and very tasty. If you prefer, you could always opt for the Toulouse sausage or some fois gras, another local speciality.

Take a Boat Trip
What could be more romantic than taking a leisure cruise down the River Lot or the Garonne River? Pass beautiful countryside and see the bastide towns in the hills as you traverse the river's clear, deep waters.  Boats depart from Luzech and Fumel (05 53 71 13 70) on the Lot river and Nerac on the Garonne river.

You can also hire boats at Canal du Midi at Agen (05 63 04 48 28) and from Moissac and these are charged by the hour.

Cottages South France  - click here to browse our 2-4 bedroom holiday properties

South France Cottages – There's Loads To Do in the Lot Valley!

At Kingfisher holidays we have over 70 holiday south France cottages to let for spring, summer and autumn breaks. All our south France cottages are located in the Lot Valley so they are perfectly placed for fun, action adventure holidays among the rolling vineyards and ancient bastides that are typical of this most delightful and picturesque part of France. The landscape here sets the ideal stage for biking, hiking, rock climbing or kayaking – as well as more leisurely pursuits such as gentle walks, cycle rides and picnics! You can do all of this and much more down here in the south west of France!

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Canoeing / Kayaking 

Canoeing or Kayaking is the perfect way to travel the Lot River and take in its scenery. Yes, you could make life easy on yourself by taking a nice leisurely cruise down river on a pleasure boat or cruiser. You’ll pass by the same awe inspiring Limestone rock features and cliffs, the same beautiful and typically French river side villages and you’ll see the same examples of bastide architecture. But the feeling won't be quite the same or the memories quite as intense as those you’d get if you were actually down there, paddling and steering your way down river.

A number of local companies supply the equipment and a qualified instructor to act as teacher and/or guide. One particularly good local company we’ve found is The Canoeing Centre in Casseneuil. Here they offer canoe, pedal-boat and kayak rental so you can explore the river Lot. Boat rental is available from half a day to two full days and whilst you’re on the water, you can visit the towns and villages en-route including Sainte Livrade, Fongrave, Le Temple sur Lot and for the more experienced oarsman, Castelmoron. The company have even gone as far as to post signage up and down the river with information regarding the areas fauna and flora and its history. Their address is Quai des Gabarres, 47440 Casseneuil.

Hiking

Hiking in the Lot Valley can be as demanding as you want to make it and the beauty of the Lot Valley, is that the terrain varies so much, there are trails here to suit everyone. Down along the river’s banks, in many places you’re in for a very pleasant stomp in amongst greenery and near to sometimes gently, sometimes rapidly, flowing water. But venture further up the valley sides and that leisurely stomp becomes more of a hike with each step up the incline, becoming that bit more testing than the last.

A visit to the cliff top village of St Cirque La Popie is a fair old hike in itself, as the village is some 100 metres up, above the river. Its well worth the trip though, when you reach the top you are rewarded with a wonderful village setting and the most spectacular views.

One of the most famous hikes in this part of the world is that known as the pilgrim trail to Santiago de Compostela. “The Way of St James” stretches about 1000 miles from St. Jean-Pied-du-Port near Biarritz in France to Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain. For nearly 8 Centuries, large numbers of pilgrims have travelled the route and that number increases every year. In 1985, the figure was nearly 2500, ten years later that figure had risen to just under 20,000 and another ten years on, in 2005, the number of people taking the 1600 km pilgrimage, reached nearly 94,000. One can only imagine what the figure for 2015 will be. This is no mean feat either, it is reckoned to take the best part of two and a half months if you factor in four or five days of rest, which you will need. The trail is at times breathtakingly beautiful and at other times, arduous almost beyond belief and no amount of map reading or “Google Earthing” will accurately describe for you, the level of commitment and sheer dogged determination you will need to complete it. It is said however that the more difficult the journey, the greater the reward!

Throughout the south west of France you will find walks hikes, and treks of all kinds. Some will take you through lush greenery, others over rolling hills and around vast fields of golden yellow oil seed or row upon row of vines. Whilst all different, they will all delight you with their natural splendour.  The Lot Valley in particular is a walker’s paradise. Here you will encounter so many different terrains and it’s a real pleasure to one minute be walking alongside a grape laden vineyard, and another, be paddling in one of the areas many leisure lakes.

Rock Climbing

The River Lot has been carving its way through the areas Limestone landscape for thousands of years and this has led to the formation of a deep, steep sided valley, which is just perfect for climbing. Being a Limestone valley, the Lot River has a huge number of craggy outcrops, which are just ideal for climbing. There are even a number of ready bolted sports routes of varying degrees of difficulty, which have been laid out. Experienced climbers who come prepared with their own equipment, can pick up a local topographical guide to these climbing routes and venues from local tourist offices.

Mountain Biking

Mountain bikes and road bikes can be hired from various shops and garages around the area or, if you’d prefer, you can bring your own. Many people do. You can either strap them to the roof of your car on a roof rack on tie them to the back on a tailgate carrier. It might be that the owners of the cottages in South France that you are renting, will have some bikes that can lend you but this is unfortunately not guaranteed. Again, the local tourist office is the place to go and for just a few euros you can purchase a fairly detailed map which highlights the walks and the biking routes in and around your nearest town or village. These books are called Guide de la Randonnee and they show you routes in some detail marking interesting points along the way. On the ground the routes themselves are marked by coloured arrows.

South France Cottages for Holidays at a Different Pace

There is another side to this region though, a gentler, more sedate side, a side that prefers to take life a little slower and a little more gently. This side of the Lot Valley is one of ancient Bastide towns, leisurely walks in the countryside or even just in the grounds of your cottage. This is the southwest France of the poolside lounger, the barbecue, the long cool drink and the thumping good read. This is the south west France of the morning trip to the local boulangerie for a fresh French stick and a later visit to la boucherie for a little something for lunch or tea.

Walking in the Lot Valley

If all that lazing around does get a little too much, you can always break it up with a gentle walk in the beautiful French countryside. Our south France cottages are set in the most delightful grounds which in themselves make for a wonderful little strollette but if you fancy a bit of an explore, you will not be disappointed. Many of our south France cottages are located within striking distance of local market towns and of wonderfully picturesque leisure lakes. Sandy beaches border many of the lakes and a good number will have an eatery nearby, in case you get hungry, but what a lot of people do is get together a picnic and take it with them.

Picnics in the Lot Valley

One of the beauties of the Lot Valley countryside is that there is a picture postcard view around almost every corner. This means that you are never too far from an idyllic picnic spot. Many of them have been officially recognised as such and are kitted out with bench sets and litterbins.

Aside from these dedicated picnic spots, there are many other places you can set down a blanket and spend a relaxing few hours. You could settle yourselves on the banks of one of the many tributaries that cascade the hillsides on their way to join the waters of The Lot or you could seek out a wonderful old château and lay your blankets on the grass. One such place is the Châteaux Bonaguil, near Fumel. Heralded as the most beautiful castle in France, this historic building dates back to the 13th Century, was modified and further fortified in the 15th, 16th and 18th Centuries and is now a listed building, owned by the municipality. Its grounds are simply beautiful, they are extremely well tended and the building itself, looks like something out of a fairy tale

Cycling in the Lot Valley

Cycling in the Lot Valley does not all have to be about washboards and veggie tunnels or any other term used by adrenalin junkies to describe rough terrain. It can be one of the most peaceful and relaxing pastimes and a veritable treasure trove of lasting memories. There are cycle routes aplenty here  and, since there is very little traffic on the roads, there is a high degree of safety too.

A suggested route might be the Lot Valley Veloroute. This is a 160km route, which has been way marked from Aiguillon to Fumel going on to the wonderfully picturesque and typically French town of Cahors. Part of this cycle route involves a green way, which runs along the side of the Garonne Canal. Cars are banned from green ways and in any case, most of the time there isn’t room for one, so you’ll be quite safe here.

If you get into it and fancy a bit more of a challenge or maybe feel like working off a few pounds, you could venture up into the hillsides. The ride gets tougher as you climb but its worth it. You’ll return exhausted but relaxed and happy in the knowledge that you can have breakfast tomorrow and not worry about it.

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Cottages in South France – Relaxing Holidays in the Lot Valley

Kingfisher Holidays offer to let over 70 different holiday cottages in South France. During the summer and early autumn, we have a range of properties available to suit all budgets and accommodate small to large parties. Based in the beautiful and unspoilt region of The Lot Valley our holiday cottages in south France are ideal for romantic couples getaways, relaxing family breaks and large group holidays.

All of our holiday cottages in South France are of a good standard for a relaxing self catering holiday. The standard of accommodation varies from place to place as you might expect,  but all are well equipped with good basic kitchen facilities, tasteful furnishings and are set in attractive surroundings. All of our South France holiday cottages have detailed write ups and photos on our web site, to give you a clear picture of the accommodation they offer.

Holiday Cottages South France - click here to search our web site.

About Holiday Cottages in South France

Holiday cottages in south France are most often built in peaceful rural locations. This is because many of them used to be farmhouses, barns or out buildings of some kind and these would naturally be situated in some of the most idyllic countryside with spectacular views over open farmland and vineyards. Whilst benefitting from wonderfully quiet and tranquil locations, they are never too far from ancient bastide towns such as Penne D’Agenais, Monflanquin, Tournon d’Agenais and Pujols – making them a great base for exploring the local area. In general, there are also plenty of local amenities nearby too, such as supermarkets, shops, restaurants and bars – so essential supplies and a nice meal out are all within a short drive of your holiday property.

When all your supplies are in and you are properly settled in your holiday cottage in south France, you can sit back and relax. You can start to unwind and adjust to the slower pace of life here. Nothing happens in too much of a hurry, so it is easy to relax and recharge. Whether you enjoy gentle country walks, relaxing by your pool with a good book or browsing around the local sights, your days can be as busy or quiet as you choose to make them.

You will very soon be enjoying long warm summer evenings with a cool, refreshing drink in hand, combined with lovely alfresco meals. If one day, you really don’t feel like cooking, we can also arrange for our caterers to come in and do it for you! This is a wonderful treat, allowing your party to sample some of the local delicacies of the area, from the comfort of your cottage – and no-one has to drive!

All of Kingfisher’s holiday cottages are located within a 50 mile radius of the Lot Valley South West France in the areas of The Lot Valley, The Lot et Garonne, Tarn et Garonne and The Dordogne. These four areas are located within the departments of Aquitaine and the Midi-Pyrénées and feature such delights as Bordeaux, Cahors and Rocamadour; Bordeaux for its claret, Cahors for its black wine and Rocamadour for its famous and faintly nutty cheese.

Holiday Cottages South France  - click here to search our web site.

French Holiday Cottage or Gite?

Many French holiday companies will refer to their holiday accommodation as “gites”, with reference to things like holiday gites or French holiday gites. Nowadays there is no real difference between a French holiday cottage and a French holiday gite. However the word gite can be used to describe everything from a small French holiday cottage to the more substantial French holiday villa. French gites or holiday cottages are usually of a very similar standard to English holiday cottages. They are for the most part, clean, well presented and well equipped for great family holidays.

About the Lot Valley

The Lot Valley region is home to more than 40 picturesque and ancient bastide towns, many of which have been preserved and/or renovated to produce very pretty, picture postcard towns with ancient buildings, cobbled streets and arcaded squares in which the townsfolk regularly gather to relax and chat over coffee and croissants. The history of these towns goes back to the middle ages, when they were built as new towns, to a specific design. The towns were created with a central market square, which was usually surrounded by an arcade housing the town’s shops and trades people and the towns roads would radiate out from the centre like spokes in a wheel.

The people of the town were extended special rights that were rarely bestowed on ordinary folk and those rights included the right to buy their own home at a fair rate and to marry their children off to whomever they chose. In return for these rights, they would be expected to defend the town in times of trouble and also to help maintain the town’s buildings and infrastructure.

Bastide towns can be found all over the south west of France and a day trip to at least one of them is well recommended. Whichever of the local bastides you choose to visit, you will be pleasantly surprised, not just by its cleanliness and the attractiveness of its buildings but by the relaxed pace of life and the good natured attitude of its inhabitants. These are small, close knit communities where everyone knows everyone else and this lends to an atmosphere of friendliness and cooperation.

How to get to the Lot Valley

The Lot Valley is very popular among British and European holidaymakers due to its location. A short hop across the water from Dover to the French seaports of Calais, Cherbourg or St Malo, puts you within comfortable driving distance of this most glorious, sunny and verdant of locations. The toll roads in France are famously good so you are virtually assured a trouble free journey and some of the scenery along the way is breathtaking so you and the family won't get bored on the drive down south.

Even the southernmost of our French holiday lets is no more than a day’s drive down from the channel sea ports so you’ll arrive at your destination, by nightfall, looking forward to a wonderful break. To cut down on the drive, it is also possible to take the ferry crossing from Plymouth to Santander in north Spain, fly to south west France and then hire a car or catch the car train from Paris to Brive.


Holiday Cottages South France  - click here to search our web site.

Fete Medievial Montflanquin

Montflanquin was founded in 1256 by Alphonse de Poitiers. Why not relive these times by going to the Medieval Fête in one of the most beautiful villagers in France on AUGUST 13, 14 & 15th this year.

From the evening of Saturday the 13th through to the night of Sunday 15th the townsfolk turn out in medieval costumes. You will be entertained by troubadours, dancers and singers. Numerous artisans will show you their skills and encourage audience participation.

Events:

Saturday evening 9 pm: Concert Temps Clar, Ouverture de la Taverne du Pendu.

Sunday evening 6 pm: Tournament of the Black Prince (who stopped here)

Sunday eveing 9 pm: Banquet followed by fireworks

Monday evening 9 pm: Grande Parade followed by fireworks

So come along, step back in time and enjoy the atmosphere.

Les Soirées d’Éte - Marchés Gourmands Nocturns

For the real taste of Summer in France, then don’t miss one of the ‘Marché Gourmand Nocturn’ near you. This is dining ‘al fresco’ as it should be. Select somewhere to sit at the one of the many trestle tables then, browse the stalls selling local cooked meats and produce from which to make your selection of a meal. To accompany this choose a bottle of wine from one of the local wine producers. Why not finish by having a crepe, fresh fruit, gateau or ice cream. The ambiance deepens as the entertainment gets going and you may even get to your feet to dance a step or two under the stars


Starting at 19 hours

Tuesday: Dausse and Laparade

Wednesday: St Mauran

Thursday: Penne d’Agenais and Lauzerte

Friday: Beauville and Bourg de Visa

Saturday: Villeneuve sur Lot