Holidays in South France: Nautical Activities in the Lot Valley

The Lot Valley in south west France is famed for its lush greenery and meandering rivers. From 1200 metres up on Mont Lozere, the River Lot winds its way down and around the countryside eventually mingling with the waters of the Garonne, just 200 kms away from its source. To get there however the river has had to travel some 481 kms around vineyards and towns and skirting the hills that stand in its otherwise direct path.

The Lot Valley affords the perfect excuse to take your foot off the gas, to relax and unwind as you take in the clean, fresh air and slow down to a gentler pace of life. Along the banks of the river, local traditions and activities of all kinds are much in evidence. Whether its high adrenaline aquatics, gentle horse riding, low impact rambling or a pleasant cruise you’re after, the River Lot and its banks have it all to offer.

River walks

The Lot Valley is criss crossed by many walking routes, some of which are more arduous than others but none of them are particularly heavy going and all are never too far from a roadway. Some have been planned to last for one hour and some for one day, with many variations in between. So however long you plan to be out walking, there’ll be a countryside ramble which is just the right length.

Boat trips

Boat trips are a regular feature of River Lot life with a trip every 1hr 30mins. There a 4 departures a day, each Wednesday and Thursday from Villeneuve sur Lot and 4 a day over the weekends from Castelmoron, each departing at 10.30, 12.30, 16.00 and 19.00. Each one and a half hour trip will offer a varied selection of activities whilst on board from passing through a lock through to aperitifs with tapas and picnics.

Kayaking

Whether you are looking for an adrenaline rush on a jet-ski or a more sedate paddle on a canoe, the Lot-et-Garonne has numerous waterside activities for you to choose from. Up and down the banks of the rivers there are many companies and organisations offering instruction and daily excursions by kayak, canoe and jet ski.

Cycling the river paths

Cycling along the paths and banks of the River Lot, which is over-shadowed by towering, craggy cliffs and coming across the spectacular village of St.Cirq Lapopie, is a sight that will stay with you always. The village clings to the cliff top over 300 feet above the water and you expect it to topple at any moment. A trip into the village itself will reveal some wonderful 13^th to 16^th century architecture and a beauty that will simply take your breath away. St Cirq Lapopie is not the only jewel in The Lot’s crown though, far from it, the riverside is festooned with treasures and the best way to view all of these awe inspiring sights is by bike.

You may wish to extend your cycle ride by following the “veloroute”. This route is not for the feint hearted but well worth the effort. It covers 160km from Aiguillon to Fumel and on to the areas capital, Cahors. Other interesting routes include the greenway along the Garonne canal and for the more experienced tourer, a trip into the hillsides has been marked out. You can pick up route maps from any local tourist office.

Summer events in the Lot Valley

Nearly every village celebrates something during at least one weekend in the summer. Fêtes, festivals and parties of all kinds are going on throughout the region at this time as people celebrate the fine harvests and the good weather. There are many traditions and you will be hard pressed to avoid the ubiquitous boules tournaments that take place here, for this game is as popular as rugby in the region.

Farming is very popular in the Lot Valley and something the locals take great pride in. Many of the local farmers particularly those involved in the farmers network “Bienvenue a la ferme” will put on shows or take you on tours of their farms to show you how they prepare their produce. These tours are regularly advertised at the local tourist offices or in the weekly markets held in local towns.

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