Beauty spots in South West France

One of the many delights of taking a holiday in the Lot Valley is the beautiful scenery you will find here. Rivers, hillside towns, rolling hills and chateau all abound here, in green and lush South West France. Here is a guide to some of the prettiest towns and villages in South West France that you will not want to miss when you are holidaying in the region. Since beauty is a subjective thing however, we have listed them alphabetically and leave it up to you to decide which you prefer and why.

AUTOIRE – The village of Autoire is quite simply, stunning. It has an 800 year old history which for the most part has been left undisturbed by the march of time. The village is remarkably well preserved and has been thoughtfully restored in parts, now boasting a number of quite beautiful country houses many of these featuring exposed beams, corbelled walls and mullioned windows. Previously known as "le petit Versailles", the village was once home to high society and nobility. It has retained this air of old prosperity and remains little changed today from ancient times. Agriculture is at the heart of the village and the lush green meadows and vineyards that surround it still play a very important role.

AUVILLAR - The village of Auvillar was established in Gallo-Roman times and became an important stopover port and trading centre on the river. The Garonne was navigable down to Bordeaux at the time and was an important trade route with large amounts of salt, wine and grain passing through it. The fortifications that encircled the village and which still exist today, give access to the village through just one of the three ancient doorways. One of the doorways is topped by an imposing brick and stone built clock tower, constructed at the end of the 17th Century. The centre of the village is dominated by a large, circular grain market, the only one in the south west of France and arranged around this, in a triangle are some large and ornate residences, homes of the wealthy tradesmen of the time.

CARDAILLAC – The lovely village of Cardaillac is situated in wooded landscape which is dissected by small winding valleys. This well fortified village looks a little like a small castle. It has three stone towers which hold guard over the surrounding countryside. Here is another example of sympathetic restoration, many of the details of the ancient architecture remain in place or have been carefully restored to maintain the unique atmosphere and historical character of the village. You will find here narrow lanes, each with a central gutter curve between the houses, most of which are built from the ochre coloured stone of the Quercy region. Visitors to the village throughout September and from October to June by appointment can join the musée éclaté, a French language tour of some of the older houses which gives an insight into what life was like in the village in days gone by and includes such things as bread-making, drying chestnuts and preparing prunes.

CARENNAC – This is a wonderfully picturesque village on the banks of the Dordogne, The village dates back to the 11th century and you can still see the ancient village fortifications, priory and church from this era. The medieval cloisters at St Peters Church are definitely worth a visit. The houses in Carennac are mostly made of local stone and a picture to look at with the single lane bridge you have to use to enter the village adding further to its charm. Many of the houses feature interesting and ornate windows that have been lovingly restored with a few of them featuring the most charming wooden balconies too. There is also a delightful 'Rapunzel' style tower and a castle to discover while you are out walking the narrow streets.

LAUZERTE – The historic bastide of Lauzerte dates back to 1241 and was the governing power in the area right up till the 18th Century. Much of the old fortifications are still in evidence but these days the village has taken on a far more relaxed and peaceful air. Sympathetic restoration is rife and evidence of it is all around but there is just the tiniest hint of modernism too. Some quite lovely cobbled paving in the central square has been lifted at one corner almost as if peeling away from its base due to the heat. Beautiful panoramic views can be seen from the ramparts of these lovely old buildings throughout the year and as the seasons change so does the village décor. One very pretty little, half timbered house is festooned with flowers throughout the summer.

LOUBRESSAC - This very pretty village is set on a rocky outcrop which is surrounded by woods and open countryside. One of the highlights of the village are the fantastic, almost panoramic views across the valleys of the Dordogne, the Cere and the Bave rivers.

Looking inward and the village has a lovely château and a beautiful 13th century church. Many lovely medieval buildings are made of the local white-honey coloured stone, with fine old tiled roofs and decorative balconies. Like many of the beautiful villages listed here, Loubressac loves its flowers and often the narrow streets and inwardly facing houses are covered with them, creating a wonderfully colourful display. It is a magical village and if you are ever in the region do not miss the chance to explore and enjoy it.

MONFLANQUIN – Another French bastide, fortified and set on a hill top to protect its inhabitants from the marauding English hordes back in the 13th Century. This one has been particularly well preserved and some of the scenes here would grace any photo album. You are encouraged to explore its alleyways and narrow back streets. The central square of Monflanquin known as the Place des Arcades is flanked on all sides by tall buildings with impressive arches rather like those in La Rochelle and a little way away from the square is a very impressive 15th Century church. Further still and up the hill, you reach the highest point of the village and from here you can appreciate wonderful views across open countryside. The village boasts several very good restaurants and the social calendar is full of festivals, particularly in the summer months. These events are colourful and lots of fun and include exhibitions with birds of prey and dressing up in clothes from centuries past.

PUJOLS-LE-HAUT - Pujols was once a completely enclosed village protected by a wall some 8 metres high and 3 metres thick. On the outside of this wall, a broad and very deep ditch was dug making the village virtually impregnable and it remained this way for some time, the stronghold of some 300 to 400 heretics. Later destroyed and subsequently rebuilt in the 15th Century it has grown from strength to strength throughout the years and is now home to a population of 1000 +. This growth in population is supported by the agricultural activities in the area, especially the fruit for which the area is renowned; plums, nectarines, apples and pears.

SAINT-CIRQ-LAPOPIE - Leaving Cahors on a road winding along the cliffs of the Lot valley, you will be astonished to come across the beautiful village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. This medieval village appears clinging to the rock face 100 metres above the River Lot. The village features a wealth of narrow cobbled streets, Gothic façades and fortified doors. Formerly a flourishing waterside town famed for its boxwood turning, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is now listed with 13 historical monuments. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie has attracted artists and Parisian gallery owners and the artistic side of the village is alive and well today, permeating the village's contemporary art scene and the international artist's residence, Maison Daura.

TOURNON d’AGENAIS - Discover the remarkable history contained within the walls of this beautiful Royal bastide. Founded in 1270 by Raymond VII Count of Toulouse, it stands overlooking the valley Boudouyssou and has a commanding view of the local countryside. A listed historical site, its walls are protected and life within them is peaceful, most of the time. Every year, on the 1st of May the place becomes strewn with flowers and decorated to the hilt with wonderful natural colour. Everywhere you look, from street corner to rooftop all you can see is colour and the aromas are quite lovely. The village has a wonderfully friendly feel to it, the main square being the centre of activity where the young go to meet and chat and the old go to relax and gaze at the world as it passes by and maybe have a piece of the famed Tournon d’Agenais pie. This pie, the pride of Tournon d' Agenais, is made from thin pasta apple and rum. Every year at the August 15th feast, a demonstration of the making of this dessert is made on the village square. These are just a small number of the very lovely towns, villages and bastides in the South West of France. There are of course, many others, we hope that you will take whatever opportunity you can to seek them out and discover hidden gems to which you will want to return time and again.

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