Holidays in France - Kingfisher Holidays

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

2012-01-23T06:26:00.000-08:00

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.

Cottages South France - click here to search our holiday accommodation

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

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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.

South France Cottages - click here to search for family friendly cottages

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.

Cottages in South France- click here to search for family friendly cottages

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.

South France Cottages - click here to search for family friendly cottages

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

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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!

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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!

South France Cottages - click here to view our cottages in South France

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.

South France Cottages - click here to view our cottages in South France

Cottages in South France – Relaxing Holidays in the Lot Valley

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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

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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

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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

Summer Holidays South France – Last Minute Bookings!

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If you haven't booked your summer holiday yet, it is not too late! Kingfisher have over 75 properties based in the Lot Valley South France and still have some availability for summer and early autumn 2011.

Holiday Cottages in South France

The gites and holiday homes for rent in the south of France range in size from quaint country cottages, which will comfortably accommodate two or four people to much larger properties, suitable for large groups of family or friends. The accommodation on offer is of a good standard and we have gites, cottages and farmhouses to suit a range of budgets.

Each holiday cottage is offered either with exclusive access to its own pool or at least with shared access to a communal pool and even if access is shared, it will not be shared by many people so the chances are, whenever you want to use it, it’ll be relatively quiet.

Located within a 50 mile radius of the Lot Valley, they are all very different but one thing they all have in common, is the glorious, verdant countryside, that surrounds them.

Gites in South France – click here to view our holiday properties!

Activities and Places to Visit

Once here, you can explore the area to your hearts content and in so many different ways. There are many lovely country walks in the area; you can explore by bike or boat. You can go on picnics; you can enjoy lovely meals in very reasonably priced local restaurants or cook up a feast of your own back at your holiday property.

This part of the country, like Suffolk and Kent in England, is considered the larder of France and the towns and villages of the area celebrate this fact, by regularly holding fresh produce markets, akin to the English farmers markets. These markets feature stalls offering every kind of fruit and vegetable imaginable and a range of fresh meats and fish that will have your taste buds working overtime. Fresh bread is also available here and we challenge anyone to resist the temptation presented by the smell of a freshly baked French stick.

These markets are often held in the central squares of many of the bastide towns in the area. The origin of the bastide town is very interesting; During the 100 year’s war, which took place from 1337 to 1453, many towns were built on hilltops and fortified against intruders. These “bastide” towns were generally built to the same pattern and so are instantly recognisable today.

Arcades, very like those you can see at La Rochelle, would surround a central square. This central square would be the commercial hub of the town, its central market place and its main meeting point. Main arterial roads or roads wide enough for carriages would lead off from the centre in a grid pattern with smaller connecting roads coming off at right angles.

There are many fine examples of bastide towns still thriving today, in fact there has been a resurgence of interest in them and many are in better shape now, having been restored and improved, than they were back in their heyday. Among the finest examples of the Lot Valley's bastide towns are Monflanquin, Penne-d'Agenais, Tournon d’Agenais, Villeneuve-sur-Lot and Villeréal. These are well worth a visit, for a relaxing lunch, browsing the local shops and enjoying the breathtaking scenery, while staying at your French holiday gite.

Whilst out on you travels, if you fancy a swim to cool off, you can stop by one of the local leisure lakes. Leisure lakes are ubiquitous is France and in the south of France in particular. They are, as the name suggests, lakes that have been designated by the local authorities as open to swimming and other leisure activities. Many of these lakes, either natural or man made, will have artificially introduced, sandy beaches to enhance the leisure lake experience and make it feel a little more like being on the coast. Many of the lakes will also have cafés or ice cream parlours (open in high season) but most are not supervised so reasonable caution must be taken around the water.

Booking your South France holiday

It is not too late to book your gite holiday in South France!

Simply browse our web site to find a property you are interested in and then at the bottom of the page, check the calendar to see if it is available on your preferred dates. Then contact us to confirm availability and we will assist you from there!

If you can't find exactly what you are looking for, then contact us and we will be happy to make some recommendations to suit your booking party.

For last minute bookings where your holiday will be taken within the next 90 days, full payment is required at the time of booking.

Please ensure you read and agree to our booking terms and conditions.

Who Are We? Where Are We?

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Kingfisher Holidays specialise in holiday accommodation in the south west of France We act for a large number of private owners of gîtes in the region known as The Lot Valley. This beautiful Lot Valley is located in both the Aquitaine and Midi- Pyrenees regions and all the gîtes and large houses that we offer fall within a 50 Km radius of the beautiful wine region known as the black wine of Cahors.

A holiday in this delightful unspoilt region of the Lot Valley, South West France, makes for an interesting break. It is not the place to come for a seaside holiday, there’s more to it than that, although you can swim in your gîtes pool. But the area sparks an interest for its discerning visitors that extends far beyond cocktails and SPF creams. This is tranquillity at its rural best, yet within reach of some lively cities.
There is history here from the persecution of the Cathars, the 100 Years War right up to the Resistance Movement of the Second World War. Parts of the region are timeless. You’ll not find street vendors hawking ice creams and plates of chips, nor will you come across shops selling brightly coloured water wings and lilos. Here you will find colourful markets brimming with fresh local produce, all your senses will be assaulted, just smell those luscious deep red tomatoes. Whilst there are supermarkets, you can shop from the farmers markets on a daily basis. The high streets here are lined with chic boutiques.

Gîtes in South France - click here to view our holiday cottages in South France

Sightseeing

Whether you are coming to the Lot Valley for the first time or returning for the umpteenth as many visitors do, there are lots of interesting and breathtaking sights to take in. This is the land of the “bastide”. A bastide is a fortified medieval town and a typical example will have a arcaded central square to shade you from the afternoon sun and the streets run in a grid pattern from the square. Lot Valley. Many of them were built and/or fortified sometime between 1229 and 1373 as part of the Hundred Years War. More often than not they were built on top of hills for ease of protection from invaders giving superb views of the surrounding countryside. Many of these ancient bastide towns remain intact today and they are really quite beautiful. If you get the chance, go along to see the towns of Castelfranc, Marnhac, Montfaucon, Monflanquin, Penne d'Agenais, Montauban, Monclar-de-Quercy and Verdun-sur-Garonne. There are, of course, many others that you will doubtless stumble upon on your travels, just make sure you don’t forget your camera.

Eating Out.

Because of its climate, eating outside is the order of the day. The area has its own specialised regional cooking. Duck features highly on most restaurant menus, with the local ‘foie gras’ being a speciality. This is also the region for the Cassoulet, Toulouse sausages and finish up with the succulent prune desserts of Agen with Armagnac

Taking in the beautiful countryside - by car, bike, horseback, boat or foot

However you choose to explore the countryside, whether it be by car, bike, horseback, boat or on foot, allow yourself more than enough time to enjoy it. The Lot Valley’s countryside encourages you to do just that - it is natural and idyllic, peaceful and beautiful. If you decide to explore the area by bike, then seek out the “veloroute”. This 160km route takes in Aiguillon then Fumel and on to Cahors. It takes you along a greenway, which follows the banks of the Garonne River, and for the keener cyclist there is a route involving a trip up into the hills. For details and logbooks, pop in to your local tourist information office, you’ll find one in every small town.

If your preference is for riding around the countryside on horseback, then there are plenty of options available to you. There are riding stables to be found everywhere; at Lacour de Visa, Pinel-Hauterive, , Prayssas, Dolmayrac, Sainte-Livrade sur Lot, La Croix Blanche, Monbalen, Pujols, Villeneuve sur Lot, Frespech, Trentels, Saint-Front Lemance and Lacapelle-Biron.

Lacour –near Bourg de Visa
Centre Equestre M. Guy Daumerie
Lieu Dit Lauzinie
82190 Lacour Tel : +33 (0)5 63 95 23 31

Saint Beazeil
Le Harras de Sigbell
Vignes Grandes
82150 SAINT BEAUZEIL Tel : +33 (0)5 63 95 25 65

Monflanquin Equi Age
Route de Cancon (côté Espace forme)
47150 - Monflanquin
Tel : +33 (0)5.53.36.51.37
Tel : +33 (0)6.70.62.41.85

Pinel-Hauterive

At the Missandre Equestrian Centre rides cost from €16 to €42 depending on duration and hikes from €70 a day or €150 for the weekend. You can contact the centre on 05 53 49 02 86 or 05 53 41 87 66.

Prayssas

In Prayssas, at the Atouts Crins horse-riding centre, children can ride from €15 per hour and adults from €20 per hour. Horse riding lessons are also available here from €35-€40. The centre can be reached on 05 53 47 28 58 or on their mobile 06 20 07 38 78.

Sainte-Livrade/Lot

At St Livrade/Lot there are two horse riding centres both offering lessons.
The Eperon Livradais Equestrian Ctr offers classes for beginners and more advanced riders and takes children from as young as 4 years old. They can be contacted on 05 53 71 23 42.

La Gravade Equestrian Farm offers half-day training periods for €25 and full days for €45. Hourly and half hourly rates are also available. Contact them on their mobile 06 84 51 42 84.

La Croix Blanche

At La Teoulere stables a 90-minute session will cost €18. You can reach them on 05 53 66 97 47 or on their mobile 06 83 31 33 56.

Monbalen
At “Mane in the Wind”, the equestrian centre at Monbalen a weekend ride out will cost you €150, a day’s ride costs €75, two hours costs €29 and an hour is charged at €15. There are open for reservations all year round and can be reached on 05 53 95 18 61 or on their mobile 06 70 68 79 92.

Pujols

There are two riding centres a Pujols too; the Domaine de Compte and the Teron stables.

At the Domaine de Compte, hikes, lessons and training are available with a professional instructor. Two hours will cost €22. They can be reached on their mobile 06 27 22 16 73.

At the Teron stables, pony classes, walks and training are offered to children as young as 3 years old. Contact them on 05 53 70 74 17 or on their mobile 06 19 90 80 39.

Villeneuve sur Lot

The Roge Equestrian Club in Villeneuve sur Lot is open from Monday to Saturday but closed on Thursdays. Opening hours are 08.00 to 12.00 and 14.00 to 18.00 and classes are held in the grounds of a magnificent castle dating back to the Middle Ages, which is set on the banks of the River Lot. Children are taken from the age of 3 years and lessons are charged at €26 per hour. You can contact them on 05 53 70 59 99 or on their mobile 06 85 90 28 17.

Frespech

The Gramont riding school in Frespech is open all year round except for the last week in August. Classes are available from €20 with a childs first ride costing just €10. Call to make reservations on 05 53 49 03 01 or on their mobile 06 8951 88 54

Trentels

The Garenne stables at Trentels are open all year round from 08.00 to 18.00hrs. Hacks or classes are available on request and cost €16p/h. They can be reached on their mobile on 06 23 14 43 01.

Saint-Front Lemance

Saint-Front Lemance is the home of the Bonaguil horses. Rides cost €14 - €16 for one hour, 2 hours is charged at €30 and 3 hours at €42. A 10 hour package deal can be bought for €120 but they must be used within two months of purchase. Reservation is advised, call their mobile on 06 60 16 06 60.

Lacapelle-Biron

Horse riding is available all year round at Attelage desBastides in Lacapelle- Biron. The cost is €20 per person. Their landline phone number is 05 53 40 82 92.

Boating, Kayaking and Canoeing

The River Lot and the Garonne River both meander for miles in the region and provide some magnificent photo opportunities. You can pick up a boat ride from many places along the Lot River including Fumel, Penne d’Agenais, Villeneuve sur Lot and Damazan and you can go kayaking or canoeing from Monheurt, Aiguillon, Castelmoron, Le Temple sur Lot, Casseneuil, Villeneuve sur Lot, Trentels and Fumel.

Wine tasting

One of the greatest ways to spend an afternoon in the Lot Valley is to spend it tasting wine. There are some 200+ “domains” in this part of France and at Kingfisher Holidays, we can arrange for our guests to sample some of the finest. Please contact us for details of a wine tasting itinerary.

Markets

Another great outing is a trip around some of the local markets. Markets are a tradition in this region of France and they are held regularly. On Monday afternoons there is a market at Lacapelle Biron, on Tuesday mornings head for Monflanquin and in the evenings go to iether Dausse, Laparade or Sauveterre la Lamance. On Wednesday evenings there are markets at Salles and Prayssas and on Thursday evenings they’re held at Fongrave and Monflanquin. On Friday mornings there’s a market at Frespech and in the evenings they’re held at Fregimont, Tournon d’Agenais and Montagnac sur Lede. Weekend markets occur all over the region but the dates and times for these vary, see your local tourist information office for details.

Swimming

Since all of the gîtes we have available for rent come with either their own private pool or access to a shared one, all of our guests can swim to their hearts content without leaving their holiday home. If you’re out and about though, and fancy a dip, you can always make your way to one of the many leisure lakes that exist in the area. A leisure lake in south west France is a natural or man made fresh water lake that sometimes has a sandy, beach type rim. Anyone is allowed to swim in these lakes, some have life guards, some don’t, depending on their popularity.

Gîtes in South France - click here to view our holiday cottages in South France

Events and things to do in the Lot Valley South West France

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During the summer months there are a great many activities and events taking place throughout the Lot Valley and South West France. Here is just a flavour of some of the events and things you can do whilst staying in a gite, cottage or farmhouse in the Lot Valley, South France.

Cottages in South France – click here to view our holiday cottages and farmhouses in the Lot Valley

Albas Festival of Wine – 4th June
High above the River Lot sits the charming village of Albas, normally visited for its breathtaking views. However, once a year in June, the narrow streets are illuminated and thousands of visitors flock for a night of wine tastings, delicious food and approximately 10 bands filling the night air with music.

THE PRICE €15.00
THE PROGRAMME:
4pm : arrival of the barrel on a boat and piercing of the barrel
5pm : opening of the cellars
7pm : opportunity to have dinner
8pm : Concert with Bombes de Bal
Midnight : the cellar will close, and the barrel will be burnt
00.30 : final concert on the banks of the river with KKC Orchestra (electronic, Hip Hop, swing)

Eight wine producers fill your glass as often as you want in the vaulted wine cellars, tartines of foie gras, or Rocamadour cheese and saffron are served. Should you prefer then there is the opportunity to have dinner.

This is a night of 5* atmosphere.

Fête de la Musique - June
Monday 21st June is the day for all music lovers throughout France and across Europe. It is a day of joyous celebration as the Fête de la Musique comes to life. This free popular music event is open to anyone who wants to join in. The fête sees amateur musicians line up alongside their professional counterparts for a musical exchange like no other.

It is a chance for the committed amateur to rub shoulders with those who have already been recognised within the industry, to discuss ideas and compare chords and also to perform for any talent scouts that might be milling around in the crowd.

Things to do in the Lot Valley - July
July is one of the most pleasant and popular months to holiday in the Lot Valley. As a result there are hundreds of events and mini festivals going on, so rather than concentrate on one, we thought we'd give you an overview of the many different activities you and your family can enjoy whilst on holiday in the Lot Valley during July.

You can go for picnics around one of the many picturesque leisure lakes. These lakes can be found at Montaigu-de-Quercy, Montcuq, Beauville, Catus and St Nicholas de la Grave and they are well-signposted from the local villages.

You could go horse riding. Sightseeing on horseback is one of the most popular ways to get around the countryside. There are many horse riding centres and stables dotted about the Lot Valley, most of which are open all year round.

Another popular option, particularly if you happen to be staying in or around Cahors are the wine tours. There are plenty to choose from and you will find an expert in wine production on every corner. Cahors is home to the famous Black wine and Kingfisher holidays are delighted to report that we can arrange your wine tasting tours for you, so let us know if you would like us to arrange a tour for your party whilst you are staying in one of our holiday properties.

The lush green countryside and beautiful hillside scenes are just perfect when viewed from the deck of a passing cruiser, so why not take a boat ride? The clear and mostly gentle waters of the River Lot provide some truly amazing views and some not to be missed photo opportunities. A must have for your photo album is a picture of the village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Taken from the water, this is a conversation piece if ever there was one!

And of course, one can't come to the larder of France without sampling some of its many delights. Look out for home produced foie gras, for delightful honeys, wonderful local cheeses, fresh vegetables and breads – all available to buy at the local markets which make a great morning's outing for the family.

One key event in July is the firework display at Châteaux Bonaguil. For more information on this, look out for information regarding the feux d'artifice (fireworks) display. This offers an amazing display of fireworks, lighting up the castle and summer night sky – all to music! A great evening out.

Grand Pruneu Show - August
Don't miss the Grand Pruneu Show in Agen. It is a huge 3 day event held to mark the importance of the Prune in this particular part of France. Now in its 7th year, the festivities grow bigger and bolder, louder and brighter as each year passes and this year promises to be no exception. The show, which is to be held on the 26th, 27th and 28th of August at Agen, will feature musical performances from popular French artists Cali, Zaz and Louis Chedid.

Cali is the stage name of Bruno Caliciuri who was born on the 28th of June, 1968 in Vernet-les-Bains near Perpignan. Bruno Caliciuri still lives in the region of Perpignan, where he grew up and formed his first band at the age of 17. At 25 he became a member of the popular French rock band "Indy" and now at 42, though his music has mellowed a bit, he is still performing with energy and intensity, to sell out crowds all over France.

French female vocalist Zaz, will be performing on day two of the festival, mixing jazzy styles with French soul sounds and acoustics. A singer since 1995, Zaz, whose real name is Isabelle Geffroy is also an accomplished kung-fu practitioner. Her musical tastes and influences are diverse and range from Vivaldi through to afro, latin and Cuban.

She is quoted as saying "The name Zaz is reflective of all musical styles, from A to Z and inverse Z to A." She mixes French and Spanish music with Afro, Arab, Andalusian and Latin influences. In November 2010, her debut album was certified double platinum and she won the European Border Breaker Award. By January of 2011, the album Zaz had sold over half a million copies in nearly 20 countries.

Day three of the Grand Pruneu Show sees Louis Chedid take the stage, In a musical career spanning nearly 40 years Chedid has released no less than 18 albums and a number of promotional singles. These three days spent celebrating the prune promise to make for a weekend to remember.

Nights of Lauzerte 5th & 6th August
Perched high on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside, the medieval bastide village of Lauzerte turns off its lights for two nights each year. Winding your way through the narrow streets lit only by candlelight you are guided towards the gardens where you can enjoy dancers, musicians, displays of photographs and statues.

Meals are available and can be purchased in the market square at 8pm and the candlelight spectacle begins at 10pm by entry ticket.

Cottages in South France – click here to view our holiday cottages and farmhouses in the Lot Valley

Château Bonaguil and The Lot Valley in South France

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Kingfisher offer holiday gites for rent in South France in an area known as the Lot Valley. All our holiday cottages, gites, farmhouses, villas and apartments, which can accommodate anywhere from 2 to 24 guests, are of the very finest quality and all come with their own private swimming pools.

Gites in South France – click here to search for holiday properties in the Lot Valley

The Lot valley is generally regarded as encompassing an area of about 50 miles from the River Lot between Cahors and Villeneuve-sur-Lot. It takes in parts of the three French departments; Lot et Garonne, The Lot and tarn et Garonne in the south west of France.

Located 5 ½ hours from Paris, 6 hours from St Malo and 7 ½ hours from Calais to the south of the Dordogne and north of Toulouse, this verdant, rural area of France is a very popular holiday destination amongst couples looking to get away from it all for a while, families who are looking for a peaceful and relaxing break and groups of friends. Set deep in the heart of some of the most beautiful countryside France has to offer, The Lot valley is filled with green fields, oak forests, vineyards, farmland and historic hill-top bastide towns.

It offers an invigorating, revitalising, inspiring and soulful holiday experience. Its climate is just about perfect, warm sunny days which are not too hot, turn to cool but not cold evenings making it ideal for relaxing by the pool, dining alfresco and taking long leisurely walks.

The landscape is verdant, the terrain a mixture of rolling hills, wide valleys, small farms, and pretty little market towns and villages. There are very few main roads and virtually no traffic save the odd piece of farm machinery. The countryside is reminiscent of rural England of the 1950’s, oak woods and walnut groves are criss-crossed with river valleys which seem to have formed their own, natural irrigation systems and the limestone cliffs are topped with ancient fortified towns and villages.

There are many interesting days out for the family in the Lot Valley. One of these is a trip to Château Bonguil. Located near to Fumel in northern Lot-et-Garonne. Château Bonaguil has been classified as an historic monument since 1862. Over time the Château has undergone some quite dramatic transformations. Originally much simpler and smaller than it is now, it was however, still able to hold its own during the one hundred years war and remained in its original family ownership throughout those turbulent times. It did not go unscathed though and became the subject of quite extensive renovations and modifications in the period that followed. These renovations have uncovered some graffiti on the walls dating back to the middle ages.

The History of Château Bonaguil

First built in the 13th century and subsequently extended in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, the owner at that time, Bérenger de Roquefeuil, considered it necessary to modernise and extend his defences against an enemy that never came, at least, not when it was supposed to. The Château was extensively fortified against an artillery attack, further perimeter walls were built, a moat was excavated, artillery battlements and towers were erected, all as it turned out, for no reason. No attack came and these defences were never put to the test – until later. During the French revolution of 1789-1799, the castle did sustain some quite extensive damage but even so, it remains today, a true marvel of defensive engineering.

Events at Château Bonaguil

If you visit Châteaux Bonaguil during the summer months, towards the end of July each year, look for information regarding the feux d'artifice (fireworks) display. One summer’s evening, every year, the castle is lit up dramatically, music is played and fireworks are set off around and from the castle. It makes for an unforgettable evening

Visiting Château Bonaguil

Rates and tour information for 2011

Adults and children over 13 years € 7.00 per person

Children 6 to 12 years - € 4.00 per person

Tour Groups
From 20 persons by appointment € 6.00 per person

School groups by appointment.
Free guide per 10 children € 3.50 per person

Opening Times

January and February the Château is open during school holidays only from 14.00 to 17.00 (except January 1st)

From March to October the Château is open daily from 10.00 to 12.30 and from 14.00 to 17.30 but there are no tours on Tuesdays in March or October

June and September the Château is open daily from 10.00am to 12.30 and then again from 14.00 to 18.00 In July and August the Château is open daily from 10.00 to 19.00

In November the Château is open on Sundays and school holidays from 10.30 to 12.30 and from 14.00 to 17.00

In the December school holidays the Château open 14.00 to 17.00 except 25/12

To check on guided tour availability contact at 05 53 41 90 71

Gites in South France – click here to search for holiday properties in the Lot Valley

The Bastide Villages in the Lot Valley.

2011-01-06T06:18:00.000-08:00

Kingfisher Holidays specialise in high quality holiday accommodation in South France. We have a large number of excellent gites in the area known as the Lot Valley. This beautiful and verdant part of south west France, just five hours south of Paris is quaint and picturesque. Travelling around its medieval villages is like stepping back in time; pretty little stone cottages festooned with Bougainvillea line the streets, interspersed with delightful little cafés, shops and restaurants, many of which serve fresh local produce and their own, very good local wines.

Located north of the Midi-Pyrenees and just east of the Dordogne department of Aquitaine, The Lot is a land of beautiful landscapes, dramatic gorges, slow moving rivers, and lush vineyards. The region is dotted with unassuming small towns and villages, which are unspoiled by the passage of time and a delight to discover and explore. Our properties are located within a 50 mile radius, or thereabouts, of the Lot River between Cahors and Villeneuve-sur-Lot. This includes the three French departments of Lot et Garonne, Lot and Tarn et Garonne.

The landscape is a mixture of rolling hills, wide river valleys, small farms, oak woods, walnut groves and limestone cliffs topped with ancient fortified towns known as bastides. There are many bastide towns in this area of France. Founded in the 13th century, they were new towns for their time and built with one purpose in mind; to improve the security and safety of the residents and promote trade. Bastides were usually built in a grid layout, with equal space allocated to each house. The grid centred on a square, which often contained a market hall with sheltered arcades around the edges.

Many of these bastide towns were fortified to protect against the English in the Hundred Years War and these fortifications remain, for the most part today, a testament to their construction and to the zeal with which they were protected. Some fine examples of these medieval bastides are the towns of Tournon D'Agenais, Penne D'Agenais, Monflanquin, Villereal and Villeneuve-sur-Lot. Read on to discover more of these historic towns.

Tournon d'Agenais

Founded in 1270 by Raymond VII Count of Toulouse, the town of Tournon D'Agenais stands proud, high up on the rocks from which there is a breathtaking view of the Boudouyssou Valley. Turn to look behind you and you’ll see verdant forest land and be treated to views over the Quercy Blanc.

This site of historical interest with its protected walls and Royal history retains many of its local traditions. It is a peaceful environment, surrounded by natural beauty with hilly woodlands and meadows displaying a remarkable variety of plant and animal life.

Like many bastides, Tournon d'Agenais was created in an orderly gridiron pattern with the roads leading out from a central market square complete with clock tower and church. The square is surrounded by arches which themselves house craft shops, cafés, bars and restaurants.

Penne d'Agenais

The road to Penne d’Agenais is steep but the view from the top and the town itself is breathtaking and well worth the trip. Situated on the border of Perigord, Guyenne and Quercy, the surrounding countryside and stunning views over the Lot valley and the Pays de Serres make for the most wonderful photo opportunities, regardless of the season.

Penne d'Agenais is a few kilometres south-east of Villeneuve-sur-Lot, on the River Lot and in the Lot et Garonne department. A small village, Penne d'Agenais is very pretty. It seems at first sight, to consist of a single road, heading upwards. Fairly soon though, you see that this is dissected by little lanes and alleyways, many of which hide quaint little restaurants, bars and local shops. On your journey up through the village, you will pass lots of attractive houses and public buildings, many of which will be draped with seasonal flowers or decoration. At the very top of the hill you’ll find the substantial basilica of Notre-Dame du Peyragude. This is surrounded by a wide open space which is ideal for a picnic stop.

Monflanquin

A wonderful medieval bastide village in the south west corner of France, the village of Monflanquin was established in the year 1284 and is recognized as one of the best preserved bastide villages in France. In addition, Monflanquin has been designated one of the most beautiful villages in France. The area features glorious castles hidden away in the rolling hills, wonderful rivers and fascinating prehistoric caves.

Many of the buildings here date back to the 15th century and beyond and still display their tremendous character, original stone walls and great rustic appeal. Monflanquin sits high on a hill, its two church towers silhouetted on the skyline can be seen for miles around. Cobbled alleys lead to a central arcaded square where the weekly market is held and restaurants and bars can be found. During the summer months there are music and art exhibitions and medieval festivals reflecting the town’s cultural heritage. Situated in the gently rolling countryside between the picturesque Dordogne and Lot Valleys, it features numerous places of interest, prehistoric sites, châteaux and gardens.

Villereal

Villereal was founded in 1272 and is one of hundreds of old fortified towns or “bastides” in the south west of France constructed during the hundred year’s war between England and France. There are several of these bastides around Villereal, each about 15 kilometres apart and each with a special flavour and interest. Set in a region between the two great rivers of the Dordogne and Lot, Villereal is a tourist paradise with activities and historical sites to interest all ages and tastes.

It is a lively town and a great place to sit outside a café and watch the world go by. The town boasts all the amenities you’d expect in a thriving community including shops and supermarkets, newsagents, a chemist, bakers, banks, restaurants and bars and it is close to the medieval towns of Issigeac, Monpazier, Monflanquin, Beaumont, Domme and Castillones.

Villeneuve-sur-Lot

Villeneuve-sur-Lot is a bastide town that has moved with the times. Much larger now, than it once was and more modern too, it still retains many interesting and ancient features. The centre of the town is found between two old gateways; the Porte de Paris and the Porte de Pujols, which can easily be seen as you approach the town from either direction. The Porte de Paris was built in the 14th century and like Villeneuve itself, is a mixture of old stone and the red brick of Toulouse.

Between the two towers you’ll find the Rue de Paris, the main shopping street of Villeneuve and this leads on to the Place Lafayette which is the town’s central square. The square is surrounded by arcaded shops and on Tuesday and Saturday mornings it plays host to the towns market. There are many other historic buildings and points of interest in Villeneuve sur Lot and among those to look out for are St Catherine’s Church with its wonderful tower, ‘Pont Vieux’ which is a 13th century bridge, based on the bridge at Cahors, the “Tour de Pujols” and the Art Museum of Villeneuve.

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Agri-tourism in the Lot Valley

2010-12-08T05:10:00.000-08:00

One of the sunniest regions in France with over 2000 hours of sunshine a year, spring comes early to the Lot Valley, attracting walkers and ramblers from all over Europe. Temperatures in this region of South France are around 20°C in April, May and June with autumn often enjoying something of an Indian summer. Even later in the year, around October, you can enjoy daytime temperatures averaging between 16°C and 19°C. The spring and autumn seasons tend to be quite long with a good amount of sunshine making the Lot Valley, one of the most pleasant holiday destinations in Europe if not the world and one of the most generous areas on Earth, in terms of its food production.

The abundance of rich and fertile farmland in the Lot Valley means that the region produces an array of home grown foods. Local specialities include prunes, garlic, walnuts, truffles, wild mushrooms, and an abundance of very tasty vegetables. Stews or “cassoulets” made from locally reared wild boar, deer, corn fed chicken and lamb taste great, as does the local duck and pate foie gras. Fruits go to make fabulous local jams or “confits” and even the honey tastes that bit sweeter. The delightful local cafés serve up large portions of this fresh, locally produced food, including typical French snacks like omelettes and croque monsieur. They also offer a wide range of fish, cured hams and sausages, a good variety of cheeses and of course, great fruit tarts, pastries and cakes.

Below are details of some of the many interesting museums and farm shops to visit whilst on holiday in the Lot Valley in South France. Tours of these places make for a great day out and can be a valuable source for foods for the barbecue as well as for those all important souvenirs.

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Foie Gras

There are a number of very interesting museums detailing the history and production of foie gras goose pate. Take a trip to the Musée du Foie Gras, Ferme de Souleilles, 47140, Frespech. Here Yves and Genevieve Boissiere and their team wait to greet you. They took over the farm from Yves’ grandfather who was originally a dairy farmer, but raised ducks in the winter. The ducks soon took over and now duck breeding is the farms main activity. The Museum is housed in a former barn on the farm. Opened in 1994, it gives you a fascinating insight into early foie gras production methods, taking you right through to the present, modern day techniques.

At the farm shop you can purchase half-cooked foie gras or traditional foie gras, an assortment of terrines and cooked dishes. You might like to try one of their specialities; duck fattened with figs and maize, just like the Romans used to cook it. You can dine at the recently opened Taulejada restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious meal which is perhaps unsurprisingly centred around duck.

The last weekend in October sees the start of a three day programme of gastronomy and entertainments including cooking demonstrations featuring duck and pumpkin jam with vanilla as well as Armagnac tastings. You can watch the great truffle hunt to see if the dogs can sniff them out and drink locally produced aperitifs. There is also a farmers market with stalls offering chocolates, foie gras, cheeses, wines and Armagnac

There are numerous activities for the children with pony rides, mushroom hunts, outdoor games and a veritable zoo of animals including the black Gascon pig and donkeys as well as chickens, turkeys and of course, ducks. There’s loads going on here, all year round. The duck farm is open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 to 19.00 and on Sundays and Bank Holidays from 15.00 to 19.00. Closed for Christmas and on New Year’s Day, there’s an entry fee of 5€ per person with free entry to the under 12’s.

After 16.30 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from July 6^th to September 8^th you can enjoy tastings and cooking demonstrations from 8€ per person and a full sit down meal from 26€ per person. On Thursdays from July 16^th to August 20^th you can attend an Occitanian evening, a feast with music and dancing from 30€ per person. Other attractions at the farm include a peasants market which runs from July 2^nd to September 3^rd and is held on Fridays. Here you’ll be able to sample foods and buy from some 18 different local producers.

The Musée-Boutique du Foie Gras in Laguilhon, Rond Point, Montplaisir, 117, rue des Pyrénées, 64800 is open Monday to Saturday from 09.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 19.00. It is a fascinating place where all the ancient traditions are respected and the ancestral recipes, followed. The conserves are cooked in cauldrons and the foie gras are carefully selected. This family-run company produces some of the best foie gras in the region. Entrance fees (at time of writing) are Adults: 3.05€ and Children from 7 to 15 yrs: 1.52€.

Another great farm market for foie gras, is located in Lagarrigue; La ferme de Ramon is open all year round and serves up such delights as plucked duck, duck foie gras, semi-preserved foie gras, cooked and dried duck breast and thighs, duck sausage, canned foie gras, confit, rillettes, pates and prepared dishes like duck with orange and various stews. The farm shop is open Monday to Saturday in the summer from 09.00 to 19.00.

More foie gras delights can be tasted in Coulx at la Ferme de Sarboise. Owned by Monique and Daniel Furlan, Monique recommends that her foie gras be kept in the fridge for freshness until half an hour prior to serving. Then it should be removed from its mold, cut into serving sized portions using a hot knife to make the slicing easier and served at the beginning of a meal with a mellow white wine, she suggests a Sauternes.

Prunes

Pay a visit to the Musee de pruneau, where your group visit will be conducted by a hostess and you can listen while a recorded commentary details the history of the prune industry. The first room you enter, traces the history of the dried plum back 150 years, there is a large collection of old tools and authentic wood-fired ovens that show you how things were done in times gone by and how these processes have changed over the years. The second room shows the preparation of the plum in a workshop at the beginning of the century. It shows how the plums were sorted, sleeved and conditioned. The display shows work scenes with animated characters in period costumes and really brings the past to life. The last room contains rare collections and extensive archives on the plum trade. In the craft factory adjacent to the museum, the operation of each machine is explained on signage in three languages and there are regular tasting sessions. You can also buy prunes, chocolate specialities, prunes in brandy, cream and honey etc.

There are more prune delights at La Ferme de Plessis at Saint Aubin. Here you’ll see the full production process from tree to jar. They are continually looking for new and exciting ways to market their product, their latest being an intriguing mix of prunes and tomatoes, called Coup de Coeur, which is great on toast or with pasta or rice. La Ferme de Plessis can be found at Le Plessis 47150 St Aubin. The farm is open to the public between July and September, Monday to Saturday from 11.00 to 15.30 and the shop is open from 10.00 til 12.00 and then again from 14.00 to 18.00.

Jams, Preserves and Honey

Au Paradis des Fruits in Coulx is the place to head for for jams, iced fruits, sorbets and jellies. The farm store is open from June to September Monday to Friday from 15.00 to 19.00 and on Saturdays from 09.00 to 12.00.

The Billat family, Christine, Jacques and Damien will be happy to welcome you to their farm. The farm has two business activities, cereal and fruit and more particularly prunes. They market prunes in all their forms, jams made with fruit of the family orchard and various other goodies including pasta, fruit sorbets and syrups. Their range of products make wonderful gifts and include bagged plums, soft prunes, prunes stuffed with prune cream, prunes covered in chocolate, bottled prune juice and prune cream. They also produce plum jams infused with other fruits and flavours like orange, lemon, cinnamon and vanilla as well as jams made from strawberries, lemons, watermelons and raspberries.

Laygue Blanche at Lacapelle-Biron is the place to go for sweet honey and gingerbread. Their workshop and honey ride is open from 08.00 to 12.00 and 14.00 to 19.00 daily except Sunday afternoons.

Fruit Juice, Wine and Liqueurs

If it’s fruit juices, wines or liqueurs you’re after, you really should visit Mr Big (Henri Gros) at the Ferme de Titoy in Bazens. Dating back to the 16^th century, the farm is located on the hills bordering the green and peaceful valley of the Garonne river, a few kilometres from the confluence of the Lot and Garonne, near the ancient abbey of Bazens, Using the Williams pear, Mr Big creates a gorgeous and very fragrant liqueur which is the perfect accompaniment to vodka, gin or whiskey or can be turned into a longer drink just by adding tonic.

Wines of the region are plentiful, there’s the famous Black wine of Cahors and the Lou Gaillot winery at 47440 Casseneuil. Here Annick & Gilles Pons produce a range of wines on their 32 acre plot, close to the Perigord. Regularly awarded medals and highlighted in specialist publications, some of their reds are light and fruity, made using Cabernet and Merlot, whilst others are aged in oak barrels and have more body. They do a medium dry sparkling rosé which is just fabulous for those long summer evenings and a surprising white made from Sauvignon and Sémillon which is great with fish. Between May and September, you can take a family tour through the vineyard and throughout the year you can enjoy tasting sessions in their comfortable tasting room. Their opening times are 09.30 – 12.00h and 14.00 to 19.00 but they are closed on Wednesdays, Sundays and public holidays

Other places to visit

Some other very interesting places to visit are Hazelnut House and The Magic Cauldron. Regine and Claude are waiting to greet you at the house of the hazelnut. Here you can sample and buy all manner of hazelnut based products from roasted hazelnuts to hazelnut flour and from hazelnut crisps to hazelnut pate and fois gras. You can even get hazelnut soap and moisturiser. Talks are regularly put on and there are shows for the children, mostly involving squirrels. Hazelnut House can be found at 47360 Campelières in Lacépède, you’d be nuts to miss it.

Marie Pascale and Martin Lavoyer wait for you at The Magic Cauldron in Brugnac. This is a popular eco farm with Angora goats, Highland cows, sheep, chickens, roosters and Madarin ducks. It’s a real adventure for the kids and among the teepees is a Mohair yarn shop selling hats, scarves, sweaters, gloves stoles, boleros, knitted squares, rugs, throws and blankets. Freshly baked bread, goats cheese and other tasty homemade foods are on offer here too. The Magic Cauldron is at 47260 Brugnac

Farmers' Markets

Wherever you are staying in the Lot Valley you can be sure that you’re never too far from a farmers' market and with such a vast range of locally grown foods available, these events are extremely popular, not just with tourists and holidaymakers but with the locals too. Throughout the week there is a market happening somewhere, especially in the summer.

Markets are held at the following locations on different days;

Monday afternoons at Lacapelle Biron

Tuesday mornings at Monflanquin and Tuesday evenings at Dausse, Laparade and Sauveterre la Lamance

Wednesday evenings at Salles and Prayssas

Thursday evenings at Fongrave and Monflanquin

Friday mornings at Frespech and Friday evenings at Fregimont, Tournon d’Agenais and Montagnac sur Lede

Saturday mornings at Villeneuve sur Lot and Saturday evenings at Caseneuil on the 10^th July, La Sauvetat sur Lede on the 7^th August and the 21^st August and Monclar on the 4^th September

Sunday mornings at Le Temple sur Lot, Monflanquin and Ste Livrade and Sunday evenings at Monclar on the 18^th July and 22^nd August

These dates will of course change next year but this at least gives you an overview of the farmers market activity in the area.

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Holidays in South France – Activities for the whole family!

2010-11-10T05:13:00.000-08:00

The South of France and particularly the Lot Valley in South West France is an ideal destination for all the family because there is so much to do! Along with great weather, beautiful scenery and high quality family accommodation, the South of France offers a range of activities for all age groups. Activities of all kinds are available to you here, from adrenaline sports to gentle horse riding and from golf to cycling rambling; the Lot Valley has it all to offer.

Holidays in South France – click here to browse our range of holiday accommodation in the Lot Valley, South West France

Flying

At Villeneuve sur Lot, you’ll find the Aérodrome de Rogé, where you can learn to fly with an instructor. Your first flying lesson will last 40 minutes with briefing sessions before and afterwards to talk through your experience and discuss your future as a pilot. You can also learn a few flying tricks to impress your friends back home. At the Montayral Airfield you can learn to fly and take in the glorious scenery of The Lot Valley, Fumel, Bonaguil, Cahors and the Dordogne at the same time and at Toulouse Airport, you can take a tour of the aircraft manufacturing facility. Here you’ll be able to spend time at the centre of European aircraft manufacturing, enjoying the sights, sounds and first-hand impressions of aircraft from past to present, including the great Concorde and today’s astounding offering to aviation history, the Airbus A380. Remember to arrange your dangerous sports insurance in advance and get a doctor’s note certifying that you are fit and well enough to participate.

Gliding and Parachuting

Take a visit to the small aerodrome at Lalbenque, South of Cahors as this is the local base for these aeronautical activities. There’s a paragliding club in Douelle. There is something quite awe inspiring and thrilling about gliding quietly above the countryside with just a piece of canvas above your head. Parachute Jumping is available just outside Montaigu de Quercy. The parachute schools details are as follows;

Ecole de Parachutisme de Midi-Pyrénées.
82110 BOULOC. Tél: 05 63 95 39 46. Fax: 05 63 95 39 47.

You can get in touch vie email at contact@bouloc-skydive.com and check out their website at www.bouloc-skydive.com/ Remember to arrange your dangerous sports insurance in advance and get a doctor’s note certifying that you are fit and well enough to participate.

Horse Riding

There is something of a passion in the Lot Valley for horse riding. There are no less than 21 equestrian centres in the area so you can, walk, trot, canter and even gallop your way around the countryside. Many of them offer horse riding lessons too so, even if you’ve never set foot in a saddle before, it won’t be long before you’re hacking along nicely with the rest of your group. Find your nearest equestrian centre amongst this list; Bazans, Clairac, Labretonie, Pinel-Hauterive, Lacepede, Prayssas, Dolmayrac, Sainte Livrade, La Criox-Blanche, Monbalen, Pujols, Villeneuve sur Lot,Pailloles,Frespech, Trentels, Sainte-Front Lemance and Lacapelle-Biron.

Golfing

Golf is another popular sport in the region and courses can found at Castelnaud de Gratecambe, close to Villeneuve-sur-Lot. The quality 9 and 18 hole courses are complimented by a good restaurant, swimming and tennis facilities so there’s something for everyone. Between Valence d'Agen and Auvillar, you’ll find Espalais, a lovely 18 hole course and there’s a 9 hole course at Agen which makes for a pleasant afternoon. At Roucous Sauveterre which is not far from Lauzerte, you’ll find another 9 holes together with a tennis court and swimming pool and a good club house restaurant and last but by no means least, is the 18 holes at Tombeboeuf which rather curiously translates to Beef Falls.

Cycling

The Lot Valley offers the cyclist a bit of everything, everything that is, except traffic. This beautifully unspoilt and quiet area of south west France offers up a history lesson at almost every turn. With its bustling markets, excellent wines and quite wonderful local food produce, you’ll never be stuck for refreshment either. Commanding views and quiet rural riding, this region has it all. The Lot River runs in a south-westerly direction joining with the Garonne. All along its banks, you’ll find spectacular scenery and delightful little towns offering a well earned break should you need it.

Go-Karting

Go karting is open all year round at the Circuit le Lissartel in Pers. From as young as 8 years old, your little ones can climb behind the wheel and test their driving skills. Mini-Karting is designed to give the little ones a taste of this great sport. For older boys and girls, those aged 10-14 years, there are the 200cc models. These are quick enough to get the heart racing but 15 year olds get to drive the 270cc models. The outdoor circuit is hilly, twisty and fast and some impressive and, not a little bit scary speeds can be reached. All safety gear is provided and all the vehicles are given a proper safety check prior to use. There is also Go-Karting close to our gites at Caussade in the Tarn et Garonne.

Airport Tours

At Toulouse airport you can go on a tour of the new air bus factory which is very interesting - a great day out for the men!

Holidays in South France – click here to browse our range of holiday accommodation in the Lot Valley, South West France

Beauty spots in South West France

2010-10-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

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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Grand Pruneau Show 27th-29th August

2010-08-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

From Friday the 27th to Sunday the 29^th of August, Agen celebrated its annual festival of the Prune. The Grand Pruneau Show of Agen has grown from strength to strength in recent years and since 2005, the last weekend of August or the first weekend of September has been marked by colourful and musical celebrations.

This year was no exception and the town hosted a parade, celebrations, live music, arts and craft stalls, and an exhibition of martial arts including Judo, Aikido, Karate and Slam Jumping.

Reggae performances from the Ivory Coast’s Alpha Blondy and The Solar System and the Latin sounds of French folk rock group Superbus, headlined on the Friday and Saturday and on Sunday it was the turn of Murray Head who performed his classic hit “One night in Bankok” amongst other well known favourites.

Amid all the music, the parades and the revellry, interesting discourses could be heard explaining the origins of the prune industry in Agen and there were plenty of free tasting sessions on offer in and around the markets which were open through til midnight on the Friday and Saturday.

Holidays in South France: Nautical Activities in the Lot Valley

2010-08-20T08:30:00.000-07:00

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.

Holidays in South France – click here to browse our Lot Valley Gites, Cottages and Farmhouses

Pottery Life at Pujols - Sunday 22nd August

2010-08-18T03:59:00.000-07:00

Saint-avit, cradle of the ceramist Palissy, restores pottery life on Sunday August 22nd at Pujols during a beautiful pottery fair.

While you are in the area, you could also take the children to the swimming pool of Malbentre - a covered outside pool at Pujols, with additional paddling pool and station of hydromassage.

(Pool open July - August 11.00 - 20.00)

Tel: 05 53 70 97 26

Top Ten Things to do in the Lot Valley

2010-07-27T01:49:00.000-07:00

1. Picnic by a leisure lake

There are many leisure lakes to choose from in this part of the world and they welcome family picnickers. Most of them provide facilities for safe bathing too, so when the kids have finished their pain au chocolat and glass of Orangina, they can paddle about or swim in the waters and you can rest, safe in the knowledge that they will come to no harm. There are leisure lakes at Montaigu-de-Quercy, Montcuq, Beauville, Catus, St Nicholas de la Grave and these are mostly well-signposted from local villages.

2. Horse Riding

Horse riding in the Lot Valley is a favoured way to get out into the countryside and see the sights. There are more than 20 horse riding centres and stables dotted about the area, most of which remain open throughout the year, taking advantage of the areas 1,500 km of bridleways. The local tourist office will be able to give you details of your nearest centre.

3. Wine Tours

Wine tours are held regularly throughout the region with many an expert on hand to talk you through the production processes, the gathering, collection, squeezing and bottling of the famous Cahors, Malbec or Black wine of Cahors. Here at Kingfisher holidays, we can also arrange wine tasting tours for our guests if required.

4. Visit a Château

There are many chateaux to visit in the area. A favourite is the Château Latuc with its famous vineyard trail. You can enjoy some quite lovely scenery and see how the vines are grown and the wine is made. You’ll be following in the footsteps of some of the great wine aficionados of our time, among them Guide Hachette and Hugh Johnson.

5. Visit an Adventure Park

Adventure parks abound here in the Lot Valley region, at Pradines, near Cahors the park is set in a wooded valley. Visitors use rope ladders to climb and then abseil down to aerial walkways. The prehistoric adventures that await near Rocamadour have to be seen to be believed and the animal park at Gramat is home to over a thousand animals.

6. Take a boat ride

If you enjoy sightseeing from the water, you won’t find a better place to do it than in the Lot Valley. It’s clear and mostly gentle waters meander through lovely countryside where lush greenery sits alongside ancient buildings and craggy rock faces. All of these amazing views will view for your attention and compete to fill those last remaining slots on your memory stick! From the waterways of the Lot Valley, one of France’s most unspoilt regions comes to life, displaying its wealth of landscape, orchard, vineyard and hillside pine forest.

7. Visit the Caves

The prehistoric cave drawings of Pech-Merle in a huge cavern close to the town of Cabrerets are noted for their remarkable stalagmites. Les Grottes de Lacave are another impressive set of caves featuring several inner caves, each given its own name. The Chaos Room, The Tarasque Room, The Snow Corridor, The Three Fates Room, The Organ Room and The Great Dome Room are all names to conjure with and places well worth a visit.

8. Play golf

Golf in the region is growing in popularity as the courses of Spain and Portugal become overcrowded and too expensive. The temperate climate of the region ensures that the Greens are always just that, green and the quality of the courses themselves is very high. One particular favourite is Le Neuf du Bouysset, a nine hole course with range and green, set on the beautiful Castel du Bouysset estate amid the beautifully undulating scenery of the Thèze Valley in St
Martin le Redon.

9. Adrenalin sports

For all its peace and quiet, it is still possible to get the heart pumping and the blood racing with adrenalin here in the Lot Valley. Parachuting, Cave Diving, Quad Biking, Mountain Biking, Canoeing, Kayaking and Hot Air Ballooning, its all here if you want it!

10. Eat and drink

After all, The Lot Valley is the home of foie gras, truffles, confit of duck and goose and the renowned Cahors wine – which you must try whilst you are here!
Restaurants in the Lot Valley are very family friendly and there are plenty of less adventurous foods available for the children.

Gites in South France - click here to search for holiday cottages and farmhouses.

Gites in South France

2010-07-08T03:26:00.000-07:00

If you are looking to take a holiday in south France, gites or holiday cottages are a real family favourite. Kingfisher holidays are delighted to be able to offer a fine selection of over 60 gites for holiday rental in the Lot Valley, South West France. All of our gites are of high quality and comfortably furnished. They all have a swimming pool in the grounds and come equipped with barbecue facilities for those long, lazy alfresco lunches and suppers under the stars.

What is a gite?

A gite is a French holiday home that is available for rent. Gites are usually fully furnished and equipped for self-catering. Often located in a rural setting, you can think of gite as the French term for holiday cottage or farmhouse that has been restored for holiday rental.
Why the south of France?

The South of France has something for everyone. Stretching from East to West you’ll find some of the finest wine and gourmet cookery in Europe, wonderful quaint towns with bustling markets, cosmopolitan cities at the forefront of fashion and warm sunny weather.
Our gites are located in the Lot Valley in South West France. The area from Cahors to Villeneuve-sur-Lot presents around 75km of the most appealing countryside to be found anywhere in the country. Containing the three departments of Lot et Garonne (Dept 47), Lot (Dept 46) and Tarn et Garonne (Dept 82), the landscape is of rolling green hills with wide valleys, lush farmland and picturesque villages.

Motorways and main roads give way here to tree lined country lanes and farm tracks with passing places and a feeling of relaxed contentment pervades the area. Oak woods meet walnut groves and river valley slopes meet limestone cliffs dotted with charming bastide towns.
The Lot Valley presents an almost tangible feeling of relaxed quietude. It is the perfect location in which to properly relax and recharge your batteries. Life here is unhurried and stress free, it is ideal and idyllic. It offers a charm and a peace that will have you yearning to return year after year.

South France gites - Click here to search for villas, gites and holiday cottages

Why Kingfisher holidays?

Kingfisher Holidays offer a selection of top quality holiday cottages, spacious farmhouses and châteaux to rent, all with pools in south France.

At Kingfisher holidays, we pride ourselves on the quality of the gites we have to offer. We have personally inspected every single one, to ensure that they provide comfortable and attractive holiday accommodation, suitable for families, couples or groups of friends.

We can also provide many additional services to make your stay that bit more enjoyable. For example we can arrange baby-sitting, catering for special meals which can be served in your gite and escorted trips to local vineyards.

Testimonial

We are writing to express our gratitude for the wonderful gite holiday we had at Lautrec. We had a very enjoyable stay, the property was beautifully presented and the grounds and pool were lovely. It was a really relaxing holiday in a charming area and we will definitely be returning at some point!

Mr & Mrs Manning
Ipswich

Fête de la Musique

2010-06-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

Monday 21st June is a day of joyous celebration in France and across Europe, as the Fête de la Musique explodes into life. This free popular event is open to anyone who wants to perform. Amateur and professional musicians alike will be tuning their instruments and practicing their scales over the course of this weekend, to present what has become a landmark celebration throughout Europe.

This day of musicality brings together artists of every melodious persuasion, providing a sounding board for their eclectic talents and in Villeneuve Sur Lot, tonight, it will be no different. The town’s groups and bands will be showcasing their musical flair for all to see and hear.

Holidays in the South of France

2010-06-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

Holidays in south France provide the perfect antidote to the everyday stresses and strains of hectic, modern day life. The area south of a line drawn from Aquitaine to the Cote d’Azur and west of Castres, Rodez and Aurillac is easily accessible by car, plane, ferry and train and affords a comfortably temperate climate.

The Lot Valley boasts a bountiful, verdant countryside which is rich in natural charm and famed for the quality of its local produce. Wherever you go on your holidays in south France, lush green fields, thick with vines roll out before you. The vineyards of Cahors and Bordeaux are of course synonymous with wine production but the area is also famed for its fine truffles, cheeses, honey and pate de fois gras.

Gourmet foods and traditional cuisine abound here and feasts of quality restaurants await you. Some take pride of place in town centre locations whilst others are located in quaint, off the beaten track villages, which once found, are never to be forgotten and revisited time and again. With an air of relaxed contentment, South France and particularly South West France offers the ideal getaway, whether you are holidaying as a couple, a family or a group of friends.

If its peace and quiet you are looking for, then you need look no further. A calming atmosphere pervades the area and many British holidaymakers come here, safe in the knowledge that they will be able to relax, unwind and fully enjoy each other’s company. Far from the madding crowds and extortionate prices of Biarritz, yet set in similarly beautiful surroundings, the Lot Valley easily rivals its expensive, tourist trapping neighbour, providing a peaceful environment in which you can thoroughly relax, kick back and enjoy life.

The temperate, year round climate presents wonderfully balmy evenings and long, lazy days and the peace and quiet of the area promotes restful sleep giving you the chance to properly recharge your batteries here. You may wish to pay a visit to one of the many leisure lakes in the area. They offer sandy beaches and some allow water sports providing a seaside feel without the excessive crowds.

This beautiful area of southern France revels in its peacefulness. It offers quiet roads and safety, in tranquil surroundings, a chance to enjoy long walks in the countryside or to relax and share a drink or two by the pool. A haven for those looking to escape the rat race, a villa holiday in South West France will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed, the way a real holiday should.

In the towns and villages of the area you’ll happen upon quaint little open-air cafes and traditional farmer’s style weekly markets serving up a feast of fresh local produce, ideal for the barbecue or an al-fresco lunch.

On a visit to the town of Cahors, the first thing you’ll want to do is sit and order coffee. There is nothing better than relaxing at one of the street side cafes in the dappled sunlight, filtered through the leaf canopy of a row of Plane trees. After coffee, perhaps you’d enjoy some of the world famous Cahors red or “black” wine with lunch at one of the town's fine restaurants. Cahors “black” wine is a rich, full bodied dark red that is best enjoyed with a local Lamb or Duck dish. Those with a sweet tooth might like to try the famous Pastis du Quercy, a sweet short crust pastry which is simply divine!

A wander around the town will present the 14th century Pont de Valentre, a beautiful landmark that straddles the River Lot as it meanders its way through the city and The imposing, double domed Cathedral of Saint Etienne. Every Monday and Wednesday, a large market is held in the square to the front of the cathedral and from here you’ll be able to pick up all you need for your evenings barbecue feast.

If you are travelling around The Lot Valley, you simply must see the village of St. Cirq La Popie. East of Cahors, it is said to be one of the prettiest villages in all of France. It perches, precariously 330 feet above the river, cut into the rock face of limestone cliffs. Once split between four families, the village has more than its fair share of castles and fortified houses lending an enchanting, fairytale feel to the place.

Another village pinned to a hill side is Penne d'Agenais, a pretty little French village with lovely views over the Lot. The village has several cafes and restaurants and is presided over, by the imposing basilica of Notre-Dame du Peyragude. Going anywhere in Penne d’Agenais, unless you are at the basilica, means going up hill and aside from a few alleyways and passageways off to the left and right, it generally means following the same road. Many attractive houses and buildings line the route, most of which have been carefully renovated in recent years. There are also a couple of 'arty' type shops and conveniently located cafes to stop and enjoy the atmosphere and views.

The town of Moissac is another must see on your travels. Its lively weekend markets and its impressive architectures make for some inspiring and memorable photo opportunities. The town boasts a large Romanesque abbey and cloisters, a fine selection of art galleries, some very pleasant eateries and bars. There is a tremendous sense of calm within the village making it a very relaxing and interesting excursion.

The pretty hillside bastide town of Lauzerte is well worth a visit. It has an attractive central square surrounded by arcaded buildings and the roads off it are lined with attractive houses that have for the most part at least, been lovingly restored and renovated. The town hosts regular public events throughout the year and most of them are centred on the town square where you will also find a lovely restaurant.

During your travels throughout this lovely part of France you’ll come across many picturesque little towns and villages, each with its own history and unique feel. You’ll also find the area has lots to offer should you feel the urge to do something a little more active or adventurous. Activities in the Lot Valley and the surrounding area include walking, cycling, horse riding, fishing, playing boules, tennis, golf, canoeing, sailing and swimming. All are widely available and very popular in the region.

There are some great walks to be had all over the region, in some quite lovely countryside. Some of these may take in a village or small town along the way. Take plenty of sun cream and bottled water with you though, it might not feel too hot but it doesn’t take long for the sun to start having an effect.

Holidays in South France – click here to browse our holiday villas and gites.

Images top to bottom: the village of St. Cirq La Popie, Moissac Cloisters, Cahors

The Mayday flower festival of Tournon d’Agenais

2010-04-28T06:27:00.000-07:00

In a little under a week’s time, the ancient bastide town of Tournon d’Agenais will burst into bloom once more with the festival of the ‘muguet’ or ‘lily of the valley’. Mayday sees this beautiful old town awash with colour. Red, pink, white and yellow roses will festoon virtually every wall and if tradition holds, the streets and alleyways will be lined with flowers and flower sellers from all over the region.

The lily of the valley flowers are passed from neighbour to neighbour as they have been for many years and flowers of every kind will adorn the square and the winding streets of the village. If previous years are anything to go by, the mix of colours and heady scents will be truly wonderful.

Among the oleanders, the philadelphus, the early geraniums and the bougainvillea you’ll find the cafes and restaurants anticipating a roaring trade. Their tables and chairs will be set out, occupying large areas of the square and drinks, snacks and ice creams will all be available for hungry and thirsty visitors. A local wine company will also have a stall at the festival and will be offering tasters of a red wine produced at vineyards in the area. Known as Vin du Tsar, the wine was served to Nicholas 11 of Russia, who enjoyed it so much, he immediately bought one thousand bottles for a large party.

A bus is available to take visitors to and from the village of Tournon D’Agenais.

Gite holidays in France - Rural French Holiday Properties Make Excellent Holiday Accommodation

2010-04-27T08:29:00.000-07:00

Gite holidays in the Lot Valley, in the South of France are ideal for couples, families or groups of friends looking to relax and soak up the sun on a peaceful, relaxing break. The Lot Valley presents the perfect combination of sunshine and beautiful lush green countryside as it stretches between Aquitaine in the west and the Midi Pyrenees in the south. The area is famed for its excellent climate, which is not too hot or too cold. If your idea of holiday heaven is to get away from the crowds, and enjoy the peaceful countryside and rustic French way of life, then our gite holidays will suit you down to the ground.

Gites in South France - Click here to browse our cottages and farmhouses

An area of outstanding natural beauty, The River Lot and the Lot Valley traverse three French departments and along the way, the landscape changes quite dramatically. Vineyard turns to verdant field and the area is dotted with pretty villages and hillside Bastide towns. Gite holidays afford the perfect base from which to explore this changing scenery either on foot or by bike. Or if you are feeling a little more energetic and fancy a bit of a challenge, you can even hire canoes and do your exploring by water.

The Lot Valley is increasing in popularity all the time as more and more holidaymakers discover its idyllic charms. However compared to other parts of the South of France, such as the Cote D’Azur, Marseille, Nice and Provence it is still much less touristy and has retained its peaceful, traditional French lifestyle.
The local towns and villages operate at their own pace, steadfastly refusing to accept that there is any need to move faster. French culture and cuisine here, has an authenticity that is sadly lost in other parts of the south of France making it the perfect holiday destination for those preferring a more genuinely French experience.

Market day is just one of those experiences and in France; it represents an age-old tradition. Markets of varying kinds are a constant throughout the region, due in no small part, to the fact that so much local produce is available in the area. The natural larder that is The Lot Valley produces world famous wines from Cahors and cheeses from Rocamadour, an abundance of truffles and pate de fois gras as well as fresh vegetables and fish. There are also breads and fresh fruits, honeys and jams, all locally produced, wonderfully fresh and delicious.

Mixing with the locals during one of these events is a delight. Many of them have at least a smattering of English and enjoy the cultural and linguistic exchanges borne of the English speaking French and vice versa. Indeed, the Lot Valley is the ideal place to bring children as part of their French education. Not only will they have fun learning the language but they will also see, first hand, what real French country life is like, something that thus far, they may only have read about in school text books.

All of the gites within our portfolio, whether, cottage, farmhouse or château are beautifully decorated and equipped to high standards. All have attractive gardens, barbecues and a swimming pool enabling you to entertain and enjoy the outdoor life, long into the balmy French evenings.

New for 2010 - Golf Breaks in South West France

2010-03-04T04:56:00.000-08:00

Kingfisher holidays are delighted to be able to offer a very special golfing holiday package with discounted rates for all you golf enthusiasts. We have teamed up with Villeneuve sur Lot Golf & Country Club to offer you a massive 25% discount off all green fees and club hire at this excellent 18 hole championship standard course.

Golf Holiday South West France - click here for more information.

Unlimited Golf – Every Day

We also offer an unlimited golf package for all groups of four golfers, which includes accommodation, breakfast and a three-course lunch or dinner. Priced per person not per round, this can add up to a real saving.
Situated just north of Villeneuve sur Lot, facilities at the club include a driving range, two practice putting greens, one of which has its own bunker and approach, a pro shop and a full time resident PGA teaching professional to help you brush up on your stance, stroke or follow through. Proper golf attire and soft spikes are required on the course at all times but in case you forget any key pieces, the club shop is open from 9am to 5pm daily and has a fine range of clothing and accessories for you to purchase. Golf buggies and trolleys are available for you to hire as are clubs and video aided tuition is available on request.

Built in 1987, this impressive par 72 course offers a real playable alternative to the over crowded courses of Spain and Portugal at a fraction of the price. Competitively priced accommodation is available on site in the guise of twelve, 2, 3 and 4 bedroomed serviced apartments built just six years ago in 2004. Sleeping 4, 6 and 8 persons respectively, these modern twin bedded apartments are extremely well furnished and maintained to the highest standards. Facilities include TV, DVD, stereo/CD, washing machine, dishwasher and a fully equipped kitchenette.

The package also comes with free, shared use of the swimming pool and tennis courts attached to the club with racquets and balls available for hire.
To book, simply telephone the Golf Club on 05 53 01 60 19 and reserve a tee time, quoting our special code (KF 2010)

Why play golf in the south west of France

Situated just half an hour from Bergerac International Airport, Villeneuve sur Lot Golf & Country Club is easily accessed via flights from many UK airports. It is within 2 hours drive of Bordeaux and Toulouse and 10 hours of Calais and so, is easily reached by road too.

The southwest of France offers some of the most idyllic golfing settings to be found anywhere in Northern Europe. Combine the warmth of Spain and the Algarve with the lush greenery of southern England and there you have it, the perfect blend of both temperature and scenery.

With upwards of 60 golf courses in the South West of France, the region is firmly established amongst the golfing fraternity, as the place to come for a challenging and rewarding round of golf. The terrain is just perfect for playing on with the many rivers and streams in the area, keeping the fairways and greens well hydrated. Add to this the delightful French cuisine, pleasant temperatures and slower pace of life you will find in South West France and you can see why so many choose to return here again and again.

Golf Holiday South West France - click here for more information.

Holiday Cottages South France – The Ideal Base For A Family Holiday

2010-02-09T05:11:00.000-08:00

With the Christmas break and New Year celebrations firmly behind us and nothing but the working weeks of 2010 to look forward to, what better time to turn your attention to the planning of your summer holiday?

Booking a holiday cottage in South France for the summer will put something in the diary to look forward to and what better holiday destination could you choose than a holiday cottage in The Lot Valley in the South France – the ideal base for a family holiday.

Why Choose The South Of France

The South of France has been a popular destination among British holidaymakers for generations. This popularity is in no small part due to its fine climate and ease of access by road, rail, air and sea. Within a relatively short time, a couple, family or group of friends could be sunning themselves by their own private pool, or walking amidst the verdant, rolling hills and vineyards of some of the most beautiful countryside in Europe.

Away from the coast and the crowded beaches, the Lot Valley offers a quieter, more picturesque holiday setting with an abundance of interesting little towns and villages, many with a fascinating past. Delightfully authentic cafes, bars and restaurants are available here, which are less expensive and crowded than in some of the more well-known tourist areas.

Holiday Cottages South France - Click here to browse our gites and farmhouses

Why Choose Self Catering Holiday Accommodation

The self-catering holiday is well suited to couples away on a romantic break, families on their annual holiday and groups of friends, looking to get away for some fun and relaxation. Its appeal is in the choices it allows you to make. You decide what type of accommodation best suits you, where to stay and for how long. You can also be extremely flexible on what and when you eat, when you go out and what time you get up in the morning!

A self-catering holiday deep in the Lot Valley, gives you the opportunity to slow down and experience life at a gentle pace the way the locals live it. There are plenty of great places to stock up on food for the meals you choose to cook at home. In most villages you will find a baker, a butcher, a chemist, post office and small supermarket that will sell most basic provisions. In larger towns, you’ll find the famous French hypermarkets where you can buy just about anything.

If you prefer traditional market shopping you will not be disappointed. There are plenty of local markets held throughout the Lot Valley, offering a wonderful choice of fresh, local and seasonal foods including fois gras, cheeses, honey & jams, a variety of fruits and delicious wines. The weekly French markets are a longstanding tradition in The Lot and very much a part of life here. You are actively encouraged to sample the goods before buying and are sure to come away with a feast fit for kings.

Our properties are extremely well equipped to ensure you have everything you need for food preparation – including barbecues, cookers, plenty of cutlery and dishwashers (in 99% of properties)! There is simply nothing better than enjoying a barbeque accompanied by a glass or two of the local full-bodied Cahors red wine, while relaxing by the pool and soaking up the late afternoon sunshine.
On nights where you don’t fancy cooking, it is possible to eat out in one of the local restaurants or get our caterers to come and cook for you! Ask us if you would like more details of this service.
Why Book With Kingfisher Holidays

Kingfisher Holidays have been letting holiday cottages, gites and farmhouses to holidaymakers in this region, for 23 years. We know the houses we let, having personally visited every one and we are passionate about the area. We will help you to decide which of the properties will best suit your party’s requirements and we’ll provide you with the information you need on activities, days out and places to visit, to help you make the most of your stay.

Self Catering Holidays France - click here to browse our holiday accommodation

South West France - The Ideal Holiday Destination for Food Lovers!

2010-01-13T06:38:00.000-08:00

South West France is the ideal holiday destination for food lovers. You will find here abundant markets filled with wonderful local produce, many low cost family friendly restaurants, vineyards where you can sample the local wine and a range of local delicacies that will make your mouth water!

Staying in self-catering accommodation is the ideal way to experience France. It is a true pleasure preparing meals on holiday, with fresh local ingredients – some of which that are different to what you will find at home. The quality of meat and vegetables here is excellent too due to the miles of green farmland in this area and there are many reasonably priced local wines that will complement your food. Red is predominant, but white and rose are also becoming increasingly available.

You can add variety to the holiday by visiting some of the local restaurants on the nights you don’t want to cook. There are many good ones to try – please ask us if you would like some suggestions. You can also hire in our caterers who will prepare a meal for your party in the comfort of your accommodation and even clear away afterwards.

Regional delicacies

The Lot valley is a veritable feast of local delicacies. Famed for its pate de foie gras, delicious truffles, sweet chestnut oils, walnuts and Rocamadour goats cheese, the region also offers some of the most wonderful duck, beef and trout dishes to be found anywhere in Europe. Food lovers from all over the world are attracted to the area, keen to dine on these regional specialities and sample the famous Cahors wine, a deep full bodied red with a very distinctive flavour.

Barbeques

Whether you are preparing lunch or an evening meal, what better way to enjoy the aromas and flavours of wonderful French foods than on a barbeque? Serve up an array of saucisses, brochettes and grillades, along with French stick, a fresh dressed salad and of course a glass or two of Bordeaux, Cahors or Bergerac wine. This savoury feast can be enjoyed in the grounds of your holiday cottage, whilst you savour the peace and tranquillity of the surrounding countryside and let the kids splash away in the pool.

Picnics

Another favourite pastime among the French is “le pique-nique”. An al-fresco delight of cold meats and salads, bread, wine and cheese. When setting out on a picnic in the Lot valley in southwest France, ensure that time is with you, not against you. A picnic should be allowed to take its own time, lasting all day if you want it to.

The leisure lakes in the Lot valley and southwest France are wonderful picnic locations or you could settle by the side of the Lot or one of its many gently flowing tributaries, feasting not only on the delights of your picnic but also on the beauty that is the Lot valley countryside.

Restaurants

The quality of restaurant available in the Lot valley, southwest France, is exemplary with a diverse range of cooking styles catering to every taste and budget. However nothing compares to a superb and typically French restaurant. The dining experience, hospitality and range of foods delivered by these artists of gastronomy is second to none. The waiters and staff are very friendly and accommodating and most of them understand and speak English very well.

Holidays in South of France - Come and Visit the Lot Valley!

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Located in the south west of France, the Lot Valley is an area of gentle, unspoilt rolling countryside made up of green fields, oak forests, vineyards, farmland and historic hilltop bastide towns. Named after the river Lot, which runs through it, this powerful river helps to irrigate this delightful and picturesque part of rural France, turning it a lush green and helping to produce some of the finest wines in the region.

Holidays in South France - Click here to browse our cottages, gites and farmhouses in the Lot Valley.

Rich in culture and history, The Lot Valley is famous for its ancient hillside towns. These date back to the 12th and 13th centuries and many of them were fortified to protect against the English during the 100 years of war. Among them are Beauregard, Bretenoux, Castelfranc, Castelnau-Montratier, Cazals, Fons, Haut-Mont, Vert, Marnhac, Murat, Les Vitarelles, Montcabrier, Montfaucon, Orgueil, Puybrun and Rudelle.

These towns stand to this day and it is testament to their strength and tactical positioning that they are remarkably well preserved. Aiguillon, Damazan, Durance, Miramont-de-Guyenne, Monflanquin, Montpezat, Penne-d'Agenais, Puymirol, Sainte-Livrade-sur-Lot, Sérignac-sur-Garonne, Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Villeréal are other ancient bastide towns in the region and all are of great historical interest and importance.

In addition to these, there are also many other towns and villages in the region worthy of an interesting visit; Penne D’Agenais, Cahors, St. Cirq-Lapopie, Rocamadour, Moissac and Lauzerte are just a few, of the jewels of this unspoilt region.

Penne D’Agenais

Penne D’Agenais is a pretty medieval village, which due to its high up position gives visitors amazing views over the surrounding countryside. Overlooking the Lot River, you will find here plenty of good restaurants and craft shops, dotted around steep narrow streets. The nearby Museum du Foie Gras is a must for food lovers! Visitors can taste the famous Laguilon products and learn about local delicacies. Also at Penne D’Agenais are lakes for fishing and picturesque walks.

Cahors

One of the first things you’ll notice about this medieval city is that it feels very French. Not idyllic, slow paced and “backcountry”, Cahors is modern, chic and stylish. Of course there is still the rustic charm of traditional old buildings but this is mingled with a sense of 20th century modernity. Trendy street cafe’s shelter from the sun under a row of carefully tended Plane trees and there are many small boutiques dealing in couture and objets d’art. Cahors is famed throughout the world for its production of a rich, full bodied red wine from the Malbec grape variety.

St. Cirq-Lapopie

One of France's most beautiful villages, it is situated atop a cliff face overlooking the Lot river valley affording magnificent views of the area. Attracting artists, painters and sculptors from all over Europe for centuries, it continues to do so today.

Rocamadour

Famed for its exquisite goats cheese, the beautiful natural setting of Rocamadour makes it must see on your list of things to do in the Lot. Built into a cliff face it offers some quite staggering views of the local verdant countryside and you will find here good quality restaurants and gift shops.

Near to Rocamadour, you will find the ‘Grotte de Padirac’, which are spectacular caves accessed by gondola. This is a great place for a family outing and the tour lasts around ninety minutes.

Moissac

A visit to Moissac will be richly rewarding. St Peter’s Romanesque Abbey with its cloisters and porchway are quite staggering. The town squares are ornate and the gardens well tended. A library like quietness pervades the area that is both relaxing and creative. Good food is on offer here as are fine arts and crafts.

Lauzerte

A quiet little French town in which life finds its own natural pace. Unhurried and relaxed its streets are lined with older buildings housing shops, galleries and bars. It has become more popular of late, having undergone recent renovation, which has highlighted and maximised its rustic charm.

The Lot Valley is quite literally brimming with little gems like these and there are so many more besides. Catering for everything from quiet, undisturbed walks in the countryside to river cruises, fine dining and swimming at the local leisure lakes, whatever you are looking for in a holiday break, you are bound to find it here.

Why visit the South of France in 2010?

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With Christmas just around the corner and the cold winter months soon upon us, what better time is there to start planning your 2010 summer holiday?

Summers in the South of France are a delight and our exceptional holiday gites in the region give you, your friends and family the opportunity to relax, explore and enjoy the region for all it has to offer. This includes amongst other things, scenic walks, sunshine, culture, a relaxed pace of life and of course amazing food and wine!

Whatever your reasons for choosing to holiday in the south of France, you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for.

Gites South of France – Click here to search for properties.

We get great weather (most of the time!)

When choosing a holiday destination, one of the primary considerations is of course, the weather and the choice of holiday location is very often decided, upon this one, single factor.

Otherwise superb holidaying areas in the UK are regularly passed over for the simple reason that you cannot guarantee good weather.

It would be foolish to make such a guarantee wherever the location but at least here, in the South of France, you can be reasonably sure that the sun will shine and that it will be dry and warm for the majority, if not all, of your stay.

This temperate climate allows you to plan outward-bound excursions, long walks or bike rides, go swimming or relax by the pool. It enables you to while away the hours people watching in busy town squares, or go on grape or olive picking outings without fear of getting cold or wet.

We have good quality holiday accommodation in a range of sizes

From intimate cottages sleeping just two, to much larger properties capable of accommodating up to 20 guests, we have an exquisite choice. There are in excess of 60 properties to choose from, all of which are maintained and equipped to the very highest standards affording comfort and all modern conveniences.

Full cooking facilities are available in all kitchens with everything you’d expect to find, enabling you to create superb French inspired meals. The bedrooms are tastefully decorated and either come with linen, or this can be hired. Outside you will find barbecue facilities, large pools and pretty gardens to help you make the most of your time and the wonderful weather.

Gites South of France – click here to search for holiday accommodation

Stunning countryside

If you would like to get away from it all and find a peaceful holiday location, in which you can unwind and relax amidst beautiful, natural and unspoilt surroundings, a holiday in the south of France may be just the tonic you are looking for.
The beautiful scenery, open green fields and slowly meandering rivers of south western France lend themselves perfectly to this much slower, more idyllic way of life. A warm and friendly welcome awaits everyone in this tranquil region and if you’re of a mind to practice your French, the locals will be only too pleased to help, really appreciating the efforts that you make to converse with them in their language.

Mouth watering cuisine

Breakfast

Eating is something the French do very well and the foodies among you will love it here. Fresh local produce is in abundance and the choice is amazing. The French really know how to do breakfast. Literally translated le petit dejuener means the little lunch, in other words, its not just a slice of toast and some coffee. The French breakfast is broken French stick, jams, sweetbreads and real fresh coffee. And more than that, its unhurried and valuable time spent with the family discussing the day ahead.

Lunch

Lunch is also a leisurely pursuit. You can browse the markets for tasty treats, taking time to soak up and enjoy the atmosphere of these lively events. Returning home to prepare a feast of cold meats, fresh fish and colourful salads with olive oil and fresh fruits, not to mention the ubiquitous glass or two of wine.

Dinner

Make certain to visit one of the family-friendly restaurants during your stay. The South West of France is well known for its tasty local delicacies including fois gras, soft goats cheese and cassoulets. There is no specific recipe for this dish; it is a casserole of assorted beans, various meats, vegetables, and herbs, all slowly oven cooked and delicious. You will find an excellent choice of meats, fish and seasonal vegetables and many good local wines available to sample. We can even arrange a tour of the local vineyards so you can stock up on your favourites.

Alternatively if you fancy a night in, we can recommend fabulous caterers who will come to your gite and cook for you. They will even do the washing up!

We’re easy to get to

The Lot Valley is easily accessible from the UK with a range of transport options. You can fly, drive or let the train take the strain. The driving time from Calais is approximately 10.5 hours, which can be broken up with a stay en route. Alternatively many people choose a low cost flight from the UK to Toulouse, Bergerac or Bordeaux airport, hiring a car from there.

South of France Cottages – Click here to search for properties.

Travelling to the South Of France

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Motorail Update

If you have enjoyed the convenience of the French Motor Rail service from Calais to the South of France you will appreciate how stress relieving, time and energy saving that service can be. It is a real godsend to anyone who is just a little nervy about driving on the wrong side off the road.

Sadly, or at least for 2010, that service is, no more. Rail Europe, the operators of the service have recently written to all of their previous customers informing them of the following:

The French Motorail service from Calais to the South of France will not be running in Summer 2010. The impact of the current economic climate and significant increases in train running costs, partly due to unfavourable exchange rates, means the service would not be financially viable.

Fear not, there are still, options aplenty. Whether you choose to fly, drive or float we have prepared this handy guide to help you on your way.

Gites South of France - click here to search our holiday accommodation

Taking the car

For many, the holiday starts when the car is loaded then, depending on whereabouts in the UK you live, there’s the small matter of driving to your local seaport, then it’s a quick hop over the water for the start of your French adventure.

Driving on the wrong side of the road feels a little odd at first but it doesn’t take long to get into the swing of it. A useful tip is to buy a little sticker for the inside of your windscreen that reminds you which way to go when approaching roundabouts. It is the best £5.00 you’ll ever spend!

Once you’ve settled in to the journey, you’ll find that driving down to holiday in the south of France is one of the most pleasurable of all driving experiences. Using the toll roads, at a steady push, you can be in the south of France in a little under 10 hours.

You can break the journey up with plenty of stops along the way, taking in some lovely countryside and incorporating these stops into your holiday. There are some wondrous sights en-route and you could easily get through a couple of memory sticks storing photos you will want to keep forever.

Taking the plane

Journeys to the south of France by plane are simple, straightforward and fast. Airports nearest to the Lot Valley include Toulouse, Bergerac and Bordeaux.

There is the luggage restriction, car hire and lack of sightseeing en route to consider but if these things are not an issue, then it could well be the best option for you.

Taking the train

There are many TGV or high-speed rail links between the major cities in France and the French rail service is very reliable, so getting to the south of France quickly by train is easy. It is also a very enjoyable way to travel and allows you to take in the changing countryside as you travel from region to region.
The Eurostar takes you from London to Paris and from there, high speed connections link you to Bordeaux, Toulouse and Agen. Alternatively you can take the train from London to Lille to avoid changing at Paris.
If you decide to take the train, you will still need to hire a car at the other end to get the most from your holiday in the Lot Valley. But this option is perfect for those who dread the thought of a ten hour drive at the start of their holiday.

Taking the ferry

Another stress free way of travelling over the water to France is to go by ferry.

Plymouth serves Santander and Roscoff
Poole serves St Malo and Cherbourg
Portsmouth serves St Malo, Cherbourg, Caen, Le Havre and Bilbao
Folkestone serves Calais
Dover serves Calais and Dunkirk

All operate fast and frequent services aboard clean and reliable boats with a choice of on board entertainment ranging from bingo to cinema, licensed bars and duty free shopping.

The Plymouth to Santander route is best if you are looking to cut down the driving, since this puts you as close as possible to destinations in the southwest of France.

Holiday Cottages South of France - Click here to search

Driving to the South of France

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If you are thinking of taking a holiday in the South of France next summer, there are lots of ways you can get there.

People who like staying in rural holiday accommodation will generally need transport while they are exploring quaint towns and visiting local markets. So for many, driving down to the South of France is the perfect option.

There are some other good methods too, which also allow you to take your own car on holiday with you. These include catching the overnight car train from Calais to the South of France, or taking a ferry from Portsmouth to Santander. We will explore these in more detail in future posts.

Holidays in the South of France – click here to browse holiday gites in the Lot Valley.

Holidays in the South of France – by car

Driving in France is a wonderful experience due to its excellent network of toll roads. These offer a fast, convenient way to cover many miles and have regular picnic sites for breaks when you need them.

It can be lots of fun planning your holiday with a leisurely drive down South, stopping at various points of interest en-route. Brittany, Paris, La Rochelle and Bordeaux as well as many other places all make great stopovers, adding to the rich diversity of your French holiday.

To make your drive through France as stress-free as possible, we have put together some tips on preparing your car for travel. This includes all the things you need to do to comply with current French laws.

Preparing your car

Before you set out on your journey, it is important to spend some time getting your vehicle ready. A service prior to departure is a good idea, to check that everything is in working order.

It is also necessary to review your insurance and breakdown policies to see whether they provide sufficient levels of cover while you are away. Many insurance companies will only pay out for third party, fire and theft damages when driving in Europe, so it is important to find out and take out additional cover if required.

French driving – legal requirements

When driving in France you must carry as many hi-visibility jackets as you have passengers and they must be easily accessible without leaving the car. You must also have onboard a red warning triangle. In the event of a breakdown, this must be placed in front of the car to alert on-coming traffic of your presence.

The direction of your headlamps must be changed, so as not to dazzle your fellow road users and you must carry a spare bulb set for your vehicle, in case of failure. You are also advised to carry a fire extinguisher and first aid kit although this is not a legal requirement.

Finally if your vehicle is UK registered, it must display a GB sticker or be fitted with number plates featuring the official Euro style GB motif.

Holidays in France – click here to browse our South of France Gites, Villas and Farmhouses.

Holidays in France - Guide to the North, South, East and West

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France on a map appears roughly square, with approximately 1000 kilometres separating Calais in the north and Perpignon in the South of France and a similar distance dividing Brest in the west and Strasbourg to the east.

Not surprising then that France is so diverse and has so much to offer from city-life in Paris, to nature trails in Bordeaux, sun bathing on the Cote d'Azur to skiing in Les Gets - it's all here! Holidays in France are suited to everyone, with something for all ages and interests.

We have put together this article to discuss the North, South, East and West of France, to help you decide where you might like to explore.

The South of France

Although not specifically defined, The South of France is generally regarded as consisting of the regions of Provence, the French Riviera, Languedoc-Roussillon, the Midi-Pyrenees and Aquitaine.

On the eastern side, miles of sandy beaches, year round sunshine and beautiful Mediterranean coastline abound, making this area a Mecca for sun worshipping tourists. For a relaxing, luxurious break in the sun, this area is hard to beat.

Also in the South of France, on the western side is the Lot Valley. Here your south of France holiday will take on a different feel entirely. Lush green pine forests and hillside vineyards present the perfect environment for relaxing walks, leisurely cycle rides and picnic's in the beautiful French countryside. Still very warm and with a more picturesque landscape, the South west of France and The Lot Valley in particular make for a wonderfully relaxing, rural holiday destination.

Holidays in the south of france – click here to search for gites, cottages and farmhouses.

Eastern France

In contrast to The South of France, Eastern France and the areas of Alsace, Lorraine, Rhone Alpes and Franche Compte have their own unique charm and beauty. Offering a mountainous terrain in parts, this is the centre for skiing in France.

The popular ski resort of Les Gets features some wonderful mountain scenery and pretty valley towns with a wealth of historic buildings and interesting architectural styles, which make for some beautifully scenic walks.

Bordering Switzerland and Germany, Alsace Lorraine has many influences from these neighbouring countries making it unique among French regions. Indeed many of the towns in the area have German names.

The cattle breeding region of Franche Compte is famous for its Limousin cattle and produces a wide variety of delicatessen products flavoured with Pine and Juniper. These temper well with the locally produced wines and wines from the Jura region.

Northern France

With a climate not dissimilar to that of southern England, The weather in northern France is very different to that in the south. The sun chasers often overlook Calais and Northern France as they holiday further south and the area is given no more than a cursory glance en-route.

A longer stay in this area will reveal some very interesting history and some delightful, sleepy little villages with a somewhat familiar countryside feel. Being once linked to France, the flora and fauna of this area is very similar to that of southern England.
When one thinks of Brittany one is immediately put in mind of the megalithic wonderland of Carnac. Whilst standing stones exist elsewhere, they do not compare in terms of shear number. At dawn and dusk, as the light changes, these now officially protected stones are a truly enchanting sight.

Western France

To the west of France we have the regions of Charente, the Vendee and of course the Loire Valley. La Rochelle in the west is a beautiful old fishing port, which is a joy to visit. A wealth of high fashion retailers occupy the ancient buildings with strict instructions not to interfere with the architecture. Bars and cafes line the cobbled streets and you get a sense of being in among French people doing things in typically, French ways.

Famous for numerous gently sloping beaches, which are ideal for water sports or just sunbathing, the Vendee region makes for a great family holiday destination.

The Loire Valley, often called the Garden of France is filled with chateaux, historic towns, vineyards, rolling hills and flowers. It is a wonderful place to cycle through whilst you soak up the natural beauty and history of the region.