The area:
The Lot is one of the most peaceful, unspoilt regions of France, south of the Dordogne with its many wonderful chateaux and historic bastide towns. The Lot was part of the medieval province of Quercy, the Quercy blanc to the south and the Quercy noir to the north, with the river Dordogne in the north, the river Tarn to the south and the river Lot running through the centre. From here you can explore some wonderful sites all within easy distance, e.g. Sarlat, Rocamadour Saint Cirq-Lapopie, Lalbenque (world famous truffle auctions) and many prehistoric caves, such as Lascaux, Padirac, Pech Merle (one of the finest prehistoric caves still open to the public, featuring the famous spotted horses and sometimes called the Sistine Chapel of the Stone Age.) The family home of the Prince of Denmark (Henri de Monpezat), husband of Queen Margarethe, is located between Castelfranc and Albas and their 17th century Chateau Caix near Luzech, with its surrounding vineyards and shop is 15 min. by car
Shopping, Dining out:
The nearest small town is Prayssac (4km) a beautiful, very clean market town with breathtaking plant arrangements & hanging baskets, offering all the facilities one would need, i.e. Tourist Bureau, post office, banks, supermarkets, designer boutiques, jewellers, hairdressers, and some excellent restaurants and bistros. Each year the town invites artists from all over France to compete in a competition to design banners 'bannieres', which during the season adorn the beautiful stone buildings of the town. There are many more excellent restaurants dotted throughout the region, one Michelin star rated, the famous Le Gindreau is situated about 15 minutes from the property in St Medard. Another, La Venus, is in Prayssac, with an excellent (very reasonably priced) traditional, regional as well as Italian cuisine. On a nice summer's night you can have dinner outside overlooking the gardens next to it. La Masse is a tiny, totally unspoilt hamlet without any shops, and a car is essential.
Activities:
Walking, canoeing, mountain-biking, swimming, fishing, horse-riding, bird watching. All through the season there is a variety of entertainment in the little villages ranging from colourful markets to evening parties where you can buy local produce, have it barbecued and then sit down and enjoy it with a glass of the famous full-bodied Cahors wine, whilst listening to a local (or foreign) band and chatting with the locals or other tourists. For families with children, the famous Walibi Aquitaine (5 km north of Agen, 90 min. by car) is well worth a visit. The park nestles in over 30 hectares of lush gardens and lake and is watched over by a genuine 18th century chateau with restaurant facilities. A world filled with pleasure with its numerous rides, spectacular shows and special events. There is another animal park near Gramat, on 40 hectares, with over 150 species of animal - wolves, otters, bears, pelicans, lynx etc. Also, near Rocamadour, the forest of the apes is a lot of fun.
Other Activities:
River cruises, food and wine excursions
