Leisure activities:
The countryside around Montcuq is delightful. If you enjoy walking or cycling, many routes are marked and, during the summer season, some of the walks are guided. There are riding schools and stables nearby and golf at the Rouscous Golf Club. During the summer, the outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts are open and, for enthusiasts, the Plan d'Eau offers a beach and swimming from Easter to September. Throughout the summer season there are fêtes, musical events, antiques fairs and the busy Sunday Market which fills the main street and boulodrome. The valley of the Lot is about 20 minutes drive away and offers swimming, boating, canoeing, fishing and pleasure trips, interesting scenery and many historic places to visit ... not forgetting the many vineyards to be researched! Cahors itself is a fascinating town with museums, ancient churches and Roman remains . It is also home to one of the most beautiful bridges in France, le Pont Valentré.
The village of Montcuq:
Montcuq is a popular holiday destination. A pretty and historic rural town with its roots in the C11th and C12th, Montcuq provides a delightful setting for a holiday of discovery of the Quercy Blanc. The oak woodlands and beautiful limestone scenery give the area its name: quercus is the Latin for oak. The town's landmark is theTour (Keep) of the original fortifications and within the old part of the town there are the many 'ruelles' of the old castle with their C14th-C16th half-timbered houses, traces of C11th-C13th mullions and arches, beautifully proportioned C15th-C18th buildings and even a few traces of much older occupation!
There are banks and all the shops you need for your everyday purchases as well as cafés and restaurants offering a range of local specialities and lighter snacks just a step away from the gîte. The celebrated Sunday market is open all year round and is recommended for organic food and drink and, after your shopping, a relaxing apéritif in the sun!
Montcuq is ideally situated for exploring the Midi-Pyrenées. Besides the many beautiful towns and villages of the Quercy Blanc, the Cité Rose of Toulouse is easily accessible by train or road. A 2.5 hour drive will take you to the Mediterranean coast, into the mountains and to Bordeaux and the Arcachon coast.
