Sightseeing

Le Pont Valentré à Cahors
Vin de Cahors
chateau-bonaguil
Levé du soleil sur Rocamadour et le canyon de l'Alzou
monflanquin
monpazier
monpazier-centre
villereal
Puy l Eveque
Chateau de Chambert
Chateau de Biron
Penne
Arrow
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Visit Chateau de Biron

Château de Biron, set amidst lovely countryside on a steep hill, is visible from many parts of the region. From 1189 the castle stayed in the Gontaut family for 24 generations, until the early 20th century.

Over the course of the centuries many generations of the family added extensions and fortifications to the castle.

Chateau Biron is now a magnificent spectacle – impressive from the village below, and with equally impressive views over the surrounding Lot-et-Garonne countryside from inside.

http://www.southofthedordogne.com/chateau-biron.php

Monflanquin, in the Lot et Garonne

Monflanquin is similar in style and perfection to Monpazier. If it loses a few points by no longer having its central market hall, it gains them back by being on top of a hill with lovely views on the surrounding countryside and by being slightly less touristy. Monflanquin is on quite a steep hill, that adds to its charm.

http://www.southofthedordogne.com/townsmonflanquin.php

For my vacation – escape in the Tarn

Villereal, in Lot et Garonne, a bastide town in France

Villereal is located in the northern part of the Lot-et-Garonne department, near the border with the Dordogne department.

The most remarkable feature of Villereal is undoubtedly its intact 14th century market hall dominating almost all of the central square – and still used for its lively Saturday market today. A wonderful lively small town, with a myriad of back streets to explore.

http://www.southofthedordogne.com/townsvillereal.php

Chateau de Bonaguil, Lot

‘It’s so perfect that it seems ridiculous to describe it as a ruin’ was how Lawrence of Arabia described the Château de Bonaguil. Never used as a defensive castle, Bonaguil is perhaps the most magnificent folly in France.

Chateau de Bonaguil is a simply stunning castle, and the inside contains much to explore as well, and the novelty of seeing medieval graffiti uncovered during restoration works. The outside is illuminated during the summer evenings to give a further dimension to its attractiveness.

http://www.southofthedordogne.com/chateau-bonaguil.php

Monpazier, in the Dordogne

Monpazier is a really amazing town. It has preserved its medieval centre almost completely intact. The arcades and market hall are still there, there are no cars in the centre, and there is almost nothing to stop the illusion that you have stepped back 600 years in time. Unmissable. Monpazier was founded in 1284 by Edward 1 of England.

Monpazier is listed as ‘one of the most beautiful villages in France’.

http://www.southofthedordogne.com/townsmonpazier.php

Pujols in Lot-et-Garonne

Perched on a hill just south of Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Pujols has lovely far-reaching views over Villeneuve-sur-Lot, the valley of the Lot, and away into the distance. Then cross to the other side of the street for almost equally far reaching views towards the south.

Occupied since prehistoric times, and later by the romans, Pujols retains its medieval heart, with numerous colombage houses along the main street, almost completely intact. There is a small central square next to the large fortified gate, by which the town is usually entered.

http://www.southofthedordogne.com/townspujols.php

The Valentré Bridge

This mediaeval bridge with three towers is the pride of Cahors and its iconic monument

A remarkable example of mediaeval architecture, the Valentré Bridge has been an UNESCO World Heritage Listed site since 1998, as it is part of the Santiago Pilgrim route.

http://www.tourisme-lot.com/en/must-sees/exceptional-places/valentre-bridge

Cahors wine… so noble, so black

The icing on the Cahors cake is visitng the vineyards, and visits to individualestates are almost always accompanied by the wine maker him/herself. Who better to tell you about their own product, and to give you a tasting ?

Do go and meet them. They’re always happy to talk about their land, even if you know nothing whatsoever about wine. And you can choose from 67 estates which are open for visits all year round. It’s best to let them know you’re coming.

 

Village de Loubas
Self-catering Accommodation in South West France