Douelle cruise

Why do we recommend stopping here?

It is a cosmopolitan town famous for its Wednesday and Saturday morning market, dark heady wine, cafes, shops, truffle centre and Cathedral de St-Etienne and the unique 14th century fortified Valentré bridge.

What is there to see?

The medieval era left a remarkable collection of buildings, the most amazing Maison Henri IV. The Château du Roi - palace used by pope Jean XXII is today the oldest prison still in use in France. The Dueze Palace built about 1320 by the family of Jacques Dueze who was second pope of Avignon. The Hanging Tower, the Barbacane and the ramparts ....

What can I visit?

The 11th Century Cathedral with its 2 magnificent domes - each 16m in diameter. Symbol of the city of Cahors, the Valentré Bridge is the finest and best-preserved medieval bridge in Europe. The Musee du vin at La Chantrerie, 35 rue de la Chantrerie displays a collection of traditional wine making implements. The Musée de la Résistance, de la Déportation et de la Libération tells the inspiring and often harrowing story of the resistnance fighters during the War.

Is this place famous for anything?

The Valentre Bridge and its wine

Why do we recommend stopping here?

The village of St. Cirq Lapopie is one of the major beauty spots in the Lot valley and must be seen. Set on a hill high above the River Lot, St. Cirq La Popie has a rich history. Named France's most beautiful village, it has narrow streets lined with local artisans' homes where they sell their work ranging from leather goods to jewellery. The village also abounds with cafes and restaurants where you can observe village life before making your way to a vantage point where the river below and the panorama of the area can be viewed.

What is there to see?

Visit the 12th Century church and the craftsmen who work with wood, leather, precious stones etc. Some streets, with their arcaded shop-fronts display the crafts that were once the wealth of Saint-Cirq Lapopie. Tanners in the Rue de la Pelissaria, cauldron-makers in the Rue Peyrolerie, and boxwood turners or roubinetaïres, with workshops producing button moulds, trenchers, goblets and spigots for casks.

What can I visit?

The Grotte du Peche Merle can be found at Cabrerets, near to St. Cirq Lapopie. This is the site of wonderfully preserved prehistoric cave paintings of humans, mammoths, bison and horses. There are human footprints visible at the bottom of a dry pool, as well as stalactites, stalagmites and pisolites (cave pearls).