The Lot
A Landscape of Rivers in Untouched Natural Surroundings
The Lot crosses a spectacular landscape of high cliffs, oak forests, magnificent vineyards, and fertile gardens.
In the thirteenth century the River Lot was already being traveled on. Throughout many centuries professional skippers could use this river for the transportation of their goods but with the decrease of professional navigation the river was closed in 1926 and it was only in 1990 that it was opened up again. Its 14 locks were taken back into operation at that point. This river offers to leisure skippers the opportunity of a trip full of adventures in the heart of untouched natural surroundings. You will be fascinated by this unique area which almost always lies under blue skies.
Between Luzech and Cahors the Lot invites you to a trip on its curved course in a wild valley. Between impressive steep cliffs of chalk on which castles and chateaux are placed there is always a light breeze. Climb on the Mont Sair Cyr from where you have a wonderful view on the town of Cahors in which Pope John XXII was born.
On your trip to Crégols you will explore medieval villages from the heyday of professional navigation. Behind a big curve lies Saint-Cirq-Lapopie high on a cliff above the river. This place carries the name of the most picturesque village of France. Make a trip to the caves of Pech Merle with their pre-historic paintings which lie within a short distance from the Lot. All these places can be easily reached by the bike that you may want to carry on your boat. You will find a rich offer of free time activities here. You can go horseback riding on the hills of Pradines, go canooing on the Célé. In the evening you can enjoy the unusual quality of the local food of Quercy, for instance truffles with the famous pate de foie gras, preserved goose, and small goat’s cheese. Visit the wine cellars of Cahors and taste the excellent wines.
The Lot is a house boat region for those who want to go on a one week trip because it only has an overall length of 80 miles of navigable water with some 28 locks. Only in very recent times has it become possible to travel on a tributary of the Lot between Aigillon and Villeneuve-sur-Lot. The new passage is roughly 30 miles long and has only three locks. The crossing of the Garonne between the canal and the Lot is managed with the help of a tugboat which has to be paid.
Please note the current developments and travel advice on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.
Our houseboat holiday partners:
Nicols: Bouziès / St.-Cirq-Lapopie,
Le Boat: Douelle
France Passion Plaisance: Cahors, Luzech
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