Country Walks, Prehistoric Caves, and Magnificent Chateaux

Medieval France: The Lot Valley

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A SIGNIFICANT DISCOUNT ON THIS TRIP IS AVAILABLE, DUE TO THE REBOUND IN THE DOLLAR. SEE DETAILS BELOW TOUR COSTS.

The Lot Valley of southwest France is perhaps the country’s best-kept secret. This secluded realm beckons us with its cliff-perched medieval towns, ancient abbeys, open-air markets, deep red wines, and cuisine flavored with truffles and wild mushrooms. The French call this timeless rural world La France Profonde, or Deep France, and we enjoy it at its best with Trip Leader Annie Hawkins in her native country. Wine tasting, gourmet picnics, and hikes on the Way of St. James, the paths used in the Middle Ages by pilgrims en route to Spain, are among the delights as we discover this quintessential French heartland. Overnights are in historic hotels of character, including the majestic 13th century Château de Mercuès overlooking the Lot River.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-3
Conques

The hilltop village of Conques grew up around its 8th century abbey, a major stopover for Christian pilgrims en route to Spain. We visit the abbey, still a pilgrim site, and then explore the picturesque Conques countryside, one of the most bucolic and untouched areas of France. We hike above Conques to the tiny hamlet of Montignac, following a pastoral path through villages and fields, and the next day hike along the beautiful Lot River. We fuel our hikes by sampling some of the local delicacies, from tangy Cabécou goat cheeses to lamb from local pastures. Our hotel is a restored 18th century water mill set on the banks of the Dourdou River.

Day 4
Capdenac / Figeac

A morning hike brings us to the picturesque fortified village of Capdenac, rising on a rocky outcrop along the fertile banks of the Lot River. After lunch in the main square, we head to Figeac, a charming 15th century town. Figeac was on the pilgrimage route linking Le Puy to Santiago de Compostela, and crowds of pilgrims flocked through it in medieval times. In the evening, we stroll through its maze of twisting alleys.

Days 5-6
St. Cirq Lapopie / Pech- Merle Cave

Walking the pilgrim path along the Cele River, we meander between tiny hamlets and forgotten chateaux. At the mysterious cave of Pech-Merle, discovered in 1922, we view a treasury of prehistoric rock art. Mammoths, bison, and horses gallop on the cave walls of this sanctuary of art. We hike a forest trail to the Defile des Anglais, a 14th century cliff-fortress and a fascinating reminder of the Hundred Years War between England and France. Overnights are in St. Cirq Lapopie, perched on a rocky escarpment that drops 300 feet to the Lot River.

Days 7-9
Château de Cenevieres / Château de Mercuès / Cahors

Hiking up to the rock-perched village of Calvignac, we descend on a peaceful trail framed by oak trees to the 13th century Château de Cenevieres, where the lord of the chateau welcomes us for a visit. Another hike brings us across the ancient vineyards of Cahors, where Malbec, Merlot, and Jurancon grapes produce famous red wines. We also stroll the medieval streets of the sunny town of Cahors and enjoy wine tasting. Our charming “hotel” is the fairytale Château de Mercuès, once the property of the count-bishops of Cahors, with panoramic views across the vineyards. Depart Day 9 via Toulouse.

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Tour Costs $5295 (13-15 members) $5595 (10-12 members) $5895 (6-9 members) Single supplement: $1450 Prices are for 2009 dates The US Dollar rebounded in value against the Euro, and Wilderness Travel would like to pass the savings along to you! For those willing to make their first deposit ($500 per person) non-refundable, we will purchase the necessary Euros for your trip when you sign up. This will allow us to lock in the current exchange rate, and guarantee your savings. To find out the current discount available at today’s rate call us at 1-800-368-2794 or email us. **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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