Along the Lot Valley
The Lot Valley offers a diverse range of picturesque villages and sites that are well worth exploring. The scenic D662 road runs alongside the river, winding between Capdenac-le-Haut and Cahors, and marking the border between the departments of Lot and Aveyron.
Originating at an altitude of 1,400 m on Mont Goulet, in the department of Lozère, the Lot travels 480 km, carving through the limestone cliffs of the Causses of Quercy. Throughout its course, it crosses alluvial plains, forming complex meanders called “cingles“.
The Lot finally flows into the Garonne near Aiguillon, not far from Agen. Historically, the Lot was a vital waterway, facilitating the transport of goods such as cheese, wine and coal to Bordeaux. However, the rise of the railway in the mid-19th century led to a decline in river traffic.
The flat-bottomed boats used for transport, locally called “gabares“, “argentats” (named after the town where they were built) or “sapines“, are today relics of the past. As for the locals, they call the Lot “Olt”.
Capdenac to Cahors
As you travel along the Lot Valley, you will discover Balaguier d’Olt, knwn for its fortified church, as well as the village of Saint-Pierre-Toirac, which is home to the magnificent church of the same name and the historic Château of Larroque-Toirac.
You will then reach the village of Montbrun, perched on a cliff and dominated by the remains of its feudal castle.
Montbrun offers a breathtaking view of the Lot Valley below and the vast Cajarc plateau, as well as the Le Saut de la Mounine viewpoint in Saujac, a site with a beautiful yet sad legend, on the south bank.
The late President Georges Pompidou discovered the timeless charm of Cajarc long ago, having purchased a holiday property there.
A metal bridge spans the Lot River, connecting Cajarc to the charming village of Salvagnac-Cajarc and its magnificently restored castle on the south bank.
Further west, on the same bank, stands the Château de Cenevières, an elegant Renaissance castle with a 13th-century Romanesque tower and listed as a historical monument. Its terraces offer breathtaking views, overlooking the lot and the road below from a height of 70 metres.
Continuing along the D662, you will pass through Saint-Cirq-la-Popie, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, then Bouziès and its river nautical base before finally arriving in Cahors.
Cahors is famous for its cathedral, its fortified bridge and, of course, its vineyards!
Capdenac-le-Haut: Lat 44.581179 – Long 2.069595
Cahors: Lat 44.448602 – Long 1.443447
