Things to DO:

Firstly, of course, and since you are probably here on holiday, you could do virtually nothing and just enjoy your surroundings and the peace. If you are feeling slightly energetic you could take a walk or even a picnic out into the woods on our property, or go a bit further afield along one of the miles of footpaths accessible directly from here where you can enjoy the profusion of wild plants and bird life

However, at some point you will probably want to get out do some shopping. There are shops (and most facilities) in the three nearest villages, Montcuq, Montaigu de Quercy and Lauzerte, all within 10-14kms.

There is a host of other things to do and many places to visit: museums, chateaux, wine tastings, markets, local fetes, festivals (music and art) and . Within daily visiting distance are Cahors, the Lot Valley and Moissac with its abbey and cloisters (reputedly the oldest in France), the stunning Aveyron Gorge, the caves at Pech Merle and St. Cirq Lalpopie, one of the most beautiful villages in France. these are some of the many bastides and hill towns in the region. Our main towns are Montauban, Moissac, Cahors, Agen and Villeneuve sur Lot.

Our nearest 'town' is Cahors, capital of the Cahors AOC wine district, built along the snaking banks of the river Lot and full of history and intertesting architecture, which is some 28kms away. You can take a boat trip on the river. More colourful are the street markets. There is one every day of the week in one of the surrounding villages or towns. The most famous is in Montcuq on a Sunday morning.

View of Montcuq market, Sunday 8th June 2003

And, because you will be in a wine growing area there are literally dozens of Chateaux and vineyards within easy striking distance where you can taste and buy the wine direct from the 'vignerons'.

The organic vineyard in the Cahors AOC.
Chateau Vent d'Autan at St. Matré.

Local farms advertise and sell their produce at the roadside, and at the right time of the year you can even pick wild asparagus from the verges.

Our three local wine 'Appellations' are : Cahors AOC, Coteaux de Quercy VDQS and Vin du Pays du Lot. Local food specialities include truffles, magret de canard, confits, melons in season, wild mushrooms, and prunes soaked in eau de vie. The famous truffle market at Lalbenque is about half an hours drive away.

There are plenty of 'cafés'. Montcuq has the Café de France which regurlarly rates around 12/13 in the Gault Millau good food guide ( but don't be in a hurry to get served!)

Buskers in the street with the Café de France terrace behind

For a traditional French workmans lunch, try the Auberge in Saint Matré (8kms). For about 12 euros each you will be fed a 'no choice' 5 course home cooked meal with wine included!

If you like buildings and architecture there is plenty to see. Montcuq has a 32m high tower built on a hill. Started by the english in the 12th century and completed by the french, you can climb the stairs to the top for a breathtaking view. Medieval villages, built in the famous white Quercy stone, abound.

There are tennis courts, swimming lakes, a nine hole golf course and even a parachuting school in the area. In short, plenty of things to see and do-if you want to.