Our programme to make sure you don't miss a thing during your houseboat cruise on the Lot
How about a 1 week river cruise on the Lot? This region is bursting with cultural and natural heritage. On the programme: relaxation, discovery of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie Most Beautiful Village in France, visits to vineyards, not forgetting the magnificent scenery offered by this pretty region!
All set? Here's our 7-day programme for a return cruise from Luzech. It's 148 kilometres, 30 locks and 26 hours of navigation!
Day 1: From Luzech to Douelle, 13 km, 0 locks, 1.7 hours' navigation
Let's start this cruise on the River Lot in Luzech, a small historic town on the banks of the Lot. Don't rush off, take time to explore the town centre and visit the Château de Luzech, which offers panoramic views over the Lot valley. After a few hours wandering around the town, we'll hop back on the houseboat and head for Douelle. On the way, we recommend mooring at Caix to take advantage of its leisure base. There's a beach, a playground and, if you're looking for adventure, you can hire a canoe or paddle. Once you arrive in Douelle, you can enjoy a walk along the river, and what about finishing the day with a picnic in the heart of nature?
Day 2: From Douelle to Vers, 32 km, 9 locks, 6.1 hours' navigation
On this second day of cruising on the Lot, we recommend that you admire the largest contemporary art mural in Europe. This fresco, located on the left bank at Douelle, was created in 1992 by the painter Didier Chamizo. The painting tells the story of Cahors wines from Adam and Eve to the present day. It couldn't be better when we say that on a houseboat we are the privileged witnesses of our heritage, so take the time to admire it before setting off towards Vers.
Day 3: From Vers to Larnagol, 29 km, 6 locks, 5.1 hrs navigation
On this itinerary, you'll have the chance to visit one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. To enjoy this pretty village, you'll need to leave your houseboat and get some height! Situated at the top of a steep cliff overlooking the River Lot, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a veritable medieval treasure trove. Its cobbled streets, stone houses and castle offer a timeless charm. We recommend that you visit these 13 Historic Monuments.
Top 10 places to visit in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie :
- Rocher-Lapopie
- Cardillac Castle
- Church of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
- André Breton House - International Centre of Surrealism
- Flavours and saffron museum
- Medieval houses of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
- Mecanic Art Gallery
- Chapelle Saint-Croix and its magnificent viewpoint
- Maisons Daura - International Artists' Residencies
- Atelier Verre Lapopie Expo-Vente
Day 4: From Larnagol to Vers, 29 km, 6 locks, 5.1 hrs navigation
Today we're off to Bouziès, a picturesque little village renowned for its impressive cliffs and natural beauty. Look up and admire the Château des Anglais, 11th and 12th century fortifications anchored in the limestone rock - impressive, isn't it? We also recommend a walk along the Bouziès towpath, carved out of the rock, offering a magnificent view of the countryside. This place is a nugget, so keep your eyes peeled for 400 metres of Daniel Monnier's works of art carved into the rock. Get your cameras ready, you won't be disappointed!
Day 5: From Vers to Cahors, 18 km, 6 locks, 3.6 hours' navigation
Are you ready for another day of cruising on the River Lot? Today, discover Cahors and its Valentré Bridge. This bridge took more than half a century to build, and a legend has taken root here: the legend of the devil of Pont Valentré. Would you dare to go and discover it?
Day 6: From Cahors to Luzech, 27 km, 3 lock(s), 4.2 hrs navigation
On your last day of navigation by houseboat on the River Lot, enjoy Cahors, the jewel of the Lot wine region, one last time. Leave your houseboat for a tasting of its emblematic Malbec-based wine. Your holiday is coming to an end, so make the most of the peace and beauty of the Lot one last time!
We hope this programme will inspire you for your next holiday. It is, of course, just one example of an itinerary among many! The Lot has many exceptional sites to discover and activities to do. So don't wait any longer to hire a houseboat in this beautiful region!
