Unusual itinerary: 4-day cruise on the River Lot

Why choose the Lot for a river cruise?

The Lot is a less-frequented destination, ideal for those seeking tranquillity and nature. You can navigate at your own pace, between cliffs, picturesque villages and manual locks. A cruise with a difference, far from the usual itineraries. Departing from Cahors, you'll embark on a 4-day loop to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, listed as one of France's most beautiful villages. Discover the itinerary!

Day 1: From Cahors to Laroque-des-Arcs, the first few kilometres on a licence-free houseboat on the Lot.

Your licence-free houseboat adventure begins in Cahors, a town of art and history known for its Valentré Bridge, its markets and its powerful red wine.

👉 To do before you embark:

• Stroll through the heart of old Cahors
• Fill up at the market for your meals on board
• Climb to the top of the hill for a view of the Lot loop

Once on board your licence-free houseboat, head for Laroque-des-Arcs, the first peaceful stopover just 2 hours away. Here, you're already somewhere else. Cast off your moorings and take a breather.

Practical tip: take the time to familiarise yourself with the manual locks on the Lot. On this stretch, everything is done by hand, but that's exactly what makes the experience more authentic!

Day two of the cruise: destination Vers, in the heart of the valley

Set course for Vers, a charming village nestling in a meander of the Lot, surrounded by limestone cliffs. The navigation is fluid, punctuated by the manual locks typical of the Lot, to be crossed as a team.

🛶 To do during the navigation :

• Watch herons, kingfishers and ducks along the banks
• Prepare an on-board lunch to enjoy on the deck of your licence-free houseboat
• Take a look at the cliffs carved out by time: the Lot is also an open-air geology course

📍 Don't miss Vers during your licence-free houseboat cruise on the Lot:

• Take a stroll to the little marina and the washhouse.
• Visit the church of Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte
• Take a break on a shady terrace to enjoy a glass of Cahors wine

Navigation tip: parking at the port of Vers is easy, but be sure to arrive before 5pm in high season to ensure you have a good spot.

From Vers to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, the most beautiful part of your river cruise on the Lot

This is the most spectacular day of the cruise. You'll skirt steep cliffs, pass through a succession of manual locks and navigate through picture-postcard scenery to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, perched 100 metres above the Lot.

🚶‍♀️ To do in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie :

• Climb up to the point de vue for a breathtaking view over the valley
• Stroll through the cobbled streets of the medieval village
• Enjoy an ice cream or a plate of local cheeses on the terrace
• Visit the artists' studios or André Breton's house

Important: the river port is located below the village. Bring good shoes for the walk up (20-30 mins). For the less motivated, shuttle buses are sometimes available.

Last day of licence-free houseboat cruising, on course for Cahors

After a peaceful night lulled by the sounds of nature, it's time to head back down the valley towards Cahors. The return journey is in the opposite direction, but there's nothing repetitive about the scenery.

📌 Suggestions for the return journey :

• Stop off for a picnic at Bouziès, at the foot of the cliffs.
• Observe the towpath carved into the rock**: a discreet masterpiece not to be missed.
• Take the time to manoeuvre each lock gently, that's the beauty of the Lot: here, there's never a rush.

One last tip: plan well in advance for your return to Cahors, as you'll usually have to return the boat in the morning. It's best to navigate the day before to take advantage of the calm of the river and return home without stress.

Navigating the River Lot means experiencing a different kind of licence-free houseboat cruise: wilder, more authentic and freer. In four days, you take the time to slow down, discover unusual places... and, above all, enjoy the present moment.

An experience you must have at least once!

👉 Discover the Cahors - Saint-Cirq-Lapopie - Cahors cruise

👉 I book a licence-free houseboat for a river cruise on the Lot