Surroundings

Introduction

Castel Rouge Bed and breakfast  is located in the south of France amidst the vineyards, 200 meters from the Lot river and 5 minutes walk from the small town of Luzech. In the vicinity are several good restaurants.

You can swim in the Lot at the beach in Caix (2 km) or Douelle (6 km). Near Catus there is a large lake which is excellent for swimming, canoeing etc.

 At all the bathing spots there are simple restaurants. The outdoor pool in Luzech is open daily in the summer.

The medieval town of Cahors is 15 minutes  away by car. St. Cirq Lapopie, the pre-historic caves of Pech-Merle and the pilgrimage town of Rocamadour are within easy reach. Also Figeac and Sarlat are not far.

You can taste the “black”wines of Cahors at one of the many chateaux or domaines near our bed and breakfast.

It is an ideal area for hiking, walking and cycling. The famous route de Compostella runs through this area.

In one of the authentique villages or towns in the area you can find markets, brocantes or vide-grenier every day of the week.

 

Cahors Wine

Cahors wine is a red AOC wine named after the town of Cahors in the southwest of France. It is the oldest wine region in this country.
The main grape used for Cahors wine is the Malbec grape. Other  varieties are Merlot and Tannat.

Because of the Malbec grape as well as the condition of the soil and micro-climate, the wine has a deep colour that seems almost black. For this reason it is also called the “black wine” of Cahors. You can taste these robust wines in one of the many chateaux or domaines in the vicinity.

The vineyards stretch out over the verdant plains and hills along the river Lot,. This 30 km long strip offers a wonderful landscape with many enchanting views over the vineyards, castles and picturesque villages.

A free wine tasting and 10% discount is available at Vinovalie with one of our vouchers

 

Cahors

No visitor to Cahors should miss its famous market, held every Wednesday- and Saturday morning. The market is held on the square near the Saint-Etienne cathedral and is famous in France because of the beautiful medieval setting and the quality of the local produce. The area is known for its wine, truffels, cheeses, duck etc.

The “Pont Valentré” is a medieval bridge over the River Lot. The bridge is 172 meters long and has eight arches. On the bridge are three square towers for defending the city. This bridge is the most well preserved defensive bridge in France.

The “Camino de Compostela” runs through the city. Embedded in the pavement you can see the famous shell symbol of the route de Santiago de Compostela.

Cahors is a lovely city with many restaurants and terraces along many of its quaint narrow streets or along the River.

 

 

Activities

In the area there are ample routes and trails for hiking, walking and cycling.

The River Lot is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. Here you can find carp, catfish, bars, pike and more

In Luzech one can easily purchase a fishing permit.

Or enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Lot valley by boat.

Near our bed and breakfast you can can also try Para-gliding and Delta flying.

There is a lot to do in the Lot region and many people find themselves staying with us for longer than expected just so they can further explore this wonderlful region.

 

Siteseeing

Saint Cirq-Lapopie

The village lies on top of a cliff about a hundred meters above the River Lot.  The village with quaint narrow streets and half timbered houses has always been popular with painters and artists.

In 2012, Saint Cirq-Lapopie was voted  “Le village préféré des Français” (most beautiful village in France) by French television viewers. 

Rocamadour

Rocamadour is, after Lourdes, the most visited pilgrimage site in France.

The city is built on a rock in the middle of the Causse de Gramat, a vast limestone plateau and part of the Causse du Quercy. On top of the rock is a fortress. By following a winding path (or a lift for the disabled) one can reach the shrine, a series of chapels with frescoes and a church. Via a staircase, where many fossils of marine origin are visible, one reaches the small but beautiful town of Rocamadour. 

Pech Merle 

Pech Merle is a cave which opens onto a hillside at Cabrerets. It is one of the few prehistoric cave painting sites in France that remains open to the general public.