HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION IN SOUTH-WEST FRANCE

THE REGION

MONTCUQ is just a small part of perhaps the most charming and unspoilt areas of France, and is a perfect base to explore the captivating surrounding region reputed for its beautiful river valleys, medieval towns, abundance of vineyards and wineries and rich culinary tradition.

The famous ‘hanging village’ of Rocamadour with its majestic castle keep towering above its mix of religious and other ancient buildings perched aside a rugged cliff, justifiably retains its claim as the second most visited tourist destination in France. The ecclesiastical city and village are situated on different levels of the gorge, and the Chappelle of Notre-Dame with the Black Madonna are important and popular sites for pilgrims and tourists.

Montcuq is on the Pilgrim’s route of Santiago de Compostela. This route, also called the Way of St James remains one of the most important Christian pilgrimages which has existed for over 1,000 years. Thousands of pilgrims set out each year from various destinations in France and Spain, and make their way through a number of routes which end in the north-western Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. This is why you’ll see many people with backpacks and staffs venturing through Montcuq.

Just to the north of Montcuq is the meandering Lot River and the richly historical city of Cahors, the département capital, with its famous Valentré Bridge and Saint-Barthélémy Church, both dating from the 14th century. Also along the Lot River is the wonderfully scenic village of St Cirq-Lapopie standing on the side of a gorge.  Nearby is Moissac with its famous Saint-Pierre Abbey and 15th century cloister. Cahors and Agen to the west are famous for their markets with unrivalled local produce.

The Gouffre de Padirac is an extraordinary underground cave which contains a river around 75 metres below the surface and is partially navigated by boat. It has been a firm favourite with locals and visitors since it opened to the public in the 1890’s. Pech Merle cave is a large and important network of caves containing numerous prehistoric paintings and engravings, which shouldn’t be missed.

The Dordogne valley (or the Périgord) slightly further to the north has a feast of sites to take in – the beautiful honey combed old medieval town of Sarlat, the ancient well preserved ‘bastide’ villages of Domme and Monpazier, the winding Dordogne River where you can enjoy boating and kayaking, the imposing Châteaux de Beynac and Castelnaud, the region’s cultural capital of Périgueux as well as pretty riverside towns and prehistoric caves.

Only a short drive in either direction are the major cities of Bordeaux with its surrounding wineries, and Toulouse on the banks of the Garonne River, home to strong cultural and musical tradition, remarkable monuments and famous products and companies such as Airbus and other aeospace industries. And around two and a half hour’s south are the magnificent Pyrénées mountains bordering Spain, with their unparalleled views and skiing opportunities.