To do
If you are not familiar with the history of the bastide towns in this part of the world, it is definitely worth visiting the ‘Musée des Bastides’ in Monflanquin which explains why these towns were built, their social and political impact.
Nearby, the châteaux of Bonaguil and Biron are splendid castles from the 15th and 16th centuries respectively. The Château de Bonaguil hosts a music and theatre festival at the beginning of August.
A short drive south will bring you to Puy l’Evêque, where you can either take a trip on the River Lot in a traditional flat boat called a ‘gabarre’, or taste Cahors wines at the surrounding vineyards, or both!
Markets
As well as the weekly Thursday morning market throughout the year, night markets are held in Monflanquin in July and August, where you can enjoy open-air meals from the local producers’ stalls.
‘Brocante’ markets take place in Monflanquin once a month between April to September, as well as an antiques market on the 14th July. The village of Issigeac, to the west, holds an antiques market at the beginning of August and there are flea markets most weekends in the area. See if you can pick up a bargain!
Family fun
There is plenty in this general area to keep children entertained, from theme park and animal parks to treetop adventure trails.
Many companies along the length of the Lot offer canoeing or kayaking trips along the river, a great way to see the countryside from a different viewpoint, away from roads.
On a hot day, you can cool off underground in the Lastournelle or Fontirou caves near Villeneuve sur Lot, and be amazed by the rock formations.
