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Suggested cruising options Cahors*
An adventure in the Lot valley

Short break
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DEPART :
Cahors
By :
Saint Cirq Lapopie
ARRIVE :
Cahors
DISTANCE :
70 KM
TIME :
15h00
LOCKS :
22
from 649 EUROS**
* Cruise suggestions: non contractual information
** All prices are calculated on the basis of a two day weekend in low season.
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Description of
the boating holiday

Over a few days, this short break boating holiday lets you explore some of the most beautiful villages in the Lot region. No previous canal boating experience is needed – simply set off in an easterly direction to discover the hills of Cahors, stopping off at numerous picturesque villages including Saint-Cirq Lapopie.

Departure base

Your boating holiday in the Lot begins the minute you collect your Nicols canal boat from the base at Cahors, a medieval town with a renowned vineyard. The city is easily accessible by both road and by train (the station is just a few hundred metres from our base) and its location centrally within the Lot valley means you can see the many beautiful villages that can be found both upstream and downstream.

Places to see and things to do

Cahors:
The Lot river loops right around the city of Cahors making it an essential place to discover during a canal boating holiday. Also there is no better way to get up close to the famous medieval Valentré Bridge than on your spacious canal barge! Once in the city, discover the historic centre decorated with stunning and extremely well-preserved architecture such as Saint-Etienne Cathedral, Château du Roi, Tour des Pendes (‘Tower of the Hanged’) as well as the hundreds of medieval houses that give a real feeling of the rich past of Cahors.

Laroque-des-Arcs: mix a canal boat trip with exploring Roman ruins.
Founded in the twelfth century, Laroque-des-Arcs role was to protect the ‘arches’ of the Roman aqueduct bringing the water Font Polémie to the thermal baths of Cahors. Traces and remains of the aqueduct are still visible at the Pech de Clary near the Saint-Roch Chapel as are the ruins of the toll tower used by the Lords.

Vers: waterfalls and watermills
With its small waterfalls and a string of water mills along the winding Vers River, the village of Vers is full of traditional charm. Moor your Nicols self-drive canal boat at the pontoons located at the foot of the village. From here there are several hikes that allow you to explore the verdant valley that surrounds the Vers River and that is so popular with fisherman and walkers. Also take time to visit the Notre-Dame Chapel which dates back to the twelfth century.

Saint-Géry: enjoy a panoramic view of the cliffs
Found halfway between Cahors and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Saint-Géry is nestled at the foot of the majestic Causse cliffs and bordered by the green banks of the Lot River. Set on the perimeter of a nature reserve, Saint-Géry offers peace and tranquillity – something that has been appreciated from back as far as when the pilgrims on the Saint-Jacques de Compostela route would rest here before resuming their journey. From the village square, take the road that climbs to the Causse de Nezou and enjoy panoramic views across the Lot valley and limestone cliffs in the heart of the Causses du Quercy Natural Park. Families should also visit the Mémorail Quercy Vapeur museum to discover the history of the railway and enjoy rides on the replica mini-trains.

Bouziès: impressive towpath that’s cut into the cliff side
Bouziès is the starting point of the towpath that links to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (a 10km round trip). Dug directly into the limestone cliffs, the towpath trail is impressive and you can either walk it on foot or follow its course by water onboard your canal barge. A highlight of the towpath is a 30 metre long art carving that illustrates the river and its environment. Also make sure you and your crew look up to spot the Château des Anglais – an amazing defence post from the Hundred Years War that is nestled in the crevices of the cliff. 

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: the cliff hanging medieval village!
A visit to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a must when exploring the Lot region by canal boat. Perched on a cliff some 80 metres above the river, the village offers the magic spectacle of its medieval houses clinging to the rock. At the foot of this village, ranked among the most beautiful in France, is a swimming and watersports centre that has a large supervised beach area, a playground, a cafe/bar and offers hire of pedalos and canoes.

Your boating holiday in the Lot region is coming to an end so it is time to start thinking about the return journey to the Nicols base at Cahors.

Canal boats available

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