Guide to the Lot and Properties in Department 46

Similar to other departments in France, Lot is named after the river that meanders through the beautiful countryside, where properties scattered along the river banks are obscured by the rich, warm shades of thick greenery.  During the French Revolution in 1790, Lot was known as Quercy, part of the original 83 departments compared to the 96 that are known today. Neighbours of Lot include Aveyron, Tarn-et-Garonne and Dordogne, in fact it’s the valleys of the Lot, Dordogne and Cele where you will find its notorious limestone highlands.  These dramatic limestone plateaux divide the department (number 46), covering much of the North, Center and South of the region, rolling hills then shelter either side out towards the East and West.  Also running from North to South through the middle of the Lot department is the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, where almost 29,000 people live within its 176,000 hectares of magnificent landscapes.  

As well as its notable scenery Lot is known for the variety of individual foods that are made here.  Awaken your taste buds by the local produce of truffles, foie gras, Cabecou cheese and of course the full bodied wines of Cahors. The capital of Lot, Cahors, sits in a small peninsula in a loop in the river Lot and as we have previously mentioned is best known for its production of ‘black’ wine.  Cahors has rich Celtic history as well as being a large Roman city filled with monuments that can still be seen today. 

Tourists come to Cahors to enjoy its medieval quarter and its famous 14^th Century fortified Valentré Bridge.  When visiting or passing through Cahors you must spend some time at the famous Ponte Valentré, it’s simply beautiful and is rightfully listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The medieval town grew due to the arrival of bankers and merchants in the 13^th Century, large brick houses and arcades filled with shops were built and can be explored in the Rue Nationale, Rue du Chateau du Roi and the Rue des Soubirous.  More recently in the 19^th century Cahors’ main road, named the Boulevard Gambettea was built along the moat that surrounded the original town and is now the central route through Cahors. 

There are very few main roads throughout the Lot valley, less traffic allows you to discover the region as if it has never been touched.  The history of the land is visible for all who visit even dating back to the prehistoric times leaving numerous caves and ancient stone monuments.  This area of the Occitanie region is mainly characterised by the sleepy market towns, bastide villages and picturesque, tranquil countryside, many of these were built by the English in the 13^th Century.  Some of the medieval bastide towns have even managed to remain unspoiled, adding to the lure of the land. Amongst the hills in Northern Lot you will find the historic village of Prayssac, with a collection of classic stone properties to suit every style that boast private pools, guest houses and beautiful gardens stretching into the countryside.  

In contrast to the strong historic past that runs through much of Lot you could reside in one of the contemporary homes that are within walking distance of the main towns in the department.  You can enjoy a tranquil lifestyle in the pretty villages of Puy-l’Eveque and Rocamadour or live surrounded by the vineyards of Cahors, discover and explore your personal highlights of the Lot. If you are looking for a property in the Lot, please let us know your criteria.