Lot
About Lot
Savor the Lot River’s enchanting natural beauty
Trees crowd the shores of the scenic Lot River, giving way to medieval hilltop towns, lush vineyards and sections of cliffs that create an almost wilderness feel. The river makes a unique venue for a barge vacation in France. Outdoor pursuits like cycling, swimming and fishing go hand in hand with fine dining, browsing in open-air markets and sightseeing at historic châteaux!
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Douelle is our only base in the Lot region. The Medieval town of Luzech is only a couple of hours west and worth visiting for its gothic architecture and museums. Cruise eastwards and the iconic Pont Valentré in Cahors is just 3.5hours from the base and another 6.5hrs on from there lies the famous village of St Cirq-Lapopie, perched 100m high on a cliff overlooking the river. The whole of this region is easy to see in a week-long boating vacation.
Travel connections
- 102km Brive-la-Gaillarde (BVE)
- 107km Bergerac (EGC)
- 125km Toulouse (TLS)
- 12km from Cahors station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
Douelle is our only base in the Lot region. The Medieval town of Luzech is only a couple of hours west and worth visiting for its gothic architecture and museums. Cruise eastwards and the iconic Pont Valentré in Cahors is just 3.5hours from the base and another 6.5hrs on from there lies the famous village of St Cirq-Lapopie, perched 100m high on a cliff overlooking the river. The whole of this region is easy to see in a week-long boating vacation.
Travel connections
- 102km Brive-la-Gaillarde (BVE)
- 107km Bergerac (EGC)
- 125km Toulouse (TLS)
- 12km from Cahors station
Sounds interesting? Find out More
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Lot map
Le Boat Base
Navigable river
No navigation beyond this point
No license or experience required
Never handled a boat? You don’t need a license or prior experience to be the captain of your own houseboat. Our base teams will show you everything you need to know before you set off safely on your houseboat cruise.
The perfect boating region for…
Wildlife
On Lot River cruises, you might see golden eagles, red kite hawks, golden orioles and singing nightingales. Cute otters play along the banks. The Lot Valley is home to colorful rare orchids and an abundance of butterflies!
Fishing
Try night fishing for wild carp on designated sections of the Lot River. You can catch some really big ones! Black bass are also a popular catch when river boat fishing on the Lot. Roach, rudd, perch, pike and zander haunt these waters too!
Swimming
The Lot is great for river swimming! Crystal clear (but often chilly) waters invite you to take a dip on a hot summer day. After that, relax with a cool drink!
Watersports
Canoeing and kayaking on the Lot River is a popular watersport vacation pursuit! Why not tie up and rent a canoe or kayak for a pleasant afternoon poking along the river and getting close to Nature?
Interactive map of Lot
Le Boat base
Point of interest
Itinerary suggestions
Our boating vacations allow you the freedom to stop when you want and take each day as it comes. However, you might like to be guided by one of our day-by-day suggested itineraries, complete with estimated cruising times and restaurant recommendations. You can follow it religiously or just use it for ideas – whatever ‘floats your boat’. Please bear in mind that our itineraries are just suggestions. Cruising times are estimates and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
Douelle Douelle 7 Night Itinerary
Route suggestions
As well as the suggested itinerary shown above, all the routes available in this region are shown below. They aren’t as detailed, but they should help you get an idea of how far you can travel in the time you have. You won’t have time to stop at every single place listed on each suggestion – but they should give you an idea of what’s possible. Of course, cruising times are approximations and access to waterways, attractions and restaurants are all subject to availability at time of cruising.
= Click the arrow icon on each route suggestion, to flip the 'card' and reveal more details.
The Pont Valentré Short Break
The Pont Valentré Short Break
Douelle RETURN via Vers
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview
You chose the Lot River for something different, a unique take on boating vacations in France, and now that you’re out on the water you smile happily because you made the right choice. Limestone cliffs and narrow gorges compete with stunning hilltop castles for the eye’s attention. Forests line the shores, and picturesque villages tempt you to stay.
Please note: All locks are manual and user-operated. There are no lock keepers on the River Lot. As such, a good level of fitness is required from at least two crew members.
Top highlights:
- Wine tasting in Mercuès Castle
- Pradines’Â charming village and surrounding forestÂ
- The chapel and cuisine of Laroque-les-Arcs
- The history and wines of Cahors – be sure to see the famous Pont Valentré!
- Vers’Â abundance of medieval houses
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Douelle:Â Douelle is a welcoming village, surrounded by glorious French countryside. Visit the beautiful church or try out the good restaurants in town.
- Mercuès: Mercuès is a green and leafy place where you can enjoy a relaxing walk around the town. The Saint Germain church is a pleasure to visit. During the summer, the Mercuès Castle is also open and offers wine-tasting.
- Pradines:Â Surrounded by a verdant forest, Pradines is a charming village full of history. Come here and visit one of the four churches that the city owns. Walk through this typical town and try one of the good restaurants.
- Cahors:Â Cahors is the largest city in the area where you’ll discover impressive architecture inherited from the middle ages. Downtown, you will enjoy walking along the flower-lined streets and seeing the old timbered houses, which create a particularly charming atmosphere.
- Laroque-les-Arcs: Laroque-les-Arcs is a lovely town built in a particular architectural style, typical of the area. See the old church, des Récollets, and the charming chapel, Saint-Roch. If you stay here, try the excellent restaurants downtown.
- Savanac:Â Savanac is a beautiful green town along the Lot. Moor here to discover a picturesque town; there are good views everywhere you look.
- Arcambal:Â Arcambal is a typically quaint town where you’ll discover vestiges of the past, like the fortified ruins now covered by vegetation. The old Bouquet Castle is also a great sight to see, as is the impressive church Saint-Antoine, built in the 15th century.
- Vers:Â Vers is a peaceful town that you will love. Discover an old typical village with verdant vegetation and waterfalls. Check out the medieval houses in the village, and enjoy a visit to the church.
The Pont Valentré Short Break
Douelle RETURN via Vers
Scroll down using the grey bar to the right
Overview
You chose the Lot River for something different, a unique take on boating vacations in France, and now that you’re out on the water you smile happily because you made the right choice. Limestone cliffs and narrow gorges compete with stunning hilltop castles for the eye’s attention. Forests line the shores, and picturesque villages tempt you to stay.
Please note: All locks are manual and user-operated. There are no lock keepers on the River Lot. As such, a good level of fitness is required from at least two crew members.
Top highlights:
- Wine tasting in Mercuès Castle
- Pradines’Â charming village and surrounding forestÂ
- The chapel and cuisine of Laroque-les-Arcs
- The history and wines of Cahors – be sure to see the famous Pont Valentré!
- Vers’Â abundance of medieval houses
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Douelle:Â Douelle is a welcoming village, surrounded by glorious French countryside. Visit the beautiful church or try out the good restaurants in town.
- Mercuès: Mercuès is a green and leafy place where you can enjoy a relaxing walk around the town. The Saint Germain church is a pleasure to visit. During the summer, the Mercuès Castle is also open and offers wine-tasting.
- Pradines:Â Surrounded by a verdant forest, Pradines is a charming village full of history. Come here and visit one of the four churches that the city owns. Walk through this typical town and try one of the good restaurants.
- Cahors:Â Cahors is the largest city in the area where you’ll discover impressive architecture inherited from the middle ages. Downtown, you will enjoy walking along the flower-lined streets and seeing the old timbered houses, which create a particularly charming atmosphere.
- Laroque-les-Arcs: Laroque-les-Arcs is a lovely town built in a particular architectural style, typical of the area. See the old church, des Récollets, and the charming chapel, Saint-Roch. If you stay here, try the excellent restaurants downtown.
- Savanac:Â Savanac is a beautiful green town along the Lot. Moor here to discover a picturesque town; there are good views everywhere you look.
- Arcambal:Â Arcambal is a typically quaint town where you’ll discover vestiges of the past, like the fortified ruins now covered by vegetation. The old Bouquet Castle is also a great sight to see, as is the impressive church Saint-Antoine, built in the 15th century.
- Vers:Â Vers is a peaceful town that you will love. Discover an old typical village with verdant vegetation and waterfalls. Check out the medieval houses in the village, and enjoy a visit to the church.
The Lot Valley Cruise
The Lot Valley Cruise
Douelle RETURN via Luzech & Larnagol
Scroll down using the grey bar to the rightÂ
Overview
You ease the boat away from busy Cahors and head off on another day of your Lot River boating vacation in France, enjoying the impressive scenery. You crane your neck to see a hawk flying above craggy limestone cliffs, and in the distance Mercues castle perches atop a cliff. Pretty villages and grand châteaux dot the banks, tempting you to go ashore.
Please note: All locks are manual and user-operated. There are no lock keepers on the River Lot. As such, a good level of fitness is required from at least two crew members.
 Top highlights:
- Fishing in Caillac’s man-made lake
- The history and wines of Cahors – be sure to see the famous Pont Valentré!Â
- Vers’Â abundance of medieval houses
- Views over the Lot from BouzièsÂ
- Saint Cirq-Lapopie’s illuminated church
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Douelle:Â Douelle is a welcoming village, surrounded by glorious French countryside. Visit the beautiful church or try out the good restaurants in town.
- Caillac:Â Caillac is a small and quiet village. The downtown area has a man-made lake that’s terrific for fishing. Visitors love to observe the happennings in town and taking in the views of the surrounding countryside.
- Parnac:Â Parnac is a charming little town. The Saint-Saturnin church is a delight to see. During the summer, the Castle Saint-Didier de Parnac is open to vistors for wine tasting! Why not try it?
- Caïx: Caïx is a beautiful village. Stop here to walk the streets to see old houses covered by ivy. If you ask, you can visit the Lafon vineyards, which are really pretty.
- Luzech:Â Once a Gallic stronghold thanks to its natural barriers, Luzech is now a welcoming town where you will have a good time visiting the sights, like the old castle tower and the gothic church, Saint-Pierre.
- Mercuès: Mercuès is a green and leafy place where you can enjoy a relaxing walk around the town. The Saint Germain church is a pleasure to visit. During the summer, the Mercuès Castle is also open and offers wine-tasting.
- Pradines:Â Surrounded by a verdant forest, Pradines is a charming village full of history. Come here and visit one of the four churches that the city owns. Walk through this typical town and try one of the good restaurants.
- Cahors:Â Cahors is the largest city in the area where you’ll discover impressive architecture inherited from the middle ages. Downtown, you will enjoy walking along the flower-lined streets and seeing the old timbered houses, which create a particularly charming atmosphere.
- Laroque-les-Arcs: Laroque-les-Arcs is a lovely town built in a particular architectural style, typical of the area. See the old church, des Récollets, and the charming chapel, Saint-Roch. If you stay here, try the excellent restaurants downtown.
- Savanac:Â Savanac is a beautiful green town along the Lot. Moor here to discover a picturesque town; there are good views everywhere you look.
- Arcambal:Â Arcambal is a typically quaint town where you’ll discover vestiges of the past, like the fortified ruins now covered by vegetation. The old Bouquet Castle is also a great sight to see, as is the impressive church Saint-Antoine, built in the 15th century.
- Vers:Â Vers is a peaceful town that you will love. Discover an old typical village with verdant vegetation and waterfalls. Check out the medieval houses in the village, and enjoy a visit to the church.
- Saint-Géry: Saint-Géry is a quiet village along the Lot. Moor here and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds you.
- Bouziès: Although Bouziès is a small village, it is home to many beautiful sights to see. Moor here and take a walk along the towpath, a path carved into the rock along the canal in which the views are wonderful. Or cross the suspension bridge and look out over the Lot; this alone will make your stop worthwhile.
- Saint-Cirq-Lapopie:Â Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, the whole village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is considered a museum. Walking in town, you will marvel at the view over the Lot. At night, the illuminated church lights up the valley.
The Lot Valley Cruise
Douelle RETURN via Luzech & Larnagol
Scroll down using the grey bar to the rightÂ
Overview
You ease the boat away from busy Cahors and head off on another day of your Lot River boating vacation in France, enjoying the impressive scenery. You crane your neck to see a hawk flying above craggy limestone cliffs, and in the distance Mercues castle perches atop a cliff. Pretty villages and grand châteaux dot the banks, tempting you to go ashore.
Please note: All locks are manual and user-operated. There are no lock keepers on the River Lot. As such, a good level of fitness is required from at least two crew members.
 Top highlights:
- Fishing in Caillac’s man-made lake
- The history and wines of Cahors – be sure to see the famous Pont Valentré!Â
- Vers’Â abundance of medieval houses
- Views over the Lot from BouzièsÂ
- Saint Cirq-Lapopie’s illuminated church
Example itinerary:
The following is only an example, you can explore this area in whichever order you want, so long as your boat is back at the end base at the end of your vacation
- Douelle:Â Douelle is a welcoming village, surrounded by glorious French countryside. Visit the beautiful church or try out the good restaurants in town.
- Caillac:Â Caillac is a small and quiet village. The downtown area has a man-made lake that’s terrific for fishing. Visitors love to observe the happennings in town and taking in the views of the surrounding countryside.
- Parnac:Â Parnac is a charming little town. The Saint-Saturnin church is a delight to see. During the summer, the Castle Saint-Didier de Parnac is open to vistors for wine tasting! Why not try it?
- Caïx: Caïx is a beautiful village. Stop here to walk the streets to see old houses covered by ivy. If you ask, you can visit the Lafon vineyards, which are really pretty.
- Luzech:Â Once a Gallic stronghold thanks to its natural barriers, Luzech is now a welcoming town where you will have a good time visiting the sights, like the old castle tower and the gothic church, Saint-Pierre.
- Mercuès: Mercuès is a green and leafy place where you can enjoy a relaxing walk around the town. The Saint Germain church is a pleasure to visit. During the summer, the Mercuès Castle is also open and offers wine-tasting.
- Pradines:Â Surrounded by a verdant forest, Pradines is a charming village full of history. Come here and visit one of the four churches that the city owns. Walk through this typical town and try one of the good restaurants.
- Cahors:Â Cahors is the largest city in the area where you’ll discover impressive architecture inherited from the middle ages. Downtown, you will enjoy walking along the flower-lined streets and seeing the old timbered houses, which create a particularly charming atmosphere.
- Laroque-les-Arcs: Laroque-les-Arcs is a lovely town built in a particular architectural style, typical of the area. See the old church, des Récollets, and the charming chapel, Saint-Roch. If you stay here, try the excellent restaurants downtown.
- Savanac:Â Savanac is a beautiful green town along the Lot. Moor here to discover a picturesque town; there are good views everywhere you look.
- Arcambal:Â Arcambal is a typically quaint town where you’ll discover vestiges of the past, like the fortified ruins now covered by vegetation. The old Bouquet Castle is also a great sight to see, as is the impressive church Saint-Antoine, built in the 15th century.
- Vers:Â Vers is a peaceful town that you will love. Discover an old typical village with verdant vegetation and waterfalls. Check out the medieval houses in the village, and enjoy a visit to the church.
- Saint-Géry: Saint-Géry is a quiet village along the Lot. Moor here and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that surrounds you.
- Bouziès: Although Bouziès is a small village, it is home to many beautiful sights to see. Moor here and take a walk along the towpath, a path carved into the rock along the canal in which the views are wonderful. Or cross the suspension bridge and look out over the Lot; this alone will make your stop worthwhile.
- Saint-Cirq-Lapopie:Â Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, the whole village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is considered a museum. Walking in town, you will marvel at the view over the Lot. At night, the illuminated church lights up the valley.
Added on 20 September 2023
Itinerary was good and clear. Accommodation really comfortable.
Itinerary was good and clear. Accommodation really comfortable.
Added on 25 July 2023
easily navigable in the time allotted – even in the…
easily navigable in the time allotted – even in the rain! You don’t have to travel at full (governed) throttle ALL the time… Lots of time available to explore the towns and villages on your (Le Boat) bikes!.
Added on 3 May 2022
Vacation on the Lot is a good combination of scenic…
Vacation on the Lot is a good combination of scenic pleasure, activity (manual locks) and tranquility. There are enough pontoons to moor by the river, although not many of them had access to fresh water and electricity.
Added on 6 October 2021
Friendly caring staff, excellent tuition. Great, well equipped boat. Beautiful…
Friendly caring staff, excellent tuition.
Great, well equipped boat.
Beautiful river
Added on 15 October 2020
Just beautiful with nice places to visit.
Just beautiful with nice places to visit.
Added on 21 September 2020
A true adventure in every way…perhaps my best birthday and…
A true adventure in every way…perhaps my best birthday and best vacation in 66 years.
Added on 17 August 2020
In spite of issues raised already, we loved the lLot…
In spite of issues raised already, we loved the lLot valley, the cruising and villages and the boat was comfortable and well equipped
Added on 17 August 2020
Great holidays on Lot river!
Great holidays on Lot river!
Added on 10 August 2020
Good trip but cleaning and getting on the water took…
Good trip but cleaning and getting on the water took until 7PM so it was hard to find a space to stay for the night.
Added on 10 August 2020
Long wait for boat (2.5 hours from agreed arrival time),…
Long wait for boat (2.5 hours from agreed arrival time), poor attitude and service in reception. No help or solution when identified that several items on boats inventory were missing