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On the borders of Lot et Garonne and Tarn et Garonne, this is an area of wonderful rolling hills and open valleys, of heathland and limestone plateau, with a rich agricultural heritage. Often referred to as the Garden of France, there remain many small local producers offering an abundance of delicious local products. These can be found in the weekly markets in the centres of Cahors/Agen/Valence d'Agen or Moissac and in the small farmers' markets which you see advertised at the entrance to many villages. The proximity to Bordeaux, the Dordogne and the Gers and the rich variety of local produce makes available a mouth-watering selection of foods and drink - from cheeses, mushrooms and truffles to duck and meat products; from the local wines and spirits to the prunes, melons, apricots and other fruit, which grow so well. You can really taste the freshness and flavour so sorely lacking in much of the produce on sale in the UK today. This is an area with a rich local culture and history. Dotted with the many fortified bastide towns built by such renowned figures as Richard the Lionheart, it was the cradle of Henry IV of France. It is a landscape of contrasts. Nearer to Cahors the landscape becomes more stony and rugged and you can follow the Lot river as it meanders through the rocky landscape to Figeac. En route is St-Cirq-Lapopie, a stunning medieval village perched on the side of a rocky outcrop and often referred to as the most beautiful village in France. The dramatic gorges of the Aveyron are not far away. It is a landscape for walking, riding, or for cycling if you are an energetic and fit cyclist; for drawing and painting and reflecting if you savour peace and serenity. There are stables nearby, golf at Agen, fishing in the many lakes and rivers, canoeing near Cahors. Or, if you prefer the comfort of the car then there are many lovely towns and villages that can be visited and enjoyed without too much exertion on your part. We feel privileged to live in such a wonderful and harmonious environment, where local people are genuinely charming and helpful. We look forward to sharing our adopted home with you.
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| Locally, you can discover a rich history and local culture: | ||
| Cahors, famous for its ‘Valentré’ bridge. | ||
| The numerous romanesque churches of which Moissac Abbey, just half an hour’s drive away, is an extraordinary example. | ||
| The picturesque bastide towns of Lauzerte and Montcuq. | ||
| Prehistoric cave paintings at Lascaux. | ||
| Museums, music festivals and work by local artists and artisans. | ||
| Wildlife which includes wild boar, deer, birds of prey and many wild flowers. | ||
| You can savour the renowned regional cuisine: | ||
| The local duck, foie gras, truffles, prunes, cherries, melons, apricots, Cahors wines, Armagnac, Toulouse sausages, cassoulet; the list goes on …. | ||
| Enjoy shopping in the colourful local markets from the many local producers, or eating out in a variety of excellent cafes and restaurants. | ||
| For those who enjoy ‘activity’ - you don’t have to go far to find: | ||
| Riding, fishing, tennis, golf, parachuting, canoeing, well-signed local walks and courses in local crafts or cooking. | ||
| Further afield in the region: | ||
| The pink city of Toulouse, with its Italian style architecture and Spanish feel. | ||
| The famous bastide town of Carcassonne. | ||
| Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val and the drama of the Aveyron Gorges. | ||
| Bordeaux and the Atlantic or the Mediterranean sea are within driving distance. | ||