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 Quercy, departement Lot
Reyrevignes
Figeac
Rocamadour
Cahors
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Quercy is the ancient name for what now is called the Lot department. The Quercy is a peaceful region with lots of space, light and colours. A wonderful scenery of untouched nature. |
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Two large valleys, the valley of the Dordogne in the north and of the Lot in the south enclose the part that is called the "Causse", a rough table land of lime-stone heavily eroded for ages, which is the habitat of sheep and juniper berry shrubs. |
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Quercy is the land of stones, lots of stones: "La pierre pousse" is an ancient expression; stones seem to grow here. Very characteristic in the landscape are the walls of stone stacked by human hands that intersect the landscape. The same stones were used to build the "cazelles", small circular shepherd shelters of which quite a number have been preserved. |
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The grange of Domaine de Vacances Papillon is an example of construction of stones only. It is a two-story building with 70 centimetres thick walls. Even after almost two centuries these walls are still standing. In order to protect and enhance this remarkable area, the "Parc naturel regional des Causses du Quercy" has been created. |
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| Land of contrasts, the Causses du Quercy
are a skilful arrangement of hills and coombs, plateaux and deeply-carved
valleys, lapiaz, dolines, rivers which seem to disappear underground and
reappear, caves chasms und subterranean rivers, dry pastures, dry stone
walls as well as cazelles which Man has managed to preserve. |
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| Visit the caves of Pech-Merle and Lacave, or the astonishing
Padirac Chasm. They really are spectacular. Say Lot and you mean 300,000 years of history.. |
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| Reyrevignes |
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In the midst of this beautiful scenery you will find Reyrevignes, with approx. 300 inhabitants situated on the eastern edge of the Causse de Gramat. Domaine de Vacances Papillon is hidden is a small valley about 500 metres from the village. The small stream that is the cause of all the erosion is still existing and is responsible for the continuous water flow in our pond. Although the village is a small one, we are proud of our bakery, where
bread is baked in an authentic old oven, heated with oak wood. Be sure
to buy some bread there, and be careful not to burn your fingers, the
bread may just have left the oven. |
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The yearly feast of Reyrevignes in the last weekend of July means four days of typically French festivities: a bit noisy, and lots of food... The absolute summit is a meal for 500 people on the pétanque-court. |
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| In autumn you may enjoy the beautiful sight of all these perfect autumn colours. | |
| Figeac |
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Close to Reyrevignes you can find the city of Figeac, one of the best preserved medieval cities in the area. Lots of little shops, a market on Saturday mornings make it a visit worth while. |  |
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| In Figeac Jean-François Champollion was born, the famous decipherer of Egyptian hieroglyphics. The house where he was born is turned into a museum. Close to the museum you will find a giant replica of the Stone of Rosette. |  |
| Rocamadour |
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Do not forget to pay a visit to Rocamadour, one of the most beautiful and important places of pilgrimage of the Christian West on the route to Santiago de Compostela.. Wander through the medieval street, mount the Great Pilgrim Staircase and admire the black Madonna. | |
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And do visit Eagles Rock to see a demonstration of birds of prey in flight. And there is more in Rocamadour. We mention the Maison des Abeilles, a bee-keeping exhibition, and the Foret des Singes, a monkey park |
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| Cahors |
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If you want to visit another beautiful city we would like to propose Cahors. The city with its famous bridge the Pont Valentré, one of the most beautiful fortified bridges in Europe and the cathedral of St. Stephen, situated in the restored old quarters of Cahors. And do try to taste some of the Cahors wine. | |
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On your way back from Cahors do not forget to stop at Saint-Cirq Lapopie, a lovely medieval village clinging to the cliffs, where all kind of artists and craftsmen have little shops, and where the view over the river Lot really is superb. | |
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| Well we believe that there is more than
enough reason for you to come and enjoy a wonderful holiday in this beautiful
region. Hope to see you one day. |
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