Things to do in the Area
There is so much to do in the local area, from colourful markets and ancient bastide towns, exploring the Dordogne river in a canoe, to kicking back at a local Chateau sampling the wine, guests at Moulin de Pomette will be spoiled for choice in planning their days. Below are some recommendations (scroll to the bottom for favourite vineyards) or head to the excellent Tourism Lot website for a very comprehensive list of events, walks and local attractions
Loubejac Night Market
Don’t miss out on this! The market takes place every Thursday from 6.30pm, Place de la Halle, Loubejac, from 7th July until 1st September. Buy the food you fancy from the local producers’ stalls, sit down and enjoy. Take your own cutlery. There is a sheltered area in case of rain.
Information (in French) by calling +33 6 07 70 97 21
Visit Puy-L’Eveque & Prayssac
Just 25 minutes’ drive from Moulin de Pomette, Puy-l’Eveque is a picture postcard French town nestled on the banks of the Lot. The town is also the centre of the Cahors AOC - Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée - meaning it is the heart of wine production with the Cahors label. After taking in the beautiful scenery, head 5km upstream to Prayssac and choose from a wide array of restaurants for lunch. There is an excellent market in Prayssac on Friday mornings too.
Getting on the water
Famous throughout the world for its historic riverside towns, excellent restaurants and fabulous architecture, the Dordogne river is definitely best explored from the water. A half day or day canoeing down the river is not to be missed. For places that suit your particular destination, Google ‘canoeing on the Dordogne’ and browse the many options within a 40 minute drive from Moulin de Pomette.
For those looking for more active watersports, especially for the children, head to AquaMonkeyIsland, where you can experience the inflatable course, swim or rent a paddle board on the lakes. There is also a playground and snack bar on site.
The Best Markets
There are so many markets in the local area, it is possible to visit one each day of the week and the range of produce on offer is world class. The best thing is to have a look at the following websites and find the ones that suit your plans and interests.
Gouffre de Padirac
One of the ‘must sees’ of the region and truly worth the trip, a visit to Gouffre de Padirac takes you 103m below ground level to an enchanting and spectacular cave with a river running through it. Take the 1hr 30mins guided boat tour - booking in advance is highly recommended and tickets can be purchased on their website. Combine your visit here with a stop off at Rocamadour (see below).
Rocamadour
Just 8km from Gouffre de Padirac, Rocamadour is a spectacular medieval village and UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as a pilgrimage destination, the village is also home of 'Cabécou' cheese which is made with unpasteurized goat's milk and has been designated the AOC quality label.
Read a full history and get ideas for what to do during your visit here:
www.visit-dordogne-valley.co.uk/discover/cultural-heritage/villages-to-visit/rocamadour
Grottes de Cougnac
The two caves (the first discovered in 1949, the second in 1952) are known for their limestone stalactites as well as fine prehistoric paintings of animals and human forms. Dating back between 12,000 - 30,000 years, they are among the oldest figurative drawings in the world open to the public.
The caves can only be accessed via the official tour. Each tour is restricted to 25 people so do book more than one day in advance on the website or on the day by phoning.
Cahors
The capital of the Lot, Cahors has two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the medieval Valentine bridge and the Saint-Etienne cathedral, both well worth a visit, as are the Roman ruins. Restaurants are plentiful, all of which are a gastronomic delight. The town also hosts the largest of the local markets which takes place outside the cathedral in the market square on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. There is also a covered market which is open Tuesday to Saturday.
Cahors is 32km south east of Cazals.
Villefranche-du-Perigord
14km south of Cazals, Villefranche-du-Perigord is the oldest of the 18 bastide towns of the Perigord region. It was founded in 1261 by Alphonse de Poitiers and is centred around ‘La Place de la Halle’, a charming square with a traditional open sided market hall and houses dating back to the 13th century along its sides. It is the perfect place to stop for a coffee after picking up something tasty in the fabulous bakery.
Vineyards & Chateaux
Cazals is nestled between two wine regions, Cahors to the south following the river Lot, and to the north, Bergerac and Monbazillac. As you drive through the local area, you will pass many vineyards, most of which will advertise cellar tours, free tastings and, of course, happily sell you some wine. The three below are favourites, however do look at Wine Tourism which lists the top 10 vineyards (in their opinion!) in the area.
Chateau de Monbazillac
If you are flying in and out of Bergerac, visiting this 16th century chateau is a worthwhile detour.
The chateau is open in the summer from 10am to 7pm (June) or 8pm (July and August). No booking required.
Château de Monbazillac
Le Bourg
24240 Monbazillac
+33 5 53 61 52 52
Chateau Eugenie
Château Eugénie is one of the premier vineyards of the Cahors AOC, with guided tours and thematic tastings (old vintages, walks in the vineyards and food and wine pairings). They also host a number of food and wine events and markets, details of which can be found on their site. The cellar is open all year round. It may be worthwhile calling or emailing for confirmation and specific tours or tastings.
www.chateaueugenie.com couture@chateaueugenie.com
Château Eugenie
Rivière Haute
46140 Albas
Vin de Domme
The closest vineyard to Cazals is the Vin de Domme, who also do visits and tastings. If you’re feeling brave climb up the Tour Panoramique de Moncalou, a tower built above the vineyard, offering 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a little hard to find but this Google Maps pin will take you there. There is also a Café La Terrasse de Moncalou nearby if you are in need of some refreshments.
Vin de Domme
Moncalou
24250 Florimont-Gaumier