The Lot is truly one of those rivers that any knowledgeable navigator must have traveled at least once in their life.
Who hasn't seen photographs of its famous cliffs carved into the local limestone?
If you sail in summer, you can swim there; Children love diving from the boat. As in all of the Southwest, gastronomy and wines are ubiquitous, and the architectural remains from ancient times are numerous.
On a river cruise, it's not just navigation that will occupy your days. Many other activities will be available to you!
The locks are manual, and there can sometimes be a current. These are the charms of river navigation. However, good physical shape or a minimum of experience may be necessary.
The Lot is part of the Midi Aquitaine destination that we offer for your next river cruise.
If you can't find the right license-free houseboat on the Lot, we can offer you options on the Canal du Midi, in Aquitaine, or in Charente, very nearby waterways open to river tourism where you will find the largest selection of barges and Pénichette®.
Must-sees of the Lot by boat
- Truffles, foie gras, Cahors wines, Rocamadour cheese are the symbols of its extraordinary gastronomy.
- The towns and villages of Cahors, Rocamadour, Saint-Cirq Lapopie, the Devil's Bridge have already filled your imagination with authentic medieval clichés.
- The limestone cliffs, swimming in clear water protected by a wild environment will complete the idyllic picture.
Some stops on your cruise on the Lot
The seventh river in France, the Lot has its source in Lozère and follows a winding route, over 491 km, from East to West, before joining the Garonne at Aiguillon. The Lot originally has 76 locks.
Upper Lot
Luzech. Canal Square, the Impernal Hill, the Chapel of Notre Dame of the Isle, the Keep of the old Citadel… Luzech is a rich and touristy town with its many historical monuments.
Douelle. The small village of Douelle has always played an important role in the history of the navigable Lot. The current port, with its stone quays and loading ramps, dates from the late 19th century. Several winemakers have their cellars around Douelle and will be happy to let you taste their wines.
Cahors. Despite its small size (about 20,000 inhabitants), Cahors is a welcoming and lively town that you must absolutely discover. It's a place where cultural and artistic activities are of great importance. Don't forget to taste the many wines of the city, at winemakers who will be delighted to welcome you.
Bouzies. A very pleasant small village where you can discover one of the English Castles that served as a refuge for bandits, English and others during the Hundred Years' War.
St-Cirq-Lapopie. This village, one of the most beautiful in France, is home to many artists and craftsmen occupying medieval houses. Saint Cirq-Lapopie holds great discoveries for you, each as enriching and surprising as the next.
Lower Lot
The different navigation companies do not currently offer boats for rent on the lower Lot.
Aiguillon. Occupied since Roman times, the town of Aiguillon offers many visits such as the chapel of Notre Dame, which once served boatmen, and became the Raoul Dastrac Museum, or the Medieval quarter and the neo-Gothic church of Saint Félix.
Castelmoron sur Lot. Castelmoron-sur-Lot already makes you want to come through its name, which according to a belief, its etymology would be "Castle of the Moors". The city was called "Mauron" in memory of the Moors who would have founded it, then Castelmoron. In fact, one could say that its etymology would be "Castle of the Marshes", because the plain was at one time very marshy. As you go up to the small town center through the old alleys, you will notice an imposing washhouse and some beautiful medieval houses.
Villeneuve sur Lot. Created in 1264, Villeneuve sur Lot is a very pleasant city appreciated by tourists. You can discover old monuments such as the Fortified Bridge or the Chapel of the Bout du Pont (former chapel of the boatmen).
Penne d'Agenais. This small village perched on a ridge keeps memories of a particularly eventful past. Affected by many battles until the 16th century, the village has been rebuilt many times, and today, each stone tells a story. Do not miss visiting its many shops such as pottery, glassware, weaving workshop, and other craft shops.
Photos: Nicols, Les Canalous, Le Boat.