Boat trip on the Lot
30/06/2023
Envie de vous ressourcer dans le cadre d’une activité nature riche en émotions et en découvertes ? Profitez de votre séjour en Occitanie pour faire une balade en bateau sur le Lot, cette rivière emblématique du sud-ouest de la France. Se la couler douce, c’est vraiment l’expression appropriée pour décrire cette excursion fluviale hors pair. Elle vous mène à la découverte des paysages captivants, des villages pittoresques et des expériences inédites. La plupart des lieux d’embarcation se trouve à moins d’une heure du camping dans le Lot Les Hirondelles à Loupiac.
Explore the Lot’s sublime landscapes
Rising in Lozère, the Lot flows through Occitanie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Nouvelle-Aquitaine, before emptying into the Garonne at Aiguillon. This beautiful French river is navigable for 160 km upstream and downstream of Cahors, thanks to its calm, serene waters.
As you cruise along the river, you’ll discover the sublime landscapes of the Lot.
Green hills, breathtaking cliffs, languid meanders, a riverbank rich in biodiversity, valleys dotted with vineyards, picturesque villages…
Birdsong and insect chirping provide the soothing musical backdrop to your journey.
At times, it’s necessary to stop the boat and take in the sights, to be overwhelmed by the beauty of the place.
From the Saut de la Mounine, you have an incredible panorama that sums up the Lot: winding river, limestone cliffs, rocky causse, cultivated valleys.
From this promontory, you can watch the ballet of birds of prey.
In Cahors, Mont-Saint-Cyr offers an exceptional view of the city.
Up there, you’ll have an unparalleled panorama of its bridges and buildings of varied architecture.
Take to the mountain at sunrise or sunset for an idyllic view.
Head for the most beautiful villages
La rivière Lot traverse le département éponyme d’est en ouest, de Capdenac-le-Haut à Soturac. Dans son parcours tranquille, elle sillonne 19 villes et villages aussi beaux les uns que les autres. Deux d’entre eux sont dans la prestigieuse liste des Plus Beaux Villages de France : Capdenac-le-Haut et Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Si votre balade en bateau commence au tout début de la portion lotoise du fleuve, ne ratez pas la promenade dans le village de Capdenac-le-Haut. Ce bourg, érigé sur un éperon rocheux, surplombe la rivière à 100 m d’altitude. Montez ses escaliers, flânez le long de ses remparts, puis visitez son château médiéval.
Downstream, a stopover at Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a must.
In addition to its enchanting charm, this favorite French village is home to a wealth of heritage sites.
Not to be missed: the Moulin d’Aulanac, the Gothic church of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, the home of the poet André Breton, the wine museum.
Stroll along the cirque de Vènes, a sublime towpath.
Don’t forget to climb to the top of the Rocher de Lapopie.
To round off your pleasant boat trip in the Lot, set course for Puy-l’Évêque.
It’s a magnificent medieval hillside town. Stroll through its narrow streets for a trip back in time to its rich past. Two buildings stand out: the 13th-century tower and the imposing Saint-Sauveur church, built between the 14th and 15th centuries. Puy-l’Évêque offers a pleasant view of the Cahors vineyards.
Enjoy the Lot from the river
A boat trip on the Lot is a combination of a change of scenery and new discoveries. There are many ways to enjoy these unique experiences on this long, tranquil river.
First of all, you embark on a sightseeing boat. On this cruise, you’ll enjoy the commentary of a local guide and a meal on board.
Secondly, you can hire a boat without a licence to cruise the river at your own pace and choose your own itinerary.
Thirdly, take a canoe-kayak for a more unusual experience. For added variety, you can also try your hand at other activities such as fishing, swimming or picnicking by the water’s edge.
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