Castles of the Lot

There are several types of châteaux in the Lot. There are those that have been perfectly preserved as tourist attractions. Such is the case of Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux.

Situated at the end of a rocky plateau, it was a fortified residence built in the 11th century. It was home to several great families, including the de Clermont-Lodève family in 1530. It is a magnificent example ofmedieval military architecture. Admission is 8 euros for adults and 6.50 euros per person for groups.

Château de Saignes was built in the 16th century on the initiative of François 1st’s ambassador, Pierre IV de la Garde de Saignes. It houses an emblematic medieval master-tower, as well as a Renaissance dwelling. And that’s not counting its magnificent gardens. Nestled against the cliffs in the heart of the Lot valley, Château de Cénevières was built in 1585. It’s an architectural gem in the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy.

Castles turned restaurants in the Lot

Unlike the first chateaux in the Lot, the ones we’re about to present to you have been converted into restaurants, but have lost none of their lustre or historical richness. Quite the contrary: by giving themselves a second life, they have been enhanced, becoming a must-see tourist attraction in the Lot.

The Château de Mercuès – Le Duèze dates back to the 13th century. The building is located on the outskirts of Cahors. Here you’ll find the magnificent 4-star Relais et Châteaux hotel. The atmosphere is superb, both in the hotel and in the restaurant. The same goes for Château de la Treyne: the atmosphere is just as warm. Every nook and cranny exudes the fragrance of the region’s history. The palace dates back to the 14th century.

How can you combine gourmet pleasures and discoveries during your Lot camping vacation? The Lot is home to a number of wine-growing châteaux, where you’ll discover not only superb landscapes, but also the exquisite flavours of the region’s fine wines. We’ve selected three must-visit sites for you. Each offers its own unique wine. First, there’s Château de Gautoul. Its land has been cultivated since the 17th century. It’s a vast estate just outside the medieval village of Puy L’Évêque.

Next, you can visit the Lacapelle-Cabanac estate. Château du Lot offers an ink-black wine of exquisite flavor. It’s produced according to a centuries-old tradition. What’s more, the vineyards are farmed organically. Finally, we invite you to visit Château de Cayx, which dates back to the 15th century. Each year, it produces around 140,000 bottles of white, red and rosé wine. Unforgettable tastings are on the cards. Share