Chateau de Mercues Hotel, Cahors

Pedal your way through the countryside on this unique and entertaining mode of transport that will give you a bit of exercise as you enjoy the scenery.

A trip on a petit train is the perfect way to see this small bastide town and to learn a little more about the long history of the bastide town.

Passing under the limestones cliff of Beynac you will travel along the Dordogne valley to Marqueyssac and the hanging gardens, Chateau de Fayrac and Chateau de Castelnaud. 

This traditional wooden barge will take you on a picturesque cruise down the river Dordogne from La Roque-Gageac to the Castelnaud bridge.

After discovering the city of Saint Emilion this train tour takes you out into the countryside and surrounding vineyards to discover more about the history and culture of wine in this region.

Discover the historic town of Bergerac during this 30-35 minute tour of the towns most famous sights and features.

The dining rooms allow for views of the surrounding vineyards and rolling hills. Drinks can also be enjoyed in the small library or among the chestnut trees.

This elegant and sophisticated two Michelin star restaurant offers creative dishes designed by chef Cédric Béchade, who plays with colours and textures in his cuisine.

Within the hotel grounds of the picture perfect Moulin de l'Abbaye hotel, set alongside the River Dronne and with a dining room oozing class and a waterside terrace with shaded trees, it would be difficult to find a spot in the world more idyllic than this!

The restaurant of this excellent 4-star hotel is one of the best in the region. The manor building is set in beautiful grounds, and chef, Ludovic Lavaud, harmoniously matches local products and traditional cuisine with a touch of oriental perfume. The cave is exceptional too.

In conjunction with the Hôtel Edward 1er, you would expect the restaurant to maintain the high standards and quality that the hotel upholds. That it certainly does, with twists on French classics in a spacious and friendly dining area, set inside an historical stone building, typical of the Monpazier village and surrounding region.

This restaurant in the old guard rooms of the Château du Viguier Royal, makes this old mansion-house kitchen alive again. The chef, Daniel Authié, creates cooking art which mixes contemporary and traditional flavours. The sommelier and head waiter, Bernard Badia, offers helpful advice on the food characteristics and complementary wines.

Spread over three levels this museums tells many stories of resistance efforts, concentration camps and the part the Cahors played in the liberation of France.

Built in the 14th century, the Valentré bridge is synonymous with the town of Cahors.

Developed by an engineer called Frédéric Suisse the system uses the amazing power of the river to pump water from the fountain of the Chartreux, thus supplying Cahors with drinking water.

The cathedral in Cahors dates to the 11th century though it has undergone modifications over the centuries.

This fossil museum in Luzech houses tracks and footprints of dinosaurs from the Jurassic period of over 140 million years ago which were discovered in Crayssac. Thought to be Diplodocus-like quadrupeds, the tracks are over 10 metres long.

The Russian sculptor, Ossip Zadkine, spent the best part of 30 years in Les Arques where he created many of his best works. This museum presents some of his pieces; his more religious works are housed in the church.

Formerly the capital of the old province of Quercy, Cahors is the largest town in the Lot valley. The site was inhabited by the Cadurci tribe in Roman-Gaul times. 

This bastide town, sitting high above the Dordogne river, has an impressive number of its 13th century fortifications still intact, including three of its original gates.

Perched on the side of a cliff, in a gorge above the river Alzou, this medieval town has a breathtaking setting.

It's hard to imagine a nicer village than La Roque-Gageac, with its huge limestone cliffs that tower behind the Renaissance-style houses built in creamy stone with burnt red roofs. 

The village of Beynac-et-Cazenac is thought to date back to the 12th century when its imposing cliff top château was constructed.

Sitting proud on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Nauze valley, this fortified town boasts seven bell towers and an 11th century keep that is still standing, despite numerous invasions and wars.