Page 399 - Lonely Planet France’s Best Trips (Travel Guide)

Figeac Inside the Musée Champollion
es in the 14th century, its way through the rich
the parapets projecting vineyards of the Cahors 6 Puy l’Évêque
from two of its three tall AOC region. It’s up to On a rocky hillside above
towers were designed to you whether you wish the northern bank of
allow defenders to drop to take advantage of the the Lot, Puy l’Évêque
missiles on attackers be- signs offering dégusta- was one of the most
low. It’s also worth step- tion (tasting). Otherwise, important medieval ports
ping inside the beautiful carry on along the road, in the Lot Valley, and
12th-century Cathédrale passing the dams at its quays are lined with
St-Étienne, a harmonious Luzech, whose medieval once-grand merchants’
blend of Romanesque and section sits at the base houses – some have
Gothic styles. of a donjon (keep), and been carefully restored;
Castelfranc, with a dra-
54 p399 matic suspension bridge. others are a little worse
The Drive » Head west of The Drive » West of Luzech, for wear. The old town is
also well worth a stroll,
town via the D8, following signs stay on the minor D8, which hugs with many fine stone
to Luzech and Pradines.
the south bank of the river. The mansions and tumble-
road affords super vistas of the down medieval buildings,
local vineyards and the river’s best appreciated from the
5 Luzech many hairpin curves. You’ll reach
Downstream from Ca- Puy l’Évêque after 26km, or road bridge that spans
the Lot just outside town.
hors, the lower Lot twists around 35 minutes’ driving.
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