Maison Occitane at Occitanie

The Neighborhood

Set on the estate of a 350-year old Manoir, Maison Occitane is surrounded by beautiful countryside and rolling meadows. It’s about a 15-minute drive to the nearest town, Puy-l'Évêque (10km) perched above the River Lot, where you will find several restaurants and shops as well as a Tuesday morning market. Explore its narrow lanes and steps and admire the ochre-coloured medieval houses and buildings. In the summer, pick up a boat tour from the port to take in the beautiful scenery. Just a little further is Prayssac (12km) with restaurants, delightful boulangeries and a supermarket as well as a twice-weekly market. To the south, the Sunday morning market at Montcuq (17km) is also a must, which could be combined with a visit to the Lac de Montcuq with its sandy beach, fishing, children’s play area and supervised swimming on summer afternoons. You are of course in a region known for its magnificent wines with the Cahors vineyards so close. There are wineries within a short drive and beyond; whether you wish to sample Syrah or Malbec, some of the world’s finest wines are made in vineyards nearby. The beautiful and historic town of Cahors (38km) on the River Lot is just over half an hour away. On a Wednesday and Saturday morning experience the open farmers market with many local delights to buy from Quercy melons to truffles and foie gras. The famous bridge, Pont Valentré, is UNESCO World Heritage listed and there are other wonderful sightseeing opportunities including the Resistance Museum and the Cathedral. Or simply wander through the medieval lanes, discovering one of the many little squares and secret gardens across the town. In July and August you can take the boat from Cahors to Cirq-Lapopie (63km), an enchanting hilltop town just over an hours drive away from Maison Occitane. Discover the pretty shops, many selling their crafts or explore the art galleries in the flower-filled lanes. Many artists have been inspired to come here over the years due to its remarkable beauty and charm; it has been classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Heading north, the beautifully preserved town of Rocamadour (80km) is another amazing place to visit in the Lot department, built on the edge of a cliff with the river at the bottom of the gorge. The honey-coloured houses of stunning Gourdon (50km) are another highlight of this region. The Dordogne is also reached in just over an hour with famous villages such as La Roque-Gageac (59km), Domme (56km) and Monpazier (49km) making perfect day trips.