First stop: Souillac, in the north of the Lot department. From the festive colors of the market to the soft, warm hues of its historic buildings, this village will charm you with its wealth of cultural activities and pretty fishing spots. An added bonus in July, when the town comes alive to the sound of jazz during the Souillac en Jazz festival!

Things to do:

• Go on a family treasure hunt through the narrow streets of Souillac. Information is available at the tourist office.
• Set off on the 12.5 km “Circuit des Viaducs” on foot or by bike to discover the viaducts across the limestone plateaus and forests.
• Rediscover your childhood in the corridors of the Musée de l'Automate, unique in Europe, with its surprising collection of mechanical toys from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Still in the Dordogne Valley, we now head to Martel, labeled “Most Beautiful Village in France.” This village, whose history is marked by truffle cultivation, is also known as the town of seven towers. Its historical and natural heritage, which complement each other perfectly, explain why this former merchant city is now a City of Art and History.

Things to do:

• Hop aboard the Trufadou, a small tourist train in Haut Quercy, for a 6.5 km ride on the railway tracks carved into the cliffs 80 meters above the valley.
• Learn about Martel during a fun guided tour or discovery tour offered by the Tourist Office.
• Cycle along the “Au coeur du causse de Martel” loop for around 1 hour and 15 minutes of discovery, medium difficulty.

This tour of the Lot region continues a few kilometers east of Martel, in Vayrac! Still in the heart of the Dordogne Valley. Here you are at the center of many tourist sites, ideal for combining relaxation and discovery.

Things to do:

• Take a dip or picnic on the banks of the Dordogne at the swimming beach, or go canoeing or kayaking, alone or accompanied by a nature river guide.
• Meet the turtles at Padiparc, a whole world dedicated to reptiles that will hold no secrets for you thanks to a team of enthusiasts! 15 km from Vayrac.
• Step back in time at the Uxellodunum museum in Vayrac or visit the Gallo-Roman site of Puy d'Issolud in Saint-Denis-Lès-Martel, an iconic site in French history.

A little name ending in “ac,” typical of the Dordogne Valley, and you're in Tauriac. In this green setting on the banks of the Dordogne, Tauriac invites you to relax. Amateur and experienced fishermen alike can enjoy fishing spots in a peaceful atmosphere.

Things to do:

• Fish at the Mas de la Croux lake and enjoy its beach for a relaxing break or a swim. Plus, there's a water park with 22 play modules for fun for ages 6 and up, with supervised swimming in the summer afternoons.
• Marvel at the Padirac sinkhole as you make your way to the next stop.
• Discover the ruins of the 13th-century Château de Taillefer.

You are now halfway through this tour, in the far north of the department, between Périgord and Quercy, in Girac. Located at the crossroads of many tourist sites, this is an ideal base for combining discovery and relaxation in a green setting just a stone's throw from the Dordogne. Anglers will be delighted to discover a lovely fishing spot just a few meters from the campsite. Nature lovers will fall under the spell of its natural sites, including the Dordogne Quercynoise Valley and the Cère Valley and Tributaries, classified as Natura 2000 sites.

Things to do:

• Walk along “Les terres des barons de Castelnau” (The lands of the Barons of Castelnau), a 6.8 km walking trail, about a 2-hour walk under the watchful eye of the 19th-century Château de Castelnau.
• Visit the fortified castle of Castelnau-Bretenoux, where you are guaranteed a medieval atmosphere!
• Explore one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France located a few kilometers away, either Autoire or Loubressac.

The sixth stop on this tour of the Lot region takes us to the village of Rignac, in the Causses du Quercy Natural Park. There is a rich heritage to discover here, including around the town, which is close to several of France's “Most Beautiful Villages,” including the famous medieval town of Rocamadour, located 8 kilometers away.

Things to do:

• Immerse yourself in the daily life of the countryside of yesteryear through the documentaries of a famous director who gave his name to this space, at the Georges Rouquier Center in Goutrens.
• Cycle along one of the town's mountain bike trails.
• Walk along the medieval trail from Rignac to Becatel, a hike of around 2.5 hours. At the end, discover Belcastel, listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France,” and its castle.

Change of scenery: now begin your descent towards the south of the Lot. Stop off at Lamagdelaine, a few kilometers from Cahors! Located in the Causses du Quercy, Lamagdelaine is part of the Causse de Gramat, a rocky landscape that is home to rare plant species such as orchids.

Things to do:

• Put on some good shoes and stroll through the village of Lamagdelaine to admire its pretty little houses and beautiful views of the Lot countryside.
• Explore Cahors, 4 kilometers from Lamagdelaine, and stroll through the gardens of Cahors.
• Discover the medieval village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France,” located 14 kilometers from Lamagdelaine.

The penultimate stop is Montcuq-en-Quercy-Blanc, the town whose name made France laugh. This town, which rightly reminded Nino Ferre of Tuscany, winds around its keep. Its well-known name belies its intimate atmosphere, with its narrow, flower-filled streets. Montcuq-en-Quercy-Blanc is undoubtedly a friendly and lively village, with its market showcasing local produce and its shaded square where it's not uncommon to see a few games of pétanque being played in good spirits!

Things to do:

• Relax at the lake beach for a picnic or a spot of lazing around. Depending on the season, children can enjoy inflatable games!
• Take in the tower keep of Montcuq, listed as a Historic Monument in 1904. Tours are available from May to September, featuring four rooms, vaults, fireplaces, and a splendid panorama from the top of the keep overlooking the village, valleys, and surrounding plateaus.
• Listen to the song “Le Sud” while strolling through the village of Montcuq, written by Nino Ferrer, who fell in love with this corner of the Lot.

This tour ends in Quercy Blanc, in the hilltop village of Castelnau-Montratier, at the southern tip of the Lot department on the border with Tarn-et-Garonne, surrounded by limestone plateaus, vineyards, and fields. More than just a history as a trading town, it is a legacy, reflected in the farmers' markets that bring the village to life. Perched atop a rocky outcrop, Castelnau-Montratier was built on the model of a bastide and has a large central square that encourages conviviality and sharing among its inhabitants.

Things to do:

• Take a breath of fresh air in the Lot countryside on the “Sur la route des moulins” (On the mill road) trail, a 1 hour 15 minute walk or 14 km bike ride. There are a few hills, but the discovery of the Boisse mill is your reward.
• Stroll through the center of Castelnau-Montratier, admire its church inspired by neo-Byzantine basilicas with its dome, and enjoy the bustle of its market.
• Wander through the narrow streets of Sainte-Alauzie, sometimes lined with lavender, typical of the Quercy Blanc region, and discover its white stone church.