Lot Sous Toile

Say France, think châteaux, oui? The famous (and a little bit showbiz) Château des Milandes is a 55-minute drive away and is an absolute must-visit – the pretty pile was once home to Josephine Baker and there’s a museum dedicated to the dancer at the castle, as well as a brewery, gardens and raptor shows. Castelnaud-la-Chapelle and Château Beynac are both within about 50 minutes too, for days where extra castle is very much needed. Active types can hire bikes 15 minutes away for hours or days (or weeks?) of zooming pedals along pretty wooded roadways, soaking up the scenery of the area between the Lot and Dordogne rivers. Those with a hint of the daredevil in them can opt instead for a 35-minute drive to Kalapca Loisirs and a kayaking trip on the Lot. There are plenty of pretty towns and villages hereabouts that are well worth an explore too. The medieval town of Gourdon has the narrow streets and stone buildings one looks for in their French hols, and Cahors is a must for its UNESCO bridge, ‘pop-up’ high season beach and 25 secret gardens – and its red wine, bien sûr.