THE HOLIDAY PARK ACCOMMODATION THE REGION RESERVATION SITUATION HOME

WHAT TO SEE IN THE LOT, LOT-VALLEY In the Lot valley and in the heart of the Cahors vineyards , the area is rich in cultural and historic sites: Definitely worth a visit: Rocamadour For its beautiful setting in a gorge above a tributary of the River Dordogne, and especially for its historical monuments and its sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which for centuries has attracted pilgrims from every country, among them kings, bishops, and nobles. The town below the complex of monastic buildings and pilgrimage churches, traditionally dependent on the pilgrimage site, Saint Jacques de Compostelle. Gouffre de Padirac A boat trip 103 metres below ground along 500 metres of river so that you can admire this prime underground visitor attraction. The visit continues with a walking tour to see vast galleries including the Cavern of the Great Dome (94 m high). Three lifts give access to this unique and grandiose wonder of the natural world Grotte de peche Merle A rich and varied journey through the underground world. Seven caverns provide a complete sample of the different types of natural geological formations amongst which are to be seen prehistoric paintings and engravings more than 20 000 years old. Mammoths, horses, bisons, signs, hands and sketchy human outlines, footprints? An art gallery in a palatial natural setting St Cirq Lapopie Perched on a cliff 100 m above the river, and one of the major beauty spots of the Lot valley. Château de Bonaguil The last of the fortified castles built in the 13th century, entirely reconstructed at the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th centuries. Le Château de Castelnaud, stands high over the Dordogne valley, with magnificent views of the châteaux of Beynac and Marqueyssac and the medieval village of La Roque-Gageac. This one-time fortress is now given over entirely to displaying the art of warfare in the Middle Ages. Inside, it has a unique private collection of arms and armour, as well as furniture from the period; outside, you will find full sized reconstructions of war machines, such as siege catapults. La Forêt des singes 130 Barbary apes living wild in a 20 hectare enclosure. You will be surprised how close you can get to the monkeys and how easily you can observe them. Rocher des aigles The "Rock of Eagles" is a centre dedicated to the ecological conservation of birds of prey and includes endangered breeds, set in ideal conditions to suit their specfic needs. It is a thrilling sight to see these great birds gliding sometimes as high as 1,000 metres above the promenade and returning in nose-dives at the simple command of their trainers. Parc Animalier de Gramat Wildlife park covering 40 hectares and containing 150 animal species including bears, wolves, bison, wild horses etc? in vast enclosures. Musee ZADKINE Large wooden sculptures, powerful bronzes, engravings, photos and documents in the museum exemplify the creativeness of Ossip Zadkin in his Les Arques studio. Five large sculptures stand in the village. Les jardins de Eyrignac These 17th and 18th century historical monuments are one of the jewels of French botanical architecture. All pruning and clipping is done by hand. This enchanting property, which has been owned by the same family for 500 years, combines broad, green panoramas with the intimacy of a 17th century Manor. Virebent Porcelain factory The museum area is set up around the old Saint Joseph charcoal-fired kiln. As you walk around, there are explanations of the different processes involved in the small-scale craft manufacture of porcelain and earthenware, from the raw material to the finished piece. There is an exhibition of the styles and ranges made here.