If you're driving from the U.K. then you need to allow at least 9 hours from the French coast depending on time of day and year. It is a long drive to do in one day (though possible) and it's best to stop over somewhere for a night.
We will send you route information and exact directions to the house when we agree on an exchange.
The Lot department has an excellent web site of it's own and should be viewed by anyone planning a visit. I therefore provide you with this link.
(click on the image and use your browser's back button to return here afterwards).
In the area of the house itself there are many good restaurants, all very reasonably priced compared to the U.K.
We recently had an excellent and surprisingly inexpensive meal at Ken Hom's restaurant, Le Rendez-vous in Cahors. Run by David Blanco, the restaurant is located close to the Cathedral and has outside seating.
French cooking with a Chinese accent.
Just down the road in Juillac, is La Palombière.
Local specialities and remarkably good value for money, La Palombière is consistently recommended by our guests.
After 3 months of hard work, Le Picardy, in Castelfranc, re-opened under new management as Chez René.
The restaurant which opened on August 14th 1999, is owned by René, a Belgian who speaks fluent English. We have visited his establishment many times over the last three years and have been served consistently good food. With outside seating, the restaurant has a certain ambience and is within easy walking distance of the house. It is situated next to the Pont du Fer, the Castelfranc bridge.
René retired in September 2002, the restaurant changed hands and re-named to Le Bistro. Unfortunately it was not open in 2008 but maybe in 2009?
As some compensation for Le Bistro closing, a new restaurant has opened in the centre of Castelfranc called La Vigne Haute. It's very good and has outside seating which is very pleasant in the summer.
Another restaurant that has become a family favourite is La Guinguette, on the back road to Puy l'Évêque on the south side of the river just past Grezels.
We can give you more information about local restaurants on request. There are far too many to list here and they do vary in price.
There are some top quality restaurants close by.
As an alternative to swimming in the river there are two "Plan d'eau" nearby. These are recreational lakes that provide a safe swimming environment for children and there is a bar/restaurant at each. They can be found at Catus and Frayssinet-le-Gelat.
There is also a communal swimming pool in Prayssac.
Each year La Depeche du Midi, a local newspaper, produces a guide to the summer activities, including local fetes. It's an invaluable aid to planning your itinerary.
It's free and available at Tourist Information Offices and in the newsagents at Cahors station. Click on image for view of the 1996 cover. It's not usually available until the beginning of July.
