Douelle and Lot river, France: Houseboat cruise

Check-in at Douelle at 14:00, which presents itself to the crews with a gigantic mural of 770 square meters made on the quay of the river, painted by Chamizo and which represents the history of Cahors wine. Stop to eat at one of the great restaurants in town. Continuing your journey along the river you will see fabulous castles surrounded by vineyards. Waiting for the passage of the Mercuès lock, you will dock in the shadow of the promontory, on which the 7th century castle of the same name is located, where you can taste or buy wine directly from its cellars.

Cahors will surely be one of the main stops of your navigation. A city famous for its art, its mighty medieval architecture and its history. The arches of the mighty fortified bridge called Pont Valentré that you can admire from the river will not go unnoticed. In the center, stroll through the streets in bloom, admire the old half-timbered houses and do not miss the Romanesque cathedral of Saint-Étienne with its still intact frescoes, a destination for pilgrimages.

The navigation continues towards Laroque-des-Arcs. All along the Lot Valley, are the “Chateaux des Anglais”, a series of 11th century fortifications, where in one of these examples is the charming chapel of San Rocco, built under the sheer rock. Then the next stop will be in the picturesque town of Arcambal full of historical sites such as the fortified ruins, the ancient Château du Bousquet and the impressive Saint-Antoine church, built in the 15th century.

Don't miss a visit to Vers, a small village located at the junction of the Lot and the Vers creek, dotted with small waterfalls and a series of mills. Enter the art gallery near the harbor to admire the oil and pastel paintings depicting scenes from the Lot Valley. Don't miss the biscuit factory and the Delfour museum, located 1 km from Vers. Pick up some treats at the shop or enjoy a pit stop in the tea room. Instead, a 15-minute walk west from the village, visit the Chapel of Velles.

Today you will visit Bouziès, where you will be enchanted by its picturesque places. Enjoy a walk along the canal on the path carved into the rock that was once used for the animal towing of boats going up the Lot. Today it is an open-air masterpiece from which you can admire the surrounding flora and fauna.

The next stop is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in all of France: Saint-Cirq Lapopie. This medieval village has preserved its heritage and maintained an irresistible charm. Stroll through its center passing through craft shops, artists' workshops, souvenir shops and obviously the cellars where you can taste fine wines are a must. From Saint-Cirq Lapopie you will be amazed by the view of the river surrounded by medieval houses and mills.

Moor in Cénevières and then go on foot or by bike to the village to discover its castle, where you will enter the 13th century basement and chapel, as well as the Italian-style gallery with frescoed ceilings, and admire the Lot valley from its terraces.

Check-out is scheduled in the morning by 09:00.