The old gateway to Montcabrier

Our gîtes at Fraysse Haut offer the perfect base for walking holidays in the Lot, south west France. Our access lane is the GR652, one of the long distance paths crossing France. Other way-marked paths and hiking trails provide a variety of walking and scenery and fine views over the Lot river valley.

The Montcabrier walk, a 12.5 km marked circuit taking in points of local interest, passes close to the farmhouse, as does the 7 churches walk which includes the Romanesque church at nearby Martignac, with 15th century frescoes. Other circuits nearby offer magnificent views from the cliffs overlooking the Lot river valley.

Maps and walking guides are available in the gîtes or can be found on the internet or in the local Tourist Offices. Sheila (once a Ramblers Holidays group leader) will be happy to recommend the best walks in the area, to suit your ability.

Several sites in the Lot have recently been designated protected nature areas, called espaces naturels sensibles(ENS) in French. Each of these has nature trails of varying walking distance, with explanatory notes on the flora and fauna specific to that site.

 

Early purple orchids: our fields in April

For the serious walker, connection with the GR65, the pilgrimage route through France to Santiago in Spain (le chemin de Saint Jacques de Compostelle), is at Cahors and the GR652 links with the GR36/46variations.

Several enthusiastic French walking groups are active in the area with weekly walks organised from Puy l’Evêque, Montcabrier, Duravel and Prayssac. Visitors are welcomed; a good chance to practice some French with the locals and discover the Lot countryside. Combine a walking holiday with a language break and we will help you improve your French!

March walk near Montcabrier

 

As well as self-catering holiday accommodation for independent walkers, we organise walking holidays. These are available all year round and cost from only €320 per person per week. The price includes accommodation and some meals, with a programme of walks and sightseeing, accompanied or independent.

Discover hidden springs and secret places

We can organise tailor-made walking holidays for individuals or groups (extra beds are available). Group walking holiday rates are negotiable. Please ask for more details.

Walking holidays are particularly recommended in May and June for wild flowers, orchids and bird watching at nesting time, or September and October for autumn fruits.

Discover the forgotten patrimony of the Lot; the old lavoirs and springs, dolmens, Roman churches, stone gariottes and secret places which recall rural life of yesteryear; many of the sites are only accessible on foot.

The Saint Jacques waymark