Canoeing on the Lot, an active day our during your holiday

Sights while canoeing on the Lot

Canoeing on the River Lot in France is a relaxing way to view the beautiful nature and historical landscapes. During your canoe trip, you can visit various hotspots and take breaks in the most beautiful places.
Villages and towns - Suspended  from the cliffs above the Lot, the medieval village of Saint-Cirq Lapopie is one of the most beautiful villages in France. It is an ideal place to moor and explore the narrow streets. Its medieval architecture, church, and castle make it a must-see destination. Cahors is the capital of the Lot region and has numerous historical sites. The famous Pont Valentré, a 14th-century fortified bridge, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the city. The historic center of Cahors with its beautiful buildings and gardens is also worth a visit. Be sure to visit these touristic hotspots during your holiday in the Lot!
Historical sites – You can enjoy a beautiful view over the valley of the Lot from Château de Cénevières. This Renaissance castle is an interesting stop for those interested in history. Conduché, the neighbourhood where the Lot and the Célé meet, is a great location to take a break and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Natural beauty - The Lot Valley has a lot of natural beauty. The impressive limestone cliffs of Bouziès are spectacular. You can moor here to enjoy the scenery and even go for a short walk. Although not located directly on the river, the caves of Pech Merle with its petroglyphs are also interesting to visit. Near Luzech is the Oppidum de l'Impernal. Thisarchaeological site houses structures from different historical periods. Duravel, an important Roman military station on the route from Lyon to Bordeaux, used to be known as Diolindum.
Practical stopping points - Many campsites along the Lot offer moorings where you can stop for a picnic, use their facilities or even stay overnight if you are on a multi-day trip. In addition, there are also numerous pebble beaches along the river Lot which are perfect for a refreshing swim or a relaxing lunch break.

Flora and fauna

During a canoe trip on the Lot River, you can encounter a variety of flora and fauna.
Riparian vegetation: Along the banks of the Lot you can find various plant species such as Juniper bushes, Thyme, Marjoram and Truffle oaks.
Orchids: In spring, various species of orchids bloom such as: Bee Orchid, Snipe Orchid and Bug Orchid.
Fish: The Lot is home to many different species of fish, including Trout, Perch, Carp, Pike, Barbel and Chub.
Birds: Along the river you can spot different bird species such as: Grey Herons, Sand Martins, Kingfishers, Grey Wagtails, Dipper.
Mammals: With a bit of luck you can see these mammals: Otters, Beavers.
Insects: Various insects such asDragonflies, Mayflies and butterfly species such as Swallowtail, White admirals and hummingbird hawk-moths.
Reptiles and Amphibians: Various species of frogs, and possibly even the Emerald Lizard (although it is more common on land).

Canoe rental on the Lot

Canoeing on the river Lot is a fun activity to do during your holiday in France, but you probably won't have brought your own canoe with you on holiday. There are several places on the Lot where you can rent a canoe. Book in time because canoeing is very popular in the summer months.
Kalapca Loisirs (Bouziès): Various routes available, including routes that pass through locks providing a unique experience.
Camping de la Plage (Saint-Cirq Lapopie): Canoe and kayak rental close to historic sites.
Caïx Nautical Base (Luzech): Perfect for beginners, located just 20 minutes from Cahors.
Nautinée in Douelle: Rental of canoes and other equipment.
Copeyre in Puy-l'Éveque: Well-known rental organization, also in the Dordogne Valley.
There are no specific guides or tours dedicated for beginners. To improve your skills and experience, there are a few things you can do. Many rental companies along the Lot provide basic instructions and advice on the best routes. They can help you choose a suitable route for beginners. While there are no specific guides for canoeing, local guides familiar with the region can help you plan your route and provide tips on safety and inform you on interesting stops. Some companies organize group tours that can help with learning new skills in a group setting. This can be a fun way to gain experience while canoeing with others. There are also many online resources available that can help you plan your trip, such as maps of the river and tips for beginners. If you're looking for an organized tours, consider contacting local tourist information points or rental companies to ask about any special offers for beginners. After a day of canoeing, you can relax in one of the comfortable holiday homes with jacuzzi in the Lot. This way you combine an active day on the water with a relaxing evening in your holiday home.

Canoeing on the Lot: Tips and advice

Canoeing on the Lot in France is a wonderful way to explore the region and enjoy the beautiful nature with your partner, children and the rest of your family,  but prepare well.
Minimum age and swimming ability - Children must be at least 6 years old (sometimes 5 years old with certain rental companies) and be able to swim 25 meters.
Life jackets - Wearing a life jacket is mandatory for all participants and is provided by rental companies.
Footwear – Wear closed shoes to prevent slipping and to protect your feet.
Difficulty - Most routes are suitable for beginners, but always inquire about the flow speed.
Weather conditions - Check the weather and water levels in advance. High water levels can be dangerous.
Dealing with obstacles - Obstacles such as waterfalls require the canoe to be carried out of the water. It is forbidden to pass through the locks.
Boarding - Ensure a stable entry from a pier. Ensure the heaviest person board firsts, followed by the lighter passengers.
Paddling technique - Use the hollow side of the paddle to push water away. Hold the paddle firmly with one hand and loosen with the other for easier manoeuvring.
Sun protection - Bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Go for a swim every now and then to cool off.
Amenities - Many rental companies offer additional services such as pick-up service and multi-day tour options.
Locks - Some sections require you to lift the canoe out of the water to get around obstacles. It is forbidden to pass through locks, but slides are available at waterfalls.
Short routes - Choose a route of up to 9 km when your family has little experience.
Waterproof containers - Use these to keep valuables dry. These are often available at the rental company.
Snacks and drinks - Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks to keep energy up.

Lot valley: Canoeing past castles

Along the river Lot there are a number of impressive castles. When canoeing past these castles, you can get a good look at them. Some rental companies offer organized tours that pay special attention to historical sites.
Château de Cénevières - Perched on a ledge above the Lot Valley, this Renaissance chateau offers stunning views. It has unique features such as an alchemy room, a painted ceiling depicting scenes from Constantinople, and an elegant courtyard.
Château de Bonaguil - This imposing medieval castle is one of the best-preserved fortresses in France. It offers a fascinating glimpse into military architecture and hosts knight fights in the summer. The many secret passages are especially impressive.
Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux - A stunning example of medieval military architecture, this castle sits on a rocky plateau overlooking the land of the four rivers. It has a rich history and was later embellished with Renaissance elements.
Château de Larroque-Toirac - This castle clings to a cliff and has largely retained its medieval defense system. Inside are original kitchens, frescoes from the 16th century and exotic gardens.
Château d'Assier - An impressive Renaissance castle built between 1518 and 1535. It is an example of how Renaissance art spread beyond the Loire Valley. The castle regularly hosts exhibitions and events.
Château de Montal - This Renaissance masterpiece features exceptional sculptures and a monumental staircase.
Château de Couanac - A medieval castle with Renaissance elements, located in Varaire. It offers guided tours. Although the Lot does not have a specific "castle route" like the Dordogne between Rocamadour, Sarlat and Beynac, the region offers plenty of historical sites that can be visited by canoe.

Historic watermills along the Lot

Along the river Lot are historic watermills that played an important role in the economic development of the region. They are a reminder of the time when transport via the river was crucial for various industries such as grain processing, oil presses and textile production. A unique type of watermill in this region is the troglodyte mill such as the Moulin de la Pescalerie, which is located near a water source. In addition, there are the fortified mills. They were fortified for defense, such as the Moulin Fortifié de Cougnaguet in Calès. Another well-known mill is Moulin de Boisse. This windmill from 1699 is still intact and in operation.

Canoe or kayak

There are different types of canoes and kayaks. The Canadian canoe, also known as a touring canoe, is suitable for longer trips on the Lot. This canoe is stable and reliable, has enough space for luggage and can carry 2 to 3 people. The Sit-on-top canoe is unsinkable due to its double-walled construction. This canoe is stable, manoeuvrable and suitable for 1 to 3 people, they are very popular for shorter trips or day trips on the Lot. Touring kayaks are efficient for longer distances, suitable for different water conditions and are often used for trips on larger waters. What are the differences between a canoe and kayak?
Seating position: In a canoe, you usually sit higher and on a bench, while in a kayak, you sit lower with your legs extended.
Paddles: Canoes typically use single-bladed paddles, while kayaks have double-bladed paddles.
Coverage: Canoes are open boats, while kayaks have a closed deck (with the exception of sit-on-tops).
Manoeuvrability: Kayaks are generally more manoeuvrable than canoes.