Montpezat de Quercy is just a few minutes drive from the mill. Enter the village proper by the stone arched town gate and you are in a different world. Ancient buildings jostle for space, narrow streets and little squares. In the main square the overhanging upper storeys of the surrounding houses are supported by arches, the familiar ‘couverts’ forming covered arcades. The ramparts offer magnificent views towards the sometimes visible Pyrenees. The towering edifice of the 14th century Collegial stands over this part of the village. This church is a fine example of French Gothic architecture and houses many treasures dating back to the middle ages including a fine set of Flemish tapestries. In the village you will find 2 bakers, 2 general stores, 2 doctors, a pharmacy, a butcher, a fruit and vegetable shop, tourist office and a bank. You have two cafes where you can sit and watch the world go by. The ‘world’ mainly consists of ancient vans laden with local melons or teetering trays of fruits from the farms all around this area. On the outskirts of the village is the local chez selling all the locally produced wines, there is a fine restaurant within five minutes of the village.

 

Caussade is ten minutes from the mill and offers a wider choice of shopping including two supermarkets. However it is best known throughout the area for it’s lively Monday market spreading through the maze of back streets and passages, here you can buy almost anything under the sun. The local produce is excellent and so is the ambience created by the characters that come into town from their farms to sell it, this is the real France as it’s very best. Take a break any time at one of the numerous cafes or bars along the way and settle down over a drink or two to consider the serious matter of what to have for lunch.

 

The medieval city of Cahors is an easy 25 minutes drive from the mill, the river Lot loops around the town and provides the backdrop for the wonderful architecture. There has been a town on this strategic crossing point of the Lot since the time of the Roman empire and every ruling power since has left it’s mark on this historic town. From the arch of Diane the remaining part of the Roman baths dating from the 1st century BC to the towering cathedral started in the 1300’s every corner of the town speaks of history and beauty. Explore the town at your leisure enjoying the many cafes, bars and restaurants alternatively the tourist office provide guided tours or use the ‘petit train’ to rest your legs.

Village