Holidays in the Lot in France
The Lot: a popular spot amongst culture and nature lovers
Welcome to Domaine Le Martinet, a small-scale holiday paradise for adults, comprising of 3 self-contained gîtes (each for 2 persons), with a wonderful large swimming pool (10×5) and sun terrace. All this is situated in sloping grounds of 1 hectare, surrounded by green hills and valleys as far as the eye can see.
The cottages are fully equipped for 2 adult people and the swimming pool is only shared with the guests of the other 2 cottages. Our domain as well as our cottages are non-smoking and pet free and are less suitable for people with reduced mobility. At the parking you can charge your electric car at night at our charging point (3,7 kW).
Le Martinet, where we live as well, is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac and is close to a wide range of other local facilities including bakeries, shops, fantastic restaurants and many tourist attractions. From Le Martinet, you walk straight into the woods from where many hiking and cycling routes start. Remote, in the countryside, but not isolated and oh so beautiful!
Outdoor living in the cleanest air in France
Did you know that the Lot region in France has been declared as having some of the best air quality in the whole of France? Add to that the pleasant climate, the peace and tranquillity, the absence of mass tourism, et voilà, you have the perfect combination for an unforgettable holiday.
Living in the Lot is wonderful and mainly takes place outdoors. Every gîte has its own private terrace(s), its own gas barbecue or plancha and enough secluded areas to enjoy the sun or to find some shade. The Lot region has a fantastic climate due to the absence of strong winds, is pleasantly warm in the spring and autumn and has mild winters. In the summer the evenings are cool enough to still be able to get a good night’s sleep.
Slow-tourism, the new tourism
The Lot region borders the Dordogne but here, you don’t have to rush to the main attractions to tick off a list of highlights and can still stroll at leisure through picturesque villages with a baguette under your arm, a stinky cheese in your bag and a castle in the background: life can be so simple and wonderful.
But if you feel like sitting outside of a French café to watch the world go past or want to experience good food and shopping, then you can easily drive to the many nearby, vibrant towns with all their entertainment and culture.
Close to the picturesque, world famous village of Les Arques
Domaine Le Martinet is close to Les Arques, a charming village 3 km away. You would not expect it but Les Arques is a huge attraction for culture lovers from all over the world. This is because of the museum dedicated to the Russian-born sculptor Ossip Zadkine who is best known in the Netherlands for his sculpture “The destroyed city” in Rotterdam. Zadkine lived and worked in Les Arques for a part of his life and the museum is now located in his former studio. From Le Martinet it’s only a short walk through the woods to get to Les Arques.
Bon appétit et santé!
And for the food connoisseurs among us: Les Arques offers a fantastic restaurant, La Récréation, which has a recommendation in the Michelin guide. If you prefer things a bit simpler, you can sit down on the terrace of La P’tite Place opposite the museum for a nice lunch, a coffee or a glass of wine. And of course there are plenty of typical French bistros, cafés and restaurants in the area, where, during high season, you can have your drinks and dinner in a lovely musical atmosphere.
In Cazals, where the best baguette of France is baked
And we are not the only ones with that opinion. In Cazals (7 km) there is a bakery that won a prize both in 2017 and 2022 for the best, traditionally baked bread in France! It’s not unusual to see people queuing up outside of the bakery to experience the wonderful bread, cakes and pastries all of which are prepared with love and care. And you can taste that!
Stretching your legs
Prefer to be a bit more active? Enjoy the many walking and cycling routes along the river Lot or traverse the vineyards in the area. Take a horse ride through the woods or book a canoe or kayak at one of the rental companies along the river. The real thrill seekers opt for a parachute jump from a plane. Or what about a tour on a quad?
More activities…
Click here for an overview of more activities in the area.
