For all levels and all seasons, the most beautiful walks in Lot valley & Quercy Blanc
There is nothing like that feeling you have when hiking in the Lot valley, so here are some of our favorite beautiful walks :
A rich combination of landscapes
There are several hiking routes around Albas, but one of them particularly illustrates the gorgeous landscapes of the Lot valley, the Albas-Souleillat-Cénac loop, named Circuit of the 3 valleys. The most courageous will choose the 14 km loop, others might opt for a shorter path through the ridge “Croix Girard”, thus walking only 9 km. The level difference is typical of the Lot valley, beautiful crests and stunning views. Between the orientation table of Albas and Croix Girard a 360° panorama will astonish you, as well as the great forest of century-old boxwood resembling Blanche Neige forest. In summer, the halt to the Source of the Payrols is much appreciated for its freshness. Lastly the built heritage, like the bishops’ castle of Albas, currently the City Hall, or the properties with fine examples around Albas and the hamlet of Souleillat. Not to mention the vineyards on both sides of your side trips, hidden in a valley or on the contrary in the sunshine of the limestone plateau.
A bucolic stroll close to Bonaguil
This circuit of 10 km is remarkable by the sweetness of its landscapes, and also very pleasant in winter. Starting from a charming little village in the valley of the Thèze, St Martin le Redon, you will enjoy the pine and oak forests that surround the castle of Bonaguil. A medieval beauty of the 13th century with its 7 dungeons and double ramparts, there will appear in a bend of your stroll. Beware, in summer tree leaves oblige to make a small detour to discover it. And then you will come down again by a valley with perfect forms, sprinkled with free horses in green meadows forming a bright contrast with the gone bald broad-leaved trees. The farm located in the middle just has to start a fire in the fireplace and sets of clouds will take off in the valley. Something magical !
A family trip in the Quercy Blanc
From les Hauts d’Albas, take your car and come down towards the Quercy Blanc by the Séoune valley up to Moulin Bessou. This simple 7 km route is perfect for families, you will find arriving there the beautiful chapel of St Aignan with its masterful oak at the entrance. Then you’ll climb a bit on the side of a valley, characteristic of the Quercy Blanc with its lower oaks and its junipers with delicious scents. You will come across the mill of Bago on the limestone plateau before going along a surprising private property including golf and airstrip ! The return will be done downhill in the Valprionde valley, also very bucolic. Do not hesitate to eat in Montcuq a few kilometers away.
Here is a small local overview of the natural beauties that the region offers us and if you wish to accomodate on the spot, the unusual lodgings of les Hauts d’Albas will happily welcome.
Idée cadeau