Downstream from Cahors
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Puy d'Eveque

West of Cahors the vine-cloaked banks of the Lot are dotted with small and ancient villages. The first of these, Luzech and the dramatic Puy L'Évêque, are served by an SNCF bus that threads along the valley from Cahors via Fumel to Monsempron-Libos, on the Agen–Périgueux train line. You'll need your own transport, however, to reach the splendid Château de Bonaguil, in the hills northwest of Puy-L'Évêque, worth the effort for its elaborate fortifications and spectacular position. From here on the Lot valley starts to get ugly and industrial, though Villeneuve-sur-Lot hides a surprisingly attractive old centre and provides a base for exploring the villages around. Prettiest are Pujols, to the south, which also boasts a number of excellent restaurants, and Penne d'Agenais, overlooking the Lot to the east.