The Lot is clearly an ideal destination for a family holiday. We had already been there with Ticoeur when he was two, and we were very happy to return! In the middle of summer, it is a great way to avoid the crowds on the beaches, and if you fancy a swim you will easily find a lovely river or stream. For a nature holiday, somewhere green and with children, it is just perfect! Today, I wanted to share with you 10 ideas for outings with kids in the Lot:
1 – Take a steam train ride in Martel:
This trip along a cliff 80 metres high, on an old railway line overlooking the Dordogne Valley, feels like a childhood dream. Honestly, it is brilliant for children, but it is magical for parents too! What is so impressive about the Lot steam train, called “Le Truffadou”, is going through the tunnels. It is a real adventure! As the train passes through the tunnels, you are surrounded by all the smoke and find yourself in a cloud… It is a fun experience that helps you understand what travelling used to be like. And the view over the valley is superb! The ride lasts one hour. Absolutely worth doing!
2 – Visit the Cougnaguet watermill
This pretty mill is very picturesque and dates back to the 14th century. The guided tour is really interesting for understanding how flour is made. Children can watch the machinery and cogs turning and discover every stage, from wheat to flour. On top of that, the welcome from Odette and Hubert, the owners, is more than adorable. We were lucky enough to have a picnic with them and they gave us the warmest, simplest and most generous welcome. Hubert tells the story of his mill with real passion and knows exactly how to share it with visitors passing through.
3 – Meet the black-spectacled sheep of Quercy
Well, I am very much a city girl, so perhaps this will not mean much coming from me, but I had never seen sheep like these before! They look like little stars with their black glasses 😉 And they are right to show off, because these Causse sheep are really beautiful. They are a breed specific to the Lot and are bound to be a hit with little ones!
4 – Discover how Rocamadour cheese is made
After the sheep, the goats! During our visit to Ferme Lacoste, we were able to say hello to the friendly goats that produce the delicious little AOC cheeses we know so well. Then we discovered the room where the cheese is prepared. A very fragrant visit! And do not miss my article about the superb town of Rocamadour.
5 – Canoeing on the Dordogne
The Dordogne flows calmly and peacefully, so do not picture white-water rapids! Canoeing on the Dordogne is really one of the summer activities for families, a lovely way to admire the scenery while doing a bit of sport. For safety reasons, children simply need to be at least 6 years old and able to swim. So for us, we will have to wait a few more years before trying it. In the meantime, last time with Ticoeur we opted for a boat cruise on the Dordogne, a classic and very pleasant outing where you find lots of families with younger children.
6 – The Gouffre de Padirac
Have another look at my article about our visit to the Gouffre de Padirac, an underground curiosity to discover as a family, whatever the age of your children. The little boat ride is probably the most fun part for kids!
7 – Lunch by the water
After canoeing, feeling a little hungry? We had lunch in a waterside restaurant perfectly suited to families, Le Vieux Chene in Montvalent. It is a lovely restaurant with a large open-air terrace in front of the Dordogne, a swimming pool for sunny days, games for children and, of course, an old oak tree! The menu is very good value and the natural setting is truly relaxing. A beautiful pause in the sunshine, with good things on the plates. That said, we had not really earned our lovely meal, as we were unable to go canoeing: it had rained too much in the previous days. Just look at how the trees had water up to their “knees”!
8 – Easy walks in the Lot
Thankfully, hiking does not always have to mean the GR20 😉 In the Lot there are lots of very easy short walks that are suitable for children, even very young ones. We discovered one very simple route in the Ouysse Valley, a walk that can be done with children: the walk to the Gouffre de Saint-Sauveur.
9 – Discover the Lot by bike!
How could I possibly leave cycling off my list? As you know, we are big fans, so I looked into it: the Tourist Office offers easy cycling routes for families, and that does not surprise me. Fun little story: our much-loved bike trailer was bought second-hand from a family who had used it for five years, every summer, in the Lot and only in the Lot! So I think our trailer will be very keen to return to this corner it knows so well!
10 – A typical family dinner in the Lot
After a busy day of activities with children, nothing beats a local restaurant where kids are welcome. We tried Ferme auberge du Bougayrou in Lacave, a very typical Quercy inn with large tables for families. There, we discovered a really intriguing and… filling dish: pastis! Inside this enormous pie? Duck confit, chicken and salsify. Pastis is eaten before Lent and, believe me, you understand why! In short, a good local meal after a very active day with children!
Of course, my list is not exhaustive. There are plenty of other outings to enjoy with children: castles, wildlife parks, caves and more. I therefore invite you to have a look at the website of the Lot Tourist Office.
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Where to stay in the Lot?
The charming hotel Les Vieilles Tours in Rocamadour: the beauty of old stone buildings with nicely decorated rooms. The family room has one double bed and two single beds.
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And you? Any other ideas for outings with kids in the Lot?
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