DESTINATIONS / FRANCE / LOT
Lot
Trees line the shores of the scenic River Lot, giving way to medieval hilltop villages, lush vineyards and spectacular limestone cliffs, cascading waterfalls amongst the wilderness. The river makes a unique venue for a barge holiday in France. Outdoor pursuits like cycling, swimming and fishing go hand in hand with fine dining, browsing in open-air markets and sightseeing at historic châteaux
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These are some nice cruises ...
History and Architecture
- The castles cruise
Luzech - Luzech - The Douelle
cruise
Douelle - Douelle - The Bouziès
cliffs cruise
Bouziès - Bouziès
Gastronomy and Enology
Highlights
- Explore Saint Cirq Lapopie's , voted prettiest village in France .
- Cross the UNESCO listed Valentre bridge in Cahors to get to one of its picturesque food and wine markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- The Lot is a fantastic river swimming spot ! Crystal clear (but often chilly) waters invite you to take a dip on a hot summer day. Or hire a canoe or kayak for a little exploring.
- Try saucisson sec de chevreuil — air-dried salami of venison. White beef stews such as Daube de boeuf tantalize the taste buds with the fragrance of oranges and fruity Cahors wine .
- Bring your binoculars! On a River Lot cruise, you might see golden eagles , red kite hawks, golden orioles, singing nightingales and cute otters often play along the banks. The Lot Valley is also home to colourful rare orchids and an abundance of butterflies!
- Have a drink at the wine museum in Cahors or at Arcambal's brewery.
Useful information
- There are no lock keepers on the River Lot, but the manual locks are straightforward to operate. There are 17 locks on the upper River Lot. You can moor in ports. However, there are also some lovely country mooring areas on the river away from villages that will give you a chance to enjoy the solitude of the Lot Valley.
- Closest airports are in Toulouse, Bordeaux and Bergerac . Closest train stations are Cahors and Bergerac . We can help with train times and arrange taxi transfers for you to get to your boat.
SELF DRIVE BOATS IN THIS REGION
Horizon
Le bateau Horizon est un modèle parfait pour les couples et a été exclusivement conçu pour Le Boat. Un bateau idéal pour un couple ou une petite famille combinant espace, confort et équipements haut de gamme. Si vous recherchez des prestations de grande...
Horizon
The Horizon boat has been designed exclusively for Le Boat with couples in mind ! Small party crew looking for more features and a higher spec now have the perfect option. A large forward stateroom and a roomy ‘fundeck’ on top-deck area and a high level of equipements are making this...
Horizon 2S
The Horizon 2-S, has two en-suite cabins, albeit a smaller master cabin than the Horizon (2&2) model and no separate shower cubicle in the second en-suite. However, it enjoys the same saloon and sundeck space and is perfect for two couples looking for a bit more privacy or a family who would...
Horizon 4
The Horizon 4 sleeps up to 9 guests. It is the same size boat as the Horizon 3, just with the master cabin split into two to create a 4th cabin. All four cabins have the privacy of their own en-suite bathrooms and enjoy a spacious sundeck and saloon. Boat Size: 13. 5m x 4. 3m 2 double...
Mystique
Our comforatble and spacious Mystiques have heating and air-conditioning, radio/CD system and 17-inch flat-screen TV/DVD player, en-suite luxury bathrooms in the three private cabins, and a sundeck with dining table and moulded seating. Lavishly appointed with designer fabrics and upholstery,...
Royal Mystique
Our Royal Mystique boat hire can accommodate parties up to six. The canal boats feature heating and air-conditioning, a 17-inch LCD flat-screen TV/DVD player, and a media center with MP3/USB connectivity. The huge sundeck has a fixed table and cushioned seating, plus a sun canopy. Cabins have...
Vision 3
Manoeuvring is simple with joystick steering, making this diesel boat hire a breeze to handle! Full-size twin beds convert to doubles, and two other sleeping areas allow for a total crew of 10. The Vision3 offers elegance, privacy, and common areas for socialising inside and outside! It’s...
Vision 4
Ranked amongst our most popular canal boats, this model offers you luxurious and spacious accommodations. A settee in the elegant saloon converts to a single bed, upping the total sleeping capacity to nine. The saloon has a full entertainment center, and cabins have TV/DVD players. The boat was...
Calypso
Three private staterooms and a double bed converted from the settee in the generous saloon give Calypso boat rentals a maximum capacity of eight. The two rear cabins are luxuriously appointed and have en-suite bathrooms. The saloon features an entertainment center, and the boat sports a giant...
Clipper
A Clipper canal boat can accommodate parties of six. The cabins are at the bow and stern for enhanced privacy, and they have en-suite bathrooms. The saloon has a radio/CD player and MP3/USB connectivity. Ample windows keep the interior bright and cheery! Some models of this boat are equipped...
Estivale Duo
The design and layout of the boat provides panoramic views at all times. The ground level rear deck offers a bridge living space perfect for dining alfresco and a sliding sun awning to provide a shady retreat if needed. A second steering position, swimming ladder and deck shower...
Estivale Octo
he Nicols Octo from the Estivale range comes with four cabins, two of which have convertible beds (either a double bed or twin beds), making this self-drive boat ideal for four couples or two couples and four children. From the living area you can enjoy 360º panoramic views and the kitchen...
Estivale Quattro
The Nicols Quattro from the Estivale range provides flexible accommodation with two cabins with convertible beds (either a double bed or twin beds) making this self-drive boat ideal for two couples or a couple and two children. From the living area you can enjoy 360º panoramic views and the...
Grand Classique
You can travel with 12 on Grand Classique boat holidays! These boats have five bedrooms with a variety of sleeping options from bunk beds to doubles. The décor of the Grand Classique is upscale, replete with pleasing wood finishes, tastefully color-coordinated plush upholstery and an open...
Magnifique
Our Magnifique boat hire is an ideal choice for parties up to 10. The cabins are set fore and aft to enhance privacy, and to give the central saloon prominence. A huge sundeck features a fixed table, cushioned seats, a sun canopy and cool box. Speakers pipe music in. About as upscale as you can...
Primo
Perfect for first time cruisers, the "Primo®" is the latest self-drive cruiser from the Nicols boatyard and is a simple yet elegant model with a modern interior. The living area is extremely spacious and full of light thanks to its opening glass roof – a new development from...
Salsa
Travel with up to 10 on a Salsa A boat cruise. The saloon and huge kitchen are set forward, creating an open airy ambiance of spacious luxury. Glass doors lead to a lovely lounging area with seating in the bow, and stairs lead to the large sundeck with table for alfresco dining, moulded settees,...
Salsa 12 P
The Salsa B is ideal for parties up to 12, two more than the Salsa A because of an additional settee that converts to a double in the saloon. Cabin fans, a radio/CD player with MP3/USB connectivity, a lounge deck in the bow, and a second steering station on the sundeck make Salsa boats for hire...
Tango
Boating holidays aboard a Tango are fun for a family or up to three couples. The big sundeck encourages relaxing and socialising, as does the grand saloon with radio/CD player and MP3/USB connectivity. You’ll absolutely love the bow thrusters, which make manoeuvring around locks and docks...
Tarpon 42 Trio Prestige
Very comfortable self-drive boat for a French canal holiday. 3 cabins lounge cabin Two rear cabins: choice between two single berths or one double berth Forward cabin: one double berth Lounge: seat convertible to a double berth Sanitary equipment: three showers / three washbasins / three...
Caprice
A superb choice for a boat hire in the UK, the Caprice is ideal for parties up to six. The two en-suite staterooms (most offer air-conditioning) are located forward, leaving lots of room in the rear for the saloon and aft deck. The saloon has a radio/CD player and MP3/USB connectivity, and most...
Cirrus A
A very popular model in the Le Boat fleet, the 8. 80-metre (29-foot) Cirrus affords a couple or a small family more than ample space for comfortable boating holidays in style. A large rear stateroom, a spacious saloon, and abundant natural light from large picture windows make this boat a...
Confort 1100
The Confort 1100 is the ideal canal boat for three couples: three spacious cabins with around 2 metres headroom and three shower rooms. The central living area has a fully equipped kitchen with plenty of storage units. The boat has a number of easy access points: a side door close to...
Confort 1350
The Confort 1350 is the ideal canal boat for four couples: four spacious cabins with around 2 metres headroom and four shower rooms (three of which are en suite). The central living area has a fully equipped kitchen with plenty of storage units. The boat has a number of easy access points:...
Confort 900
The Confort 900 is the ideal canal boat for two couples: the two cabins at each end of the boat are separated by a central living area ensuring privacy. Each cabin is spacious with around 2 metres headroom and has direct access to its en suite bathroom. Access to and from the boat is easy:...
Crusader
Three separate cabins with en-suite bathrooms give these canal boats unparalleled privacy. This model offers a variety of sleeping arrangements from single and double beds to singles that convert to doubles, making it possible for you to cruise with children, single adults and couples....
Sedan 1000
The Nicols 1000 from the Sedan range is an ideal canal barge for a family with three double cabins. The spacious front cabin is worthy of a captain while the other two cabins (approx 100 cm headroom above the bunk) are perfect for children or guests. The two shower rooms make this barge...
Sedan 1010
The Nicols 1010 from the Sedan range is an ideal canal barge for a family or two couples and two children. The boat comprises three double cabins (one of which has approx 100 cm headroom above the bunk) and two shower rooms making it comfortable for six people. Large windows mean the living...
Sedan 1170
The Nicols 1170 from the Sedan range is an ideal canal barge for a family boating holiday. It comprises four double cabins (two of which have around 100 cm headroom above the bunks) and two shower rooms to comfortably accommodate up to eight people (four adults four children). Large windows...
Tarpon 32
2 Cabins lounge cabin Up to 4/6 ( 2) peoples Forward cabin: one double berth one child bunk Rear cabin: one double berth one child bunk Lounge: seat convertible to a double berth Sanitary equipment: two showers / two washbasins / two WCs 9,10 m x 3,75 m - 2 steering...
Tarpon 37 N
Boats with a recent conception and comfort equipment Up to 7/9 ( 1) peoples 3 Cabins lounge cabin Forward cabin: one double berth one single berth Rear cabin portside: one double berth with one raised child bunk (on certain models) Rear cabin starboard side: two single bunk...
Tarpon 42 A
Up to 12 peoples 4 cabins and lounge cabin Forward cabin: one double berth 1 raised single berth Middle cabin: one double berth Rear cabin portside: 1 single berth, 2 bunk beds Rear cabin starboard side: one double berth Lounge: seat convertible to a double berth Sanitary equipment: two...
Tarpon 42 N
Up to 12 peoples 4 Cabins lounge cabin Forward cabin: one double berth 1 raised single berth Middle cabin: one double berth Rear cabin portside: 1 single berth, 2 bunk beds Rear cabin starboard side: one double berth Lounge: seat convertible to a double berth Sanitary equipment: two...
Corvette A
Superb for boat cruises with two couples, the Corvette sleeps a maximum of four in front and rear staterooms with en-suite bathrooms and showers. Picture windows illuminate the saloon, which has a radio/CD player (some boats have flat-screen TV/DVD players). A Corvette boat hire pampers and...
Espade Concept Fly
Up to 6/8 ( 1) peoples 2 Cabins lounge cabin Middle cabin: one double berth Rear cabin: one double berth one single one raised child bunk Lounge: seat convertible to a double berth one raised bunk Sanitary equipment: one shower / three washbasins / one WC 11,50 m x...
Nicols 1300
Up to 12 peoples 5 Cabins lounge cabin Forward cabin: one double berth Forward middle cabin: two single bunk beds Middle cabin: one double berth Rear cabin portside: one double berth Rear cabin starboard side: one double berth Lounge: seat convertible to a double berth Sanitary...
Nicols 1310 F
Boat with modern equipment inside and out. Up to 12 peoples 5 Cabins lounge cabin Forward cabin: one double berth Forward middle cabin: one double berth Middle cabin: one double berth Rear cabin portside: one double berth Rear cabin starboard side: one double berth Lounge: seat...
Riviera 920
The Riviera 920 is the ideal canal boat for two couples or a small family. It offers two cabins separated by a central living space ensuring privacy. Each cabin has one double bed and one single bed. The living room is full of light thanks to the sliding roof – perfect for relaxing or...
Tarpon 42
Up to 12 peoples 4 cabins and lounge cabin Forward cabin: 3 single berths Middle cabin: one double berth Rear cabin portside: 1 single berth, 2 bunk beds Rear cabin starboard side: one double berth Lounge: seat convertible to a double berth Sanitary equipment: two showers / four washbasins...
Triton 1050
Comfortable boats which are typical of fluvial tourism and giving the best price/life on board. Up to 8 peoples 2 Cabins lounge cabin Middle cabin: one double berth Forward cabin: one double berth one single berth Gangway: one single berth Lounge: seat convertible to...
Triton 860
Comfortable boat which is typical of fluvial tourism and giving the best price/life on board. Up to 5 peoples 1 Cabin lounge cabin Forward cabin: one double berth one single berth Lounge: seat convertible to a double berth Sanitary equipment: one shower / one washbasin / one...
Triton 860 Fly
Comfortable boat which is typical of fluvial tourism and giving the best price/life on board. This boat has the double steering. Up to 5 peoples 1 Cabin and lounge cabin Forward cabin: one double berth one single berth Lounge: seat convertible to a double berth Sanitary...
Vetus 1200 Maya
3 Cabins lounge cabin 2 rear cabins: two double berth and two fold down single berths 1 middle cabin: two single bunk beds Lounge: seat convertible to three single berths Sanitary equipment: 2 shower / 2 washbasin / 2 WC Sunroof. Minimum height in the lounge: 2m and in...
Espade 850 Fly
Up to 4 peoples 1 cabin : Rear cabin : one double berth Lounge : seat convertible to a double berth one folding single berth Sanitary equipment : one shower / one washbasin / one WC Lenght : 8,50 m Beam : 3,20 m Minimum Height : - in the lounge cabin : 1,90 m Steering wheels :...
Marina 1120
Up to 9 peoples 3 Cabins lounge cabin Forward cabin: one double berth Gangway: one single berth Rear cabin portside: one single berth Rear cabin starboard side: one double berth Lounge: seat convertible to a double berth one single berth Sanitary...
Penichette 1107 W
Comfortable boats which are typical of fluvial tourism and giving the best price/life on board. Up to 7 peoples 2 Cabins lounge cabin Middle cabin: one double berth one single berth Forward cabin: one double berth Lounge: seat convertible to a double berth Sanitary...
Penichette 935 W
1 Cabin & lounge cabin Lounge: seat convertible to double berth. Fitted kitchen.
Sanitary equipment: 1 shower / 1 washbasin / 1 WC. Minimum height in the lounge = 2,05 m, and in the cabins = 1,85 m Steeringwheels: inside and outside Inside equipment complete boat...
Renaud 8000
Up to 3/5 ( 1) peoples 1 Cabin lounge cabin Rear cabin: one double berth one single berth one raised child bunk Lounge: seat convertible to a double berth Sanitary equipment: one shower / one washbasin /one WC 8,00 m x 3,00 m Sunroof. Minimum height in the lounge : 1. 95m...
Riviera 1120 F
3 Cabins lounge cabin Forward cabin: one double berth and one single raised berth Middle cabin: two single berths Rear cabin: one double berth 1 single berth Lounge cabin: seat convertible to a double berth Sanitary equipment: one shower / one washbasin / one WC...
Sheba
Enjoy a private aft cabin with double bed and a convertible single settee perfect for a couple. Saloons in Sheba boat rentals have a radio/CD player, and the dining table/settee converts to a double. Large encompassing windows provide abundant natural light. On deck, there’s a top steering...