LE MOULIN SUR CÉLÉ An

LE MOULIN SUR CÉLÉ An enchanting luxurious riverside retreat in the beautiful Célé Valley Experience la France Profonde www.lemoulinsurcele.com Saint cirq-Lapopie archaeological finds, work by artists from the Quercy region, and a collection based around Léon Gambetta. But pride of place goes to Martin himself. Visitors to Toulouse may already know his huge wall paintings inside the Capitole building, but this enchanting museum boasts the largest public collection of his works, amongst them scenes of Cahors and the Lot Valley. Inspired by Martin’s paintings, I need no further excuse to head east along the river for a welcome return to one of his favourite subjects. St Cirq Lapopie is classified amongst France’s Most Beautiful Villages, named after the child martyr Saint Cyr and one of the three feudal families who administered the village. No car? Catch the bus linking Cahors with Figeac and walk up to the village perched high above the Lot. St-Cirq-Lapopie buzzes by day with visitors come to browse the small galleries, eat at the restaurants, and just soak up the medieval atmosphere of houses from the 13 th to 15 th Centuries. But only a couple of dozen people live permanently in the steep cobbled streets that lead to the ruined hilltop chateau. Book a room and you can have the village to yourself. Maison Lapopie, foreground left, at St Cirq Lapopie I dine on delicious confit duck leg at the Gourmet Quercynois, rightly popular for its authentic regional cuisine, and stay in a huge room with valley views at Maison Lapopie, a delightful B&B that offers tranquillity in the extreme. The owners live off site, so your key awaits you in the door and breakfast arrives in a picnic basket to enjoy at your private window table. Next morning, I take a quiet stroll through deserted streets before heading back down to river level for a tranquil towpath walk towards Bouziès, departure point for seasonal river cruises. Then I’m back on the road for the scenic drive to Figeac and a journey back to ancient Egypt … join me there in our next issue. FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAMS • Homestay at your certified private tutor’s residence • Learn French & discover culture in the most beautiful places in France PLUS ONLINE LESSONS Tailor-made courses, guided conversations, French life slimmersion-france.com 94 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 95