Cahors’ Secret Gardens and Vineyard Gardens

It can be difficult to decide what to do on holiday especially when there’s more than 2 of you – different interests can cause a touch of friction. But in Cahors (46 Lot, Midi-Pyrenees) there is a multiple-interest tour which will help you discover the best of the town and the surrounding area.

In town there is a series of “Secret” Gardens, 29 in total, waymarked throughout the town, including an arab garden, a lavender garden, an apple tree garden, a garden of spices, a monastery garden etc. Furthermore, through these gardens you will also discover the history and architecture of this fine medieval town, set in the loop of the Lot river, with its iconic Pont Valentre (fortified bridge).
For more info on the Jardins Secret trail see www.mairie-cahors.fr
The first (or last) of the gardens on the “Secret Garden” trail is the Jardin de l’Ivresse – the Garden of Intoxication beside the Pont Valentre. The Lot River’s sinuous path (mainly downstream from the town) is a prime reason for the quality of the local Cahors wines. With many fine chateaux (mainly south of the river) the area is a delight to travel through – even more so if you want to combine wine, castles and gardens. Although the distances involved are not walkable (unless you are really keen, the route “Vignoble Jardin Cahors” (Vineyard Gardens of Cahors) is a great way to see the wine region. As the publicity rightly states: “behind every great vineyard is a garden” – certainly borne out by many of the vineyards I have visited.
There is a leaflet (available from the tourist office in Cahors and at participating vineyards) which will show you the route. With this you can discover some great gardens, splendid vistas, pretty villages, vineyards and chateaux – and taste and learn something of the history and character of the landscape and its wines. (see http://effeuillage.cahors.free.fr)
Amongst the vineyards featured are Chateau Eugenie (try their Reserve de l’Aieul); Chateau de Chambert (an impressive position); Chateau Latuc and Chateau de Mercues – for more info on Cahors wines and these chateaux see www.frenchduck.co.uk