The Lot – a lot of Gardens

Wine from Cahors the first thing I tend to associate with the Lot département in South West France (Midi-Pyrenees), but is has so much more to offer and discover. For example there are numerous interesting gardens – and whilst they may lack the grandeur of gardens further north, they are arguably more interesting and diverse. For example:-
Medieval Garden (Jardin Médiéval) at Cardaillac north of Figeac
Garden of the Senses at Castelfranc in the rue des Jardiniers (Gardeners Road) – between Puy l’Eveque and Cahors on the northern bank of the Lot River – formerly an allotment now transformed into a peaceful haven of colour and scents
(Labyrinthe des Roses) at the Chateau de Saint-Dau in Figeac – over a 1000 climbing roses (50 varietals) constructed by an Australian to create a sort of rose maze
The Secret Gardens (Jardins Secret) in Cahors (see www.mairie-cahors.fr) a series of themed >gardens and displays throughout the town.
There is a more formal Chateau garden at Chateau de la Treyne at Lacave, north east of Gourdon – which is also a rather grand hotel see www.chateaudelatreyne.com, whilst at Gramat the Grand Couvent (convent) offers “a haven of relaxation ..ideal for contemplation and reflection.. a garden of colours, aromatic herbs and medicinal plants”