Here are just some of the activities near La Taupe
Each Friday during July and August there is a “peasant market” which is held in a pleasant plum orchtd near the village of Frespech. There are picnic tables and one can take their own lunch or buy food etc. at the Marche’. There is chicken barbequed on a string (a la ficelle), confit canard, salads, ice cream, walnut tarts and any number of good things to eat on sale to take back to your table, but the star of this show is the pomme frite (chips–french fries) cooked in duck fat which all agree are the best in France. While you picnic a brass band of septuagenarians will serenade you. It is a true happening and a celebration of the rural life style of France.
This year the Tour de France passed over our place at 30,000 feet flying from Tarbe to Limoge. We hope next year it will pass through our region as it has in the past. However, we and our guests made do at the annual moto freestyle happening 15 minutes down the road and later at our annual motocross at Beauville. This year’s carnage was most by the standards set in the past. Our guests created a stir among the local young Frenchmen.
All the Racey People stay at La Taupe! http://vacationrentalfrance.net
Montaigu had its first Fete Pere Quepas (an aliteration of “why not”) which included a poetry walk, demonstrations by a local stone cutter, and sculptor and local handicrafts. As you can see in the photo, there was the attendant eating, drinking and dancing that French fetes demand. Here is the sculptor dancing with the Marquise de Couyssels and mistress of La Taupe Sally Green. He had just completed an 8 foot sculpture and appears in his working attire which included an ancient rugby helmet. The other photo shows the Ecole St. Agnes Rockers who became the toast of Montaigu with their rick’n roll.
For the local color stay with us at La Taupe http://vacationrentalfrance.net
The Lot Valley with its Cahor wine region is about 30 minutes from La Taupe. Its appelation embraces a vigorous red wine made from Malbec and Tanat grapes among some others. Since Cahors was founded on a 180 degree bend of the Lot by the Romans, wines have been made. here. The Roman town was highly defensible since the bend in the river surrounds it on three sides like a sack leaving it vulnerable only from the mouth of the sack. Here there was built a wall by the Romans, much of which remains to this day. The town is lively and a good place to go shopping. There are several good restaurants as well as specialty shops and it is a good place to end a tour of this wine region for a meal. Pictured here is the Pont Valentre, a medieval bridge with an interesting history. It is one of the best examples of French Medieval architecture in the area and worth a visit while in Cahors.
One of the best country markets can be seen on Fridays on the way to Cahors at Praysac a lovely wine village on the right bank of the Lot. Then cross the river and travel up the left bank through the vinyards to Cahors.
Come stay with us at the Pigeonnier at La Taupe, http://vacationrentalfrance.net while touring this fabulous corner of France.
Several of our guests have asked us to make some notes on nearby restaurants, bistros and cafes. The following suggestions reflects our tastes and we welcome your additions. We do not rate or rank places but we do not include places where we are not satisfied with the food, cuisine or ambiance. So, here goes!
Cafe du Centre Roquecor- This chalerous cafe is the French equivalent of a “local”. It is frequented by locals, tourists and the expatriate community. alike. Phil deLang is a talented young chef who makes quite tasty meals using the abundant fresh local ingredients. Prix Fix Lunches are 22 Euros and Dinners are about 24 Euros. Jean-Marc and Michelle Debuf are your hosts and there are frequently Friday evening music soirees for your pleasure. On Sundays during and after the village market the Cafe is a mecca for the locals to have a drink or a coffee and catch up with each other. English and French are spoken. Reservations are recommended. Telephone:05 63 95 21 78 website: http://caferoquecor.com
Come stay and eat with us at the Pigeonier at La Taupe http://vacationrentalfrance.net
More restaurants to follow.
Pujol is a delightful restored medieval village near Villeneuve sur Lot. There is a sunday market on the summer and a well attended Catholic Mass on Sundays as well. Some of our guests have agreed that it also boasts a couple of good restaurants. The first is Localel and the second, and our favorite, Villa Smeralda (05 53 36 72 12). This place specializes in the wine and cuisine of Sardinia and never fails to please with their most interesting menu and moderate prices.
Why go to Sardinia when you can stay with us at La Taupe? http://vacationrentalfrance.net
Recreation (The Recess) is about 45 minutes from us. It is featured in a book recommended elsewhere called “From Here You Can’t See Paris”. The restaraunt is in an old school house thus its name. It is in the village of Les Arques, a lovely tiny village with an ancient church that is worth seeing and a museum of contemporary sculpture by Zadkine which you may also enjoy. Jacques and Noelle Ratier provide a superior 5 course meal from a prix fixe menu that makes it well worth the journey. The photo shows the plat principal the lovely summer day we recently were fortunate to have lunch there. It was lamb with tomatoes bounded by aubergine accompanied by a Zuccini bossom stuffed with a veal mouseline and a small tomato with a different forcemeat. The meal was spectacular, and the Restaurant is delightfully unpretentious. The meal was 33 Euros per person plus wine.
All the cool Foodies stay at the Pigeonnier- http://vacationrentalfrance.net
Hotel de Quercy in Lauzerte has a reasonable regional menu. The food is good and portions are ample. It is a good place to stop while visiting Lauzerte, a charming bastide which is a typical Bastide with an arcaded square and a few interesting shops. Breathtaking views from the old walls. Here some guests enjoy the restaurant.
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Michel Trama-Puymerol (3 stars)
Marriottat-Agen (1 star)
Chateau de Mercues-Cahors (1 star)
Claude Marco-Cahors at Lamagdelaine (1 star)
Gindreau-Cahors at St. Medard (1 star)
For Gonzo Gastronomy, come stay with us at the Pigeonnier at La Taupe -http://vacationrentalfrance.net/
On a balmy June night, people from the region jammed into the modest old church at Roquecor to hear a stiring and beautiful Concert Chorale sung by the Choral de Bourg de Visa and the Choral Internationale de Quercy. Some of the melodies were emmotional with complex harmonies including pop, religious and martial pieces. The house was packed and the music made use of the acoustics in the ancient church. The stirring music was enjoyed by many following a special meal at the Cafe de Centre. A grand time was had by all. Proceeds went to local charity Les Aime des Chats.
It is almost time for the Jazz festival at Marciac. If you are a jazz aficianado, this is a must see event. This year with Sonny Rollins.
Stay at La Taupe http://vacationrentalfrance.net/for all that Jazz!
In addition to the Jazz Festival in Montauban, Tournon d’Agenais (5 miles from La Taupe) has become a frequent venue for blues musicians. Recently several American artists have performed in Tournon. Some very good French blues men have performed there as well. Pictured is Nico Tousaint sitting in with a performing group in Tournon. There are several festivals throughout the year including everything from Grand Opera to Country and Western music.
No blues here at La Taupe-come stay with us- vacationrentalfrance.net
The hard core brought bikes. They reported only seeing 3 cars in 30 miles of
incomparable countryside. They are, however, not going to be in the Tour de France this year.
And don’t forget, if you’re looking for a vacation rental in France, you should stay with us.
