Things to do in Lot, Occitanie: The Best Castles

The largest Organic vineyard in Cahors - 65Ha in Biodynamics. Free tasting, guided tours, tasting classes, Wine bar, food and more (check web site). Chateau de Chambert wines are produced on the fine terroirs of the high hills of the Cahors AOC Appelation of south-west France. Since 1690, Chambert's Malbec wines have been enjoyed by kings, Russian tzars and French officers in Bordeaux. Philippe Lejeune produces fine and elegant terroir driven wines.

Built in 1519 by Jeanne de Balsac, in honour of her son, Robert de Montal, the Château of Montal echoes the finest châteaux in the Loire Valley. From 1879, it fell into decline, its prestigious pieces however being acquired by museums and private collections throughout the world. Fortunately, the Château was saved in 1908 thanks to the untiring efforts of Monsieur Fenaille who gradually restored the Château of Montal to its former splendours. Open: > 2nd January to 30th April and from 1st September to 31st December: from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. > 2nd May to 31st August: from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. Last admission 45 min before closing time. Closed: > Mondays and Tuesdays from 2nd January to 31st March and from 1st October to 31st December. > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 7,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups

Super panorama overlooking the Lot River Valley. Medieval castle from 8th, 13th and 16th century. Gardens and interior in a guided tour, quite often with a member of the owner family. Chapel, donjon, jail, renaissance paintings including Les Métamorphoses d'Ovide and views of ancient Constantinople.

This impressive Château - as much a home as a fortified castle was the residence of a rich baronial family until 1715. Its towers, thick walls and domestic quarters illustrate its architectural development over the centuries. Towards the end of the 19th century the Chateau was bought and restored by opera singer Jean Moulierat who assembled an eclectic collection of furniture, tapestries, objects of religious art. Open: > 2nd May to 30th June: from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 1st July to 31st August: from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. > 1st September to 30th April: from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Last admission 1 hour before closing time. Closed: > Tuesdays from 1st October to 31st March. > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 7,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups

Galiot de Genouillac, the hero of Marignan, built the Château d’Assier in the 16th century. It is a significant example of Renaissance architecture in Quercy. Of the four wings there now only remains the main body of the western dwelling which is richly decorated with sculpted friezes and emblems. Open: > 2nd May to 4th September: from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6.45 p.m. > 5th September to 30th April: from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. Last admission 45 minutes before closing time. Closed: > Tuesdays except in July and August. > 1st January, 1st May, 1st November, 11th November and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 3 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 2,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups