Deputy editor-in-chief of Voyager magazine here and elsewhere, Lucas is a globetrotter. A traveler familiar with long-haul planes and distant landscapes, but equally enthusiastic when it comes to sharing his latest French discoveries.
A fan of his region of origin - the Basque Country - he regularly travels to the most remote departments of the South-West: Corrèze, Lot, Dordogne, Aveyron... a rural landscape dotted with hilltop villages and fortified castles. and a unique gastronomic heritage.
From Corrèze to the Lot
1. The “most beautiful villages in France”
Collonge it Red . THE cradle of the "Most beautiful villages in France", former stronghold of the Counts of Turenne, at the crossroads of Corrèze and the Lot valley. A long medieval village, which stands out for its red stone. Obligatory stop: lunch under the Cantou wisteria. A dish ? Porcini mushroom omelette.
Turenne . A village perched on the hill and steeped in history (a state within a state until the 18th century), boasting private mansions, a 13th century keep and the Caesar Tower. With, from its high streets, a 360° panorama of the Dordogne valley.
Martel. The town of 7 towers, a rich trading town in the 12th century, has remained one of the most beautiful medieval towns in the Lot. Preferably on Wednesdays and Saturdays to enjoy the atmosphere of the historic market hall which has become a gourmet spot, before going to sit at the Petit Moulin , the cream of the local bistronomy.
2. A great classic
Rocamadour . Perched 150 meters above the Alzou, this sacred city, classified as a world heritage site, is one of the most spectacular (and visited) sites in France. In total, 216 steps for pilgrims to climb, seven chapels built into the side of the rock and a black virgin.
3. An unusual site
The Padirac Chasm. 20 minutes from Rocamadour, this cave is a worldwide mecca for caving. After diving into a 70 meter deep chasm
4. An address
The Hauts des Magrières. A contemporary house perched overlooking the Causses and adjoining an old sheepfold dating from 1726. Two guest rooms in total, works of artists and a 100% natural horizon.
From €135 for a double room.
Place called Les Magrières. Such. : 06 76 74 25 03
From the Dordogne to Aveyron
1. One city, one market
Sarlat . 66 listed monuments, private mansions and exceptional medieval architecture, Sarlat is the jewel of the great South-West. We go there on Saturday, market day for the 450 stalls and the clamor that invades the city. To see: the hall with its monumental doors and the panoramic elevator designed by Jean Nouvel, considered a bit like the child of the country.
2. Three must-haves
La Roque-Gageac . A spectacular site overlooking the Dordogne from its streets running along the troglodyte remains. An ancient fortress once considered the "impregnable village" and today popular with tourists on Fridays, market day, and all summer for kayak or barge departures on the Dordogne. An open-air museum.
Castelnaud-la-Chapelle . This site faces La Roque-Gageac and is no less prestigious with its village built on a terrace, overlooking the Dordogne and the Céou valley. Its authentic 12th century fortified castle offers a breathtaking panorama. Also worth seeing is the incredible Château des Milandes and its gardens, the former home of Joséphine Baker, where she founded her "rainbow tribe" with her 12 adopted children, of different nationalities.
Beynac-et-Cazenac . A village high up, which you have to climb to gradually see the Dordogne silhouetted behind the roofs of Lauze and the blond stone. A postcard village, with a castle at the top, one of the most emblematic in all of the Dordogne. A jewel.
3. Two extraordinary gardens
The gardens of Marqueyssac . “Hanging” gardens that we call “the belvedere of the Dordogne”. Above all, it is an incredible visual landscape thanks to the 150,000 century-old boxwoods which have been pruned in such a way as to create a sheepy maze, a sort of plump and phantasmagorical labyrinth, perched on a rocky outcrop.
24220 Vezac. Such. : 05 53 31 36 36
The gardens of Eyrignac. A rose garden, plant sculptures, ponds, fountains, an ideal vegetable garden, a French-style square and old buildings, it is a jewel which is enriched this year with several sensory experiences such as aromachology, sylvotherapy , contemplation or meditation in full awareness. Every Monday evening, white picnics (dress code).
24590 Salignac-Eyvigues. Such. : 05 53 28 99 71
THE GARDENS OF THE MANOIR D’EYRIGNAC-PERIGORD-FRANCE-AUGUST 2009-
PHOTO: ERIC SANDER (ericsander.com)
4. A table
The Château de la Treyne . A member of Relais et Châteaux, this fairytale castle is an accessible dream. To treat yourself once for its spectacular terrace, perched on the cliffs... An enchanting setting in the light of the candle with the Dordogne winding below, and on the other side the French gardens with Medicis vases and 120 hectares of private forests. For a drink or to celebrate something. Star table.
Menus from €50.
La Treyne 46200 Lacave. Such. : 05 65 27 60 60
5. A charming address
La Closerie de Sarlat . 20 minutes from the capital of Périgord Noir, this recently taken over guest house gains even more charm with five rooms nestled in a wooded estate which surrounds two blond stone buildings. A really nice address with a hearty “homemade” breakfast. Ideal for shining in the golden triangle.
Lieu Dit La Croix d'Esteil, 24200 Sainte-Nathalène. Such. : 07 87 34 33 48
6. One step
Conches . On the road to Santiago de Compostela, Conques is one of the most beautiful villages in Aveyron, with its cobbled streets, its half-timbered houses and a legendary Romanesque abbey church, whose contemporary stained glass windows are signed by the immense Pierre Soulages, who is celebrating his 100th birthday this year. An obligatory stop on the road to the Aubrac plateaus.
7. One end of the world
La Borie de l’Aubrac . In the heart of Aubrac Lozérien, on the way to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, a century-old stone house, five contemporary rooms and everywhere around, the steppes of the Aubrac plateaus, a spot that is still harsh and wild.
From €100 for a double room including breakfast.
The Children's Barn 48,260 Nasbinals. Such. : 04 66 45 76 97
