St-Medard 
Lot Valley, South of France

"Eire" is a beautifully restored stone house in the Lot Valley.

St-Medard:-  is a quaint village situated 18Km north West of Cahors, which in turn is 90 Km north of Toulouse. It is refreshing to rediscover the pleasures of an unspoilt natural environment, which enhances the quality of life.

All visitors are welcomed with respect, whether they come in search of peace and quiet, activity holidays, magical landscapes, good food or just warm friendly atmosphere.

Accommodation

The top unit:-  has two bedrooms bathroom / shower sitting room/ dining room and American kitchen. There are two double beds with the option of converting a sofa in the sitting room, if required. All cooking utensils are provided. There is a washing machine tumble dryer iron radio CD player and a hairdryer.

Outside:-  there is a very large veranda with spectacular views over the valley, ideal for sunbathing and dining.

The bottom unit:-  has one large bedroom containing a double and single bed, with a walk in en-suite. It also contains an American kitchen. The sitting room/dining room leads to a large covered patio ideal for dining or relaxing. There is also a double airbed provided if required. Again all cooking utensils are provided as well as a washing machine, tumble dryer, iron, radio, CD player and a hairdryer.

The Swimming pool: is 10m x 5m in size and is absolutely essential in the long hot summer.

 Local Amenities:- The village has a restaurant Le-Grindreau a Michelin star which although quite expensive is well worth a visit. The neighbouring village of Catus is only 5 Kms down the road and has all the shops necessary for daily living. Here you will find an excellent bakery, butchers, greengrocers, newsagent and small supermarket. Each Tuesday there is a local market which provides a colourful insight to the wealth of local produce and culture. There are also three large supermarkets in the surrounding areas. The local leisure centre and lake offers tennis, canoeing, boating and mini golf. The River Lot provides the more adventurous watersports enthusiast with a range of activities. There are a number of golf courses within reasonable driving distance.

Places of Interest:- The fascinating old market town of Cahors, almost surrounded by the River Lot, offers the visitor a vista of old buildings and streets to explore. Many of these date back to Roman times and include the famous Pont Valentré. The market and local vineyards are well worth a visit.

The Dordogne, Rocamadour and the Gouffre de Padirac:- are some 45 Kms to the North. Upstream from Cahors, the road follows the River Lot through dramatic and awe-inspiring countryside towards St Cirq Lapopie, Cabrerets and the prehistoric caves of Pech Merle. All are well worth a visit. To the South are the spectacular deep gorges of the Aveyron and Tarn Rivers leading to the mediaeval towns of Cordes en ciel, (The village in the sky) and Albi with its painted cathedral and Toulouse Lautrec Museum. West of Cahors and spread over miles of countryside are the vineyards which produce the robust and distinctive Cahors Wine.

The whole region enjoys an abundance of good wine and food. Particular specialties include duck, truffles and an array of different cheeses. Locally grown fruit and vegetables are plentiful and delicious. The smaller restaurants in the surrounding villages are well worth visiting and many produce amazing menus of great value, variety and quality.

What to see and do:- In St-Medard you can enjoy many walks through the idyllic countryside. One such walk through the top of the village leads to a vineyard. Most producers take great pleasure in sharing their know-how and love of their wines: each producer has a range of wines and vintages for you to try on the spot, glass in hand. Wine in this region is so inexpensive. You will also pass by the ex Maire of St-Medard whose farm provides a wide selection of homemade cheeses. At the end of a tiring day, treat yourself to a meal in the exclusive restaurant – Le Grindreau just around the corner.

Close to St-Medard are many other villages to be enjoyed, the nearest Catus (5km), has a lake where you can also enjoy many forms of water sports and fishing. The tourist office will provide you with many historic walks of their village. 

A drive away the most famous site in The Lot, clinging to the cliff-face is the old (12^th,13^th, 15^th C)  town with its narrow streets – Rocamadour. There are many things to see and do apart from the breathtaking views and historical interests including the Merveilles Cave (crystalline concretions and drawings dating back 20000 years), Rocher des Aigles (demonstration of birds of prey) and the L’Hospitalet where you can see 150 monkeys in total liberty and an aquarium of cold-water fish.

Not to be missed Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, which is classed as a Historic Monument, perched on a cliff high above the Lot. It is a collection of old streets and beautiful houses; it is also host to many craft shops. This quaint village is ablaze with colourful flowers during the summer months.

The Pech-Merle Caves in Cabrerets not far from Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is 1200m of caverns. It is one of the most moving monuments to Paleolithic art.

Belaye  - another magnificent viewpoint overlooking the Lot valley. A 15^th C. church possessing an original nave with four round columns, ruins of a fortress and traces of ramparts.

There are very many more places of interest and I recommend that you visit a tourist office for a booklet on the region.

Tariff per Unit 2005

Special Offer:-  Anyone availing of the house during the summer months can return for a winter break at a very special rate of only €150 per week  (£105 sterling approx).

Reservation:- €200 (Approx £110) deposit on confirmation of booking. (No booking exists unless this is paid). The balance to be paid at least one month before departure. I am very sorry but I cannot allow children

If you require any further information please contact me:-     nkearney@tcd.ie 

Telephone  0035 3872355962