Dining recommendations:
Couzou is located in the region known both by its contemporary departmental name of Lot and by its historic name, Quercy. This region, whose historic name comes from the Latin word for truffle oak, is renowned throughout the world for its wine (the rich, full-bodied Cahors) and cheese (the delectable Cabécou, made of fresh goat’s milk). The Quercy is also home to some of the most delicious cuisine in all of France.
Couzou boasts two restaurants, and we recommend both of them: Le Coustalou and La Terrasse. We know the proprietors of each, so please feel free to tell them that you are our guests.
Things to do:
Walking, biking, kayaking/canoeing; visiting local museums and markets; and exploring the villages of the region are the kinds of things people do when vacationing in the Département du Lot. Throughout the summer and fall there are festivals celebrating the region’s gastronomic and cultural bounty: melon, cheese, wine, music, theater, and antiques. There is a celebrated jazz festival at Marciac, a jazz and blues festival in Souillac, a blues festival in Cahors, an opera and classical music festival in Saint-Céré, and an international film series in tiny Gindou. The summer is also the time when every village has its three-day fête, its own party. There are group meals, pétanque tournaments, live music, dancing, and fireworks.
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Visit nearby Rocamadour, as this is one of the most special towns in the region. One can either take the 10-minute drive there from the house, or choose to go on foot. It is a formidable one-hour hike across some hilly terrain, but it’s well worth it. Along the way you will hike through tranquil woods, traverse open fields, and even pass a dolmen (a communal tomb dating back to the end of the Neolithic period). Upon arrival there is a lovely crêperie under the shade of trees at the foot of Rocamadour. After a quiet lunch, you can climb the steep steps up to the town, do some souvenir shopping, and then make the pilgrimage up the 216 steps to the chapel of the Black Virgin, an awesome experience. (click here to learn the history of the Black Virgin) -
The Gouffre de Padirac is wonderful day trip for visitors of all ages. This cave system is regarded as "one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena of the Massif Central.” The chasm itself is 99 meters around its rim, and visitors descend approximately 75 meters before entering a cave system which is partly navigated by boat. It is well worth the wait to get inside for the guided tour. You have to see it to believe it!
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La Forêt des Singes is literally a forest of monkeys. It is located just outside of Rocamadour. Monkeys eat popcorn from the palm of your hand. Again, a fun afternoon for the whole family. -
The cave paintings at Lascaux are among the most beautiful and significant discoveries of humankind’s prehistory. The paintings date back to the Paleolithic period (17,000 B.C.E.) and contain over 1500 images of animals, hunters, and abstract symbols. It is definitely worth the ninety-minute drive to see this amazing site.
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The town of Cahors is not only the capital of the Département du Lot, it is also home to the world-famous “black wine of France,” a wine sought after by British kings who admired its depth and richness of character. One could easily spend a day exploring this large town’s history, relics, and vineyards.
Le Coustalou, owned and operated by Serge and Yveline Martinhac, serves home-style cooking of the region with a menu that changes daily. To reserve a table you must call ahead and let them know you’re coming for either lunch or dinner, as they prepare each morning for that day’s dining guests. The number is 05 65 33 71 38. We highly recommend a meal there, which is served in 4 or 5 courses at a very reasonable price. It is excellent. Be prepared with cash, as they don’t take credit cards.
La Terrasse also serves the delicious cuisine of the region, and as of 2006 they were serving authentic Mexican food as well. Their number is 05 65 33 62 83.
Rocamadour (a must-see) has several nice restaurants, including our favorite, Le Terminus des Pèlerins. To drive to Rocamadour, take a left out of our driveway and follow the road several kilometers to town. You can park at the foot of the town and walk up one of several staircases to the town center. Rocamadour is truly awesome, and you should plan on spending a couple hours here to explore and visit the chapel of the Black Virgin. Le Terminus is on the main road through the town towards its western end. We recommend their cassoulet, a hearty casserole of white beans, duck and sausage.
If you are interested in experiencing a truly memorable meal, we recommend what we think is one of the finest restaurants in the area,
Le Pont de l’Ouysse. The chef/proprietor Daniel Chambon’s inspired creations represent the region’s embarrassment of gastronomic riches. From the lamb of a neighboring village to the herbs and vegetables of his cherished garden, Chambon’s cuisine embodies the deep, complex character of the land itself. This restaurant has truly earned its Michelin Guide star.
