Les Rossignols is situated in the "Parc Naturel de Causse de Quercy". This is a large protected area of unspoilt natural beauty. It includes steep gorges and valleys, some with cascades, wild rock strewn open countryside and ancient woodland. Within its boundaries lie sites of great interest, such as the caves complexes of Gouffre de Padirac, Gouffe de Presque and slightly futher afield, the famous Peche Merle, with it's prehistoric paintings. Well preserved medieval towns and villages are numerous and captivating. Figeac is the principal town of the Quercy and is noted as one of the best preserved medieval riverside towns in France.
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Figeac market with the tourist office in the background |
Place de Champollion in Figeac |
Champollion museum and the Dead Sea scrolls |
Figeac has a superb Saturday market throughout the year where you will find wonderful seasonal produce as well as fois gras, duck breast and dry saucissons, all proudly presented by local producers. At the height of the summer the market is also in operation on Thursday evenings. This has a special flavour with simple hot food and local wine available from the stalls with trestle tables spread out in the square. All kinds of music ring through the cobbled streets, giving a festival atmosphere.
Rocamadour St Cirq Lapopie Cave paintings at Peche Merle Autoire Carennac
A little further afield are the cliff side towns of Rocamadour, one the of the most visited sites in France, and St.Cirq-Lapopie. Perched high above the River Lot, the drive from Figeac along the Célé river valley to St. Cirq-Lapopie will take a leisurely couple of hours which will take your breath away. Other beautiful villages within an easy drive are Autoire, Loubressac and Carrenac.
Activities
Walking. This is well organised in the area with designated hikes rated from easy to those suitable for experienced (and fit) walkers. We have plenty of route maps available. The views on some of these walks are very memorable and vary from the rugged to the rolling and peaceful.
Bird and wildlife watching. Because of the vast areas of undeveloped somewhat wild countryside of the Causses de Quercy, bird and wildlife is abundant. Several varieties of reptiles and amphibians, as well as large mammals, such as deer, wild boar, red squirrels, pine martens and many more. Regularly sighted birds feature many raptors, as well as golden oriels, hoopoes and various species of wood peckers.
Canoeing. Paddling gently down the Dordogne to the north of the Quercy or the Lot rivers to the south is nothing short of fabulous. Several companies operate a well organised trip to suit your skill and the time you want to spend on the river. Various craft from single kayaks to eight place canoes are available for a trip of just a couple of hours to a full week. You paddle with the flow and just select a stop-off point where a special bus will take you back to your car.
Cycling. We have three bicycles which guests can borrow (entirely at their own risk). The roads and lanes around the house are unbelievably quiet and lead to many beautiful areas.
Horse riding and trekking. This is also available in the area, although, as yet, not experienced by us, however, we can imagine that it would be a wonderful experience.
The River Cele valley running through the Causse de Quercy
