Certainly one of the best way to appreciated this region's countryside and towns is by boat. On the river Lot the pace and languid, the peace broken by heron's darting shadow or the kingfisher's call; the squeaky wheel of a lock-gate handle or the hiss of a fisherman's cast spinning another hopeful line for schools of sceptical fish.

Whether you're aseasoned sailor or a novice, the Lot Valley provides endless opportunities for taking to the river. An interconnected river circuit of 130 km is ideal for pleasure and for enjoying the various water sports at bases along the rivers Lot and Baïse and the Canal du Midi. Boats of many shapes and sizes can be hired from several riverside towns along the waterways, for singles, couples, groups of friends or for all the family. No special licence is required, just a few minutes with a hirer or lock-keeper to show you the ropes. For those who prefer landlocked waters, there are a mass of well-tended lakes for swimming, yatching, wind-sailing, canoeing and a host of other waternorne activities.

Whether on land, inthe air or on the water, the Lot Valley has a mass of leisure activities for all comers. Rambling, fishing, boating, pedal-boating, horse riding, climbing, exploring, water-skiing or even snow-skiing in the upper valley; build your own menu to suit your mood and your energy ! For high emotion activities, there's rafting and kayaking on white water stretches between the rugged cliff tops of the narrow gorges. Or go pot-holing down natural underground tunnels and stalactite temples, canyoning through the twists and turns of the tree-framed running waters, or hang-gliding above it all.

For active, sporting holidays, there really is a Lot to do in the Lot Valley !