Tucked away in south-west France, the Quercy region is a beguiling tapestry of medieval villages, rolling vineyards, and beautiful valleys. This quietly captivating corner of France is perfect for those seeking cultural richness, natural beauty, and a truly authentic French escape.
Château Quercy is set in its own beautiful gardens just 500m from a small historic village with a charming square, boulangerie and café-bar serving meals. Supermarkets and other amenities can be found in the 13th century town of Valence D’Agen (13km) with its arcaded market hall – don’t miss the Tuesday morning market. Soak up the beauty of the Canal du Midi, the perfect spot for walking and cycling.
Also by the Canal du Midi is Moissac (18km), where the UNESCO-listed Abbey of Saint-Pierre stuns with its exquisite Romanesque cloisters and serene atmosphere. A little further afield, Montcuq (33km) delights with its lively Sunday market and medieval donjon, all set against a backdrop of sunflower fields and patchwork countryside.
Venture west to Agen (30km), famed for its succulent prunes, bustling market halls, and vibrant half-timbered architecture, located by the Garonne River. Heading north instead, Penne-d’Agenais (35km) rises above the Lot River like a hilltop dream, with its domed basilica and artists’ studios. Pair it with a visit to Pujols (40km), officially one of France’s “Plus Beaux Villages”, where colourful shutters and floral lanes offer the perfect postcard scene. Villeneuve-sur-Lot (42km), meanwhile, brings a splash of urban charm with riverside cafés and a 13th-century bridge spanning the Lot.
For day trips, Cahors (58km) enchants with its medieval bridge, cloisters, and famed Malbec wines, while Toulouse (88km), the “Pink City”, dazzles with its dynamic culture, Renaissance mansions, and vibrant markets.
The nearest airports are Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (90km) and Bergerac (98km) or arrive by train with TGV arrivals from Paris in both Agen (30km) and Montauban (47km) - a car is definitely needed to be able to explore the region.
The Region
A relatively new addition to France, the Midi-Pyrénées was created to surround the cultural capital of Toulouse in the late 1970s. You might think that its relative youth would mean the Midi-Pyrénées is short on character or identity, but remember, this is France we’re talking about – the whole country is steeped in history and tradition.
Encompassing parts of Gascony, Languedoc, the Gers and several others, you’ll get a varied slice of the whole French experience here, not least if you stay at one of our beautiful chateaux in the Midi-Pyrénées!