Food. Time to indulge!
The Lot is renowned for its Gastronomy, it has its own magazine Bonnes Tables du Lot and is proud of its tradition and heritage when it comes to food and wine.
Eating out is an experience in itself and children are always welcome.
La Recreation
A firm favourite and one that many of our returning Pagelians go back to year after year after year.
Set on the edge of a medieval village 10 minutes from Pagel in an old school house and is run by Maria and Ludovic Soupirot who speak some English. The food is simply exquisite and the atmosphere is very relaxed as you sit outside under the Wisteria or open sided barn and choose from a fantastic four-course menu. They offer a children’s set menu which they serve with your starter so the little ones are happy as you enjoy a gastronomic experience. It is just the most perfect place to have a long lazy lunch or a beautiful venue for an evening meal.
Booking is essential. Tel: 05 6522 8808
Le Gindreau
Now with TWO Michelin stars, this local restaurant is really worth a visit! Le Gindreau is only 10 minute drive from Pagel and is set on the edge of a medieval village facing west with beautiful sunsets. It is the perfect place to sit and have a glass of champagne as you choose from the amazing menu.The food is out of this world as are the wines and it is the perfect place for “Dinner a deux”. They do have a children’s menu as the French often bring their little ones out for meals in restaurants such as this.
The wine waiter, voted best Somelier in France 2017 will guide you through their extensive wine list.
Booking is essential. Tel: 0565 36 22 27
Some more fabulous restaurants and aubergies
- Peyrilles – Restaurant Mourgues
Tel: 0565 310105
Ten minutes drive. Good local cuisine in a lovely village. - Le Caillau – Puy L’Eveque
Tel: 0565 237804
In beautiful surroundings, Le Caillau offers a wonderful, tranquil place to eat and drink. - Cazals – Auberge de la Place
Tel: 0565 22869
Perfect for a relaxing lunch after the Sunday market. - Route Cahors – Chateau Mercues
Relais ET Chateaux tel:0565200001
Michelin star! Very smart, quite expensive. - Cahors – La Vinois
Tel: 0565 305360
Superb modern food, a special night out!! Excellent. - Salviac – La Casserole
Tel: 0565 415787
Traditional bistro in gorgeous village. Good food. - Cahors – Le Marche
Tel: 0565 352727
Fantastic light and modern restaurant in the market square. - St Denis Catus – Le Claux
Tel: 0565 215410
Good local auberge. Ideal for families as it has a garden and a basic menu. - Domme – Auberge de la Rode
Tel: 0553 283697
Lovely place for a leisurely lunch, excellent garlic soup. Very child friendly. - St Cirq Lapopie – Le Gourmet Quercynois
Tel: 0565 312234
Elegant meal in a lovely place, top village to visit. - Montpazier – Hotel Londres
Tel: 0553 226064
Good food, very child friendly, great for sitting outside in a Bastide village (very famous). - Padirac – Auberge De Mathieu
Tel: 0565 336468
Super place for lunch on a trip to the Gouffre De Padirac. - Catus – The Auberge in Catus
Tel: 0565 238227
Only 5 minutes down the road, grilled meat a speciality, good with little ones.
Wine
Cahors is the capital of the Malbec grape
The Noble Vineyards grace the river terraces on either bank of the River Lot – Source: www.vindecahors.fr
Cahors has a fascinating but somewhat turbulent history. The vineyards were amongst the first planted in France by the Roman Emperors more than two thousand years ago. At up to 15% Cahors wine is not only the darkest but one of the strongest wines available. Cahors wines are the perfect accompaniment to the cuisine of the South West – foie gras, breast or confit of duck, and Quercy Farm lamb. They can also be served with a Carpaccio of scallops, potatoes and truffles.
There are over 200 Domaines and Chateaux in the area but we have chosen a few of our favourites below. It is possible to follow a Wine trail along the River Lot and it is a wonderful day out. Almost all sell wine direct to the public and will offer you advice, a guide to the vintages and a degustation and some will even offer a tour of the vineyards.
On site staff may provide a list of vineyards offering children’s facilities.
Chateau De Mercues (20 minutes drive)
Open daily to the public and commands the skyline above Cahors. It is one the grand Marques.
Chateau Lagrezette (20 minutes drive)
Is a private residence but the Vineyard is open daily.
Chateau de Chambert
One of the very best local wines and is 35 km west of Cahors, they offer degustation.
Chateau Eugenie (15 minutes drive)
One of our favourites near the village of Albas, it is open Monday to Friday in July and August.
Further info
Wine guide maps are provided at Pagel or can be found in the local Tourist office in Catus. Information on local Fete, markets and events is also available.
The tourist office for the region – www.tourisme-lot.com