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e-mail us at www.leanmassar@aol.comtelephone (00 33) 5 65 29 36 82 |
    
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We live in the ancient province of Quercy-Rouergue, which has some of the most beautiful and unspoilt countryside in France. Quercy is typified by sweeping tracts of hardwood forest, criss-crossed with shady lanes, perfect for both cycling and walking and completely free of traffic. To the west is Limogne (10km), famous for its truffles and its Sunday-morning market. Further on is the beautiful riverside town of Cahors (40 km). To the east is Villefranche de Rouergue (10km), a historic Bastide town with a thriving commercial heart and a noted Thursday-morning market. Beyond Villefranche east and south is the Rouergue itself, a land of stunning river valleys, granite cliffs and medieval castled towns such as Najac. Further south is the citadel of Cordes-sur-Ciel, a complete medieval town perched on a jagged hilltop. A short distance north along the valley of the River Lot are the ancient towns of St Cirq Lapopie and Conques. La Bastide L'Eveque and Villeneuve d'Aveyron are smaller Bastide towns of immense charm. Sporting attractions include canoeing for all abilities on the close-by rivers of the Lot, Aveyron and Cele, pedaloes, fishing, horse-riding, rock-climbing and potholing. Quad biking and motorbike scrambling are recent additions. Massar is ideal for cycling at all levels of fitness: there is a huge network of touring and pottering possibilities. Our local village of Martiel also boasts a recreational lake, perfect for picnics and with a children's play area. In the woods is a fabulous high level tree walk with a lower-level course for younger children and those with vertigo! Eating out is a particular pleasure in the Aveyron, which prides itself as the market garden of France. From Michel Bras's establishment at Laguiole (voted one of the top 10 restaurants in the world) to an array of more modest auberges, our locality is a culinary delight. With tipping by law included in the menu price, what you see in a French restaurant is nowadays what you pay. A typical 'menu du jour' can be had anywhere in the Aveyron for between 10 and 12 € usually including wine. Seasons Our area is wonderful at all times of year. In contrast to the southerly coastal region, we enjoy fully-changing seasons and a landscape that will be familiar to northern European eyes. As a bonus, beginner skiing is 90 mins drive away, with the surprisingly challenging resort of Le Lioran a mere 2 hours distant. WeatherFor most of the year it is warm. Typical summer temperatures are in the 30s (C), with spring and autumn levels regularly exceeding 20 deg. Skies are usually clear and blue. For a detailed 10-day forecast for the Cahors area, please consult: |