Outdoor activities are popular, especially bicycling, horse-riding, walking and hiking, tennis and swimming. The tourist office has guides with maps (Guide de la Randonée) showing walking and mountain biking routes and there are pleasant walks, short, long, easy and challenging on the Château’s doorstep and further afield.
The rivers are renowned for their fish. Carp and black bass can be caught. Specific areas are allocated for night fishing for carp and large specimens have been reported. Canoes and kayaks can be hired by the hour. Some operators take you up-stream, so that you can drift back on the current. It is also possible to swim in the river at a number of designated points. There is a water park in Figeac and another in Capdenac.
Rock-climbing, canyoning, pot-holing and orienteering are also available.
Caves and Prehistory
Near Rocamadour, between Gramat and St Céré, is the Gouffre de Padirac, a huge natural sinkhole and the entrance to a remarkable underground river system. You take a boat along the underground river to some stunning caves with vast geological formations. The largest of the caverns, Le Grand Dôme, is 94m high.
Also underground, near Cabrerets, are the prehistoric Pech Merle caves with ancient wall paintings dating back 17,000 years and remarkable rock formations.
In the same area is a “prehistoric” adventure park, the largest in Europe.
Châteaux and Sights
The Château de Montal is about 50 minutes’ drive north of Béduer. It was built in the 16th century and features what is said to be the most beautiful staircase in France. Painstakingly renovated by Maurice Fenaille in the early 20th century, it is renowned for its unique sculpted decorations.
The recently restored Château de Belcastel, overlooking its beautiful village on the River Aveyron just an hour’s drive from Béduer, is a must-see.
Among many other attractions, boat cruises on the River Lot from Bouziès give a different view of the river and its valley. The local area has many attractive dining venues, ranging from simple but authentic bistros to fine dining in the best French tradition. There are too many to list, but we can offer recommendations on request.
Art and Music
In summer, the creative arts come to life, with exhibitions, classes and courses, and a long season of classical concerts including the local festival, les Rencontres Musicales de Figeac.
If you book the chateau early enough for a holiday in August, and should you wish it, we may be able to arrange a concert in the Château itself as part of the festival.
