An overview of the surrounding region.

Pasturat is on the edge of Le Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy. The Quercy probably derives its name from the Latin for "oaks", which cover the local hills, in rich, spindly profusion. It is a region of outstanding scenery, renowned for its rural calm, slumbering medieval towns and villages, its fine cuisine and excellent dark Appellation Contrôlée wines.

The nearest town to the gite is Cahors, which is one of only 130 sites across France recognised as une Ville d'Art et d'Histoire by the French Government, for the importance and quality of its heritage.

The region's landscape is very varied: from the dramatic cliffs, prehistoric caves and rocky plateaux (causses} which surround the gite, to the flat valley-bottom vineyards west of Cahors, and the dark rich red soil and gently undulating countryside of the Bouriane to the north-west.

The climate is varied too: hot and dry in the long Summer months, with an early short Spring in March and April. In Winter, the days are often sunny, but night-time temperatures can drop to below freezing. Happily, the gite has its own central-heating!

The Quercy is a part of France which even the French are only beginning to discover, with a host of historic sites to visit, castles to explore and museums to instruct - and always with a fine restaurant within easy reach. And - whether you want to retain the independance of your own car, or let some other form of transport take the strain - there are a variety of relaxing ways of touring this fascinating and beautiful region.

So, relax! - and enjoy your stay! And if you want to know more - visit the Lot Tourism, Quercy Tourism or CultureVulture.net website.