Montcuq property guide

Montcuq is in the Lot (Midi-Pyrennes region), in the area known as Quercy Blanc and 20 minutes from Cahors, which means it is roughly equidistant from the Pyrenees, the Mediterranean and from the Atlantic coast to the west.  A look at various web sites from the area will quickly show you a whole package of ways that people in this area enjoy life - from walking with a pack donkey, indulging in naturopathy or just enjoying a chat over wonderful food and drink such as duck confit, local goat and sheep cheeses. There are plenty of places to stay including those designed for travelers by horse and even somewhere described as being ‘between earth and sky' - actually a holiday village called L'Hermosphere. Montcuq is actually made up of 16 communes, Montcuq itself being the chief with around 1200 people and another 3000 in surrounding cantons. The village is on the pilgrim route to Compostelo and even today pilgrims still arrive.

Access

Activities
The market in Montcuq is on Sunday morning, and in summer there is an extra one, but other local towns and villages will have them on other days so do ask. Local chapels have hand painted and ancient frescos to discover. For the sporty there is rugby, both League and Union, cycling of course and various equestrian and watery activities.

In the local area there are various celebrations throughout the year. As well as the expected Christmas and Bastille Day festivities there are jazz and art festivals. At Pech Merle there are caves with Paleolithic paintings, which seem to show the area was thriving even then.  A Plan d'Eau ( lake for recreation) is only a short distance away. There are cookery classes using local produce and  antique shops, brocantes, artist's studios of various genres including pottery, and it is where people seem to get their priorities right, family and friends and a general attitude of enjoyment being a the top of the list. You could just try to find all the 600 species of butterfly for instance, or sit back and let them find you. - the perfect place to buy  your new home and join in.

Food and Drink
Montcuq itself has three cafes, but drive just a little distance and there is huge choice. Expect food to include things such as saffron, truffles and the local fruits - cherries, peaches, melons and grapes and lots and lots of duck.

Restaurants
La Grange de Marcillac, 46800 Saint Cyprien, Tel no. : 05 65 22 90 73 / 05 65 22 90 42, 18€ and up and up
France Cafe. 11 Place de la Republic, 46800, Montcuq, Tel no:05 65 22 90 29, 10 €
Centre Cafe , 6 Place de la Republic, 46800, Montcuq, Tel no: 05 65 31 84 64, 9€
The South, 6, Going from Plane Trees, 46800,  Montcuq ,Tel no: 05 65 31 47 68 ,10 €

If you are planning to stay a while on a viewing trip a gite may be the best option as then you can come and go as you like and either eat out or cook at your leisure. Buying and cooking your own food will give you a better idea of what life could be like in the region than just staying in a hotel. The tourist office will be able to supply contacts.

Do think carefully about what you want out of a property - how many rooms for instance, can you cope with a spiral staircase, is a pool a must? The answers to these and many other questions - including of course your budget will help you decide upon your perfect property. Prices are rising slowly, but bargains are still to be had, so, armed with your requirements ask Sextant properties to put you in touch with a local bi-lingual agent who can accompany you on visits. Before you know it you will find your perfect place in Quercy Blanc.