A Week Sailing the River Lot with Le Boat: Slowing Down in Style
- Samantha
- Sep 12, 2025
- 9 min read
There’s something wildly freeing about being the captain of your own slow, scenic adventure.
Tucked between limestone cliffs and medieval villages, France’s River Lot offers a totally unique way to explore the countryside and trust me, it’s not your average road trip. This was our first Le Boat adventure, and honestly, I think it might be my favourite way of travelling. If you’ve ever dreamed of captaining your own boat (no license needed!), waking up to riverside cafés and castle views, and navigating your way through locks like a total pro, this one’s for you.
Here's everything we got up to on our 7-day itinerary, including where we stayed, what we loved, the places I’d return to in a heartbeat, and a few tips I wish I’d known before setting off.
Quick Links:
Note: For a visual journey through my stay here, feel free to explore my dedicated S.France Instagram highlight under the handle @SammyLouLuxe
Why We Chose Le Boat
We were looking for something a little different, a trip that felt equal parts family adventure, relaxation, and slow travel chic. Le Boat delivers on all of that. You’re literally the captain of your own pace, with total freedom to moor up wherever takes your fancy (from historic towns to quiet riverbanks with wildflowers). And with young kids in tow, it gave us the perfect balance: enough excitement to keep them entertained, and enough serenity for us to actually relax.
We sailed on the Horizon 3, a spacious, stylish boat with three cabins, each with its own bathroom (yes, en-suite on a boat, it’s a thing!) plus a sun deck for golden hour apéros. Perfect for families or sharing with friends.
Our 7-Day River Lot Itinerary
We chose the South of France for our adventure and started in Douelle, one of the main Le Boat bases on the Lot. This route was the perfect blend of rustic charm, foodie moments, and slow-living luxury. Here's how we spent the week, with tips, restaurant gems, and scenic stop-offs to help you plan your own dream Le Boat trip. Here’s how the week unfolded...
Day 1: Douelle Check-In + Practice
After a friendly welcome, briefing, walk-through and supervised practice sail from the Le Boat team at the Douelle base, we settled in and unpacked for the week. We decided to stay the first night on the first anchorage upstream from the base, to allow us to unwind and rest after an early start travelling to France.
Dinner suggestion: I recommend a lovely alfresco dinner at L’Auberge du Vieux Douelle, a traditional French food with riverside views and only a short walk over the bridge (or up the stairs if you stay at the first anchorage like we did!).
Travel Tip: Bring a few dry snacks and provisions such as teabags for the boat, especially if you’re arriving late. The local shop has limited opening times.
Day 2-3: Douelle Departure + Independent Sail Feels to Cahors
After a peaceful first night on board, we wandered up to the local bakery for still-warm croissants and freshly baked crusty bread, then settled in with cups of our favourite black Earl Grey tea from home as we glided away from the dock. That first sail was a mix of nerves and excitement, the kind of adventure that gives you a proper adrenaline buzz. But once you start following the Le Boat map and carefully steer clear of the clearly marked shallow zones, it becomes the most peaceful, meditative experience. You quickly get into the rhythm of the locks, and there's something surprisingly satisfying about completing each one.
By the time we reached the cultural and culinary heart of the region, Cahors, mid-morning, we were fully in sync with the boat, the locks… and the lifestyle.
In Cahors, Don’t Miss:
Walk the Pont Valentré, one of the most photographed bridges in France. It’s full of history and the views from either side are stunning.
The Cathedral of Saint-Étienne, known for its twin domes and Romanesque architecture
Secret gardens hidden within the old town, each marked by a gold emblem on the ground (our kids loved finding and exploring them!)
Cahors has some lovely local boutiques and gourmet stores ideal for picking up artisan tapenade, fig jam, or a bottle of the local black wine (Cahors Malbec) for a sunset sip later on the boat.
Market Days on Wednesday & Saturday mornings, especially the market at Place Chapou for local cheeses, fresh truffles, handmade goods and the juiciest rotisserie chicken you’ll ever taste. A great place to stock up for onboard lunches or riverside picnics. If you arrive on a non-market day, grab a table at one of the many street cafés for a coffee and a warm pastry while you people-watch like a pro.
Lunch/ Dinner suggestion: Chez Suzanne, a local favourite full of character and warmth. Expect beautifully presented French cuisine with a creative twist, a thoughtful wine list (of course featuring local Malbec), and an atmosphere that feels equal parts stylish and homely. Book ahead if you can, tables fill quickly with both locals and visitors, especially at weekends.
Travel Tips:
Pick up fresh croissants and bread from Boulangerie‑Pizzeria du Pont in Douelle before you depart. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday, 07:30–12:45 and 16:30–20:30 Just check if they’re also open on Sundays during high season. It’s tiny but full of charm (and opens early enough for a pre-sail coffee run too!).
Moor early if you're visiting on a market day. Cahors gets busy. There’s water refill and waste facilities at the main port, so it’s also a good spot for a practical pit stop.
Day 4: Vers
Leaving Cahors behind, the cruise towards Vers is gentle and scenic, with limestone cliffs rising above the river and little stone villages dotting the landscape. It’s a shorter sail, which makes it perfect for slowing down and enjoying life on the water.
Vers is small on first impression, but utterly charming with its cobbled lanes, riverside views, and a peacefulness that feels like stepping into a slower time. It was one of those stops where we felt instantly relaxed, with no pressure to do much beyond wander and soak it all in.
Lunch/ Dinner suggestion: La Truite Dorée. This rustic family-owned hotel-restaurant is famous for its fresh trout dishes caught from the local river. We sat on the terrace surrounded by greenery, enjoying hearty plates of regional cuisine. There is even an outdoor play area for children that we could easily keep our eye on them while we relaxed together chatting about the trip so far. It’s unfussy, authentic, and absolutely worth the stop.
In Vers, Don’t Miss:
Riverside walk: Stretch your legs along the water’s edge and admire the village from different angles.
Backstreet stroll: Explore Vers’ tiny lanes. It won’t take long, but the honey-stone houses are picture-perfect.
Pool stop: If you’re visiting on a hot day, La Truite Dorée also has a small pool for guests, handy if you book in for an overnight stay.
Travel Tip: Moor up early here. Vers is a popular stop with limited berths, especially in summer, and it fills up quickly.
Day 5: Bouzies & Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
This stretch of the River Lot is pure magic. From Bouziès, the cliffs rise dramatically on either side of the river, and the scenery starts to feel more like a film set than real life.
Don’t Miss:
Scenic Walk: Bouziès is the starting point for the Chemin de Halage, a 45-minute riverside path carved into the cliffs that leads to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Walking it feels like stepping into a storybook, limestone walls on one side, turquoise river on the other, and little carvings etched into the rock as you go.
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: Often listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, this hilltop gem clings dramatically to the cliffs above the river. Terracotta rooftops, flower-filled alleyways, artisan boutiques, and panoramic views at every turn. It’s hands down one of the prettiest places we visited during our week. Take time to simply wander the village and browse the artisan shops. Every corner is a photo waiting to happen. Don't forget to walk up to the viewpoint at the top of the village for a postcard-perfect panorama over the Lot Valley.
Lunch/ Dinner suggestion:
La Table du Paysan – rustic French dining with panoramic views of the valley
Le Cantou – cosy spot for local wines, charcuterie boards, and sharing plates
Travel Tips:
Wear comfy shoes: the riverside walk is flat, but the climb into Saint-Cirq is steep and cobbled.
Go early if you want quieter streets, by afternoon, it gets busier with day-trippers.
Don’t rush back to the boat. Stay for golden hour if you can. The light over the rooftops is pure magic and I have heard that the night-time atmosphere, with lantern-lit lanes and quiet café terraces, feels like stepping back in time (we went back to the boat with the little ones)
Day 6: Saint-Gery & Belaye
By now, life on the river feels second nature! The locks are fun, mornings are slow and calm, and every bend along the river brings a new incredible view. Day 6 was about gentle exploration making our way back to Douelle with a few pit-stops on the way to break up the journey. We chose to stop off at:
Saint-Géry: This charming village is known for its canal carved directly into the rock face. It’s a fascinating stop that shows just how the river shaped local life. A short walk from the mooring gives you a great perspective of the cut-through and the surrounding scenery, perfect for stretching your legs and snapping some photos.
Cruise on to Bélaye: From Saint-Géry, sail towards Bélaye, a sleepy hilltop village surrounded by vineyards. It’s the kind of place that feels barely touched by time, with quiet stone streets and wide views across the valley.
Lunch on Deck: Instead of eating out, we made the most of our boat’s top deck BBQ. We picked up supplies earlier in the trip and enjoyed grilled food, glorious views, and the gentle sound of the river all around us. It was blissfully simple and felt incredibly special.
Travel Tip: Provision wisely: There aren’t many restaurants in Bélaye, so stock up beforehand for your BBQ or picnic.
Day 7: Doulle (Return & Vineyard Stop)
Our final morning on the River Lot was bittersweet. By now, the boat felt like home, and we’d slipped so easily into the rhythm of river life that the thought of handing it back was harder than expected.
Back to Base: Sailing back into Douelle was calm and familiar. No more nerves at the locks, just smooth cruising and lots of little “remember when…” moments from the week. If you can, pack up the night before so the last day feels relaxed rather than rushed.
Vineyard Stop: We squeezed in one last treat: a stop at a local vineyard. The Lot Valley is the birthplace of Cahors Malbec, and a tasting here feels like the perfect finale. Many vineyards around Douelle welcome visitors, and we discovered a family-run spot (see my instagram post for details) that gave us a wonderfully authentic experience with plenty of storytelling, history and a chance to taste the region's best famous black wine (Malbec).
Travel Tips for Departure:
Allow enough time for the Le Boat check-out process.
If you’re catching a flight or train, build in a buffer. It’s France, things move at a different pace.
Don’t leave without at least one bottle of Cahors Malbec in your bag, your future you will thank you!
Final Thoughts: Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely! Without hesitation! Our week on the River Lot with Le Boat gave us everything I love most about travel: adventure, discovery, slow moments, and a chance to see a destination from a completely different perspective.
It wasn’t just about the places (though Cahors, Vers, Bouziès and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie will stay in my memory forever), it was about the feeling. Waking up to mist on the river, the adrenaline of mastering our first locks, the golden-hour sundowners on deck, and the quiet contentment that comes when you travel at the pace of the water.
For families, it’s a brilliant bonding trip. For couples, it’s deeply romantic. And for groups of friends? It’s an adventure you’ll talk about for years.
In just a week, we’d gone from nervously tackling locks to confidently cruising through villages, discovering secret gardens, and sipping Malbec at golden hour. This trip was a reminder that sometimes the best adventures aren’t about rushing from A to B, they’re about slowing down, drifting, and letting the river lead the way.
Final Tips for Planning Your Own Le Boat Escape
Pack light but smart. Linen, mix-and-match outfits, flat sandals that can handle cobbles and cocktails, and a jumper for cooler nights. A mini steamer was my secret weapon for wrinkle-free style.
Bring a few home comforts. For us, that was our favourite Earl Grey tea bags, perfect for those peaceful early mornings on deck.
Stock up at markets. From Cahors’ legendary rotisserie chicken to fresh truffles and artisan cheeses, the markets along the Lot make self-catering a total joy.
Don’t fear the locks. They look intimidating at first, but you’ll soon feel like a pro and it becomes part of the fun.
Leave space for spontaneity. Moor up in a quiet spot for a swim, linger longer in a village you love, or detour for a wine tasting. The beauty of a Le Boat trip is the freedom.
Would I Recommend the River Lot?
Without a doubt. The Lot Valley is still a little under the radar compared to France’s bigger names, which makes it feel extra special. A beautiful region of the South of France, it’s got everything, medieval villages, epic scenery, authentic food, and world-class wine, all wrapped up in a pace of life that forces you to slow down and savour - and thats exactly what we did.
If this has sparked your wanderlust, make sure you’re following me over on Instagram and TikTok [@sammylouluxe] as that’s where I share behind-the-scenes stories, travel tips, and magical moments from my trips as they happen. Think of my Stories as your front-row pass to the adventure, long before it hits the grid or gets turned into a guide.
Comments