The Lot After the Tourists Have Gone
Why we love September
There is something rather special about September in the Lot. The busy summer months begin to fade, the roads become quieter, the villages are a little more peaceful and suddenly you realise that summer isn’t really over at all. In fact, September is one of our favourite times of year here at La Gaillardenque.
The days can still be beautifully warm, the countryside takes on a golden, late-summer glow, and there’s an easy, relaxed feeling everywhere you go. The difference is that you don’t have to share it with quite so many people!
The villages become peaceful again
During July and August, the Lot comes alive with visitors from all over Europe. It’s lively and colourful, but once September arrives, everything slows down a little. You can wander through the charming villages without the summer crowds, find a table at a café more easily and take your time exploring.
Places such as Puy-l’Évêque, Montcuq and Cahors are still full of life, but there is a much more relaxed atmosphere. And if you enjoy simply getting in the car and seeing where the road takes you, September is perfect. The countryside around Floressas is full of little roads, villages and beautiful views just waiting to be discovered.
The vineyards are changing
September is also a fascinating time for the vineyards around us. This is grape harvest time in the Cahors wine region, and you can see the vineyards beginning to change as the season moves towards autumn. There is something lovely about driving through the countryside at this time of year and seeing the activity around the vines.
Of course, it’s a good excuse to stop and enjoy a glass of local wine along the way!
Warm days and beautiful evenings
One of the things we particularly love about September is the weather. The intense heat of July and August has usually eased, but there can still be plenty of warm, sunny days. It is perfect weather for exploring, walking, visiting markets or simply doing absolutely nothing.
And then there are the evenings. The temperature drops just enough to make sitting outside incredibly comfortable, while the sunsets can be spectacular. There is something magical about enjoying dinner outside, listening to the sounds of the countryside and watching the light change across the fields. As dusk falls, you may spot deer in the fields and hear our resident owls calling in the distance.
Still plenty to do
One of the misconceptions about visiting France outside the main summer season is that everything closes. Well, that certainly isn’t the case here. Living here, we know what is open and where to go for a good lunch or dinner. Markets continue, restaurants remain open and there are still plenty of places to visit and things to discover.
September is also an ideal time for walking and exploring the Lot Valley, with more comfortable temperatures and no need to escape the midday heat. For dog owners, it is particularly lovely.
There is so much countryside to explore, and the cooler temperatures make longer walks much more enjoyable for our four-legged friends.
And yes… the pool is still calling!
At La Gaillardenque, September can be one of the nicest times to enjoy the pool. After a day exploring the Lot, there is nothing better than coming back to the Farmhouse, cooling off in your own private pool and then settling down for a relaxed evening outside.
No rushing. No crowds. Just the French countryside around you.
A slower side of the Lot
Perhaps that is what we love most about September. It feels as though the Lot takes a deep breath after the busy summer months. The pace becomes slower. The roads are quieter. There is more time to stop for a coffee, browse a market, sit beside the river or discover a village you might otherwise have driven straight past.
You can still enjoy everything that makes summer in the Lot so special: the sunshine, the food, the wine, the markets and the beautiful countryside, but with more space and less rushing. And for us, that is when the Lot really shows its character.
It is also when we get to enjoy our little corner of France that bit more ourselves.
Thinking about a September escape?
If you’ve been considering a late-summer break in France, don’t discount September.
The weather can be glorious, the countryside is lovely and there is still so much to see and do, but without the crowds of the main summer season.
Our Farmhouse at La Gaillardenque offers a peaceful base for discovering the Lot, with your own private pool, gardens and plenty of space to relax after a day exploring.