The haunting loveliness of the Lot Valley

The region of the Quercy in France offers the visitor the experience of waking in another time and place. We have seen this area twice through the sensitive eyes of Claudia de Guère, most recently in June ’03.

Madame de Guère is a highly cultivated American who created a fairy-tale house, Domaine de Castan (46330 Saint-Circ-Lapopie, France; phone, from the U.S., 011.33.5.65.31.23.04), by restoring a 300-year-old stone “bergerie” in the hills overlooking the river Lot near the medieval village of Saint-Circ-Lapopie.

“Six Days in the Quercy” cost $2,400 for two persons, all inclusive; a 3-day stay was also available. Many guests arrive from Paris by train (not included), traveling 5½ hours direct to Cahors, where Claudia meets her guests. That’s what we did this time, departing Paris’ Gare d’Austerlitz station; on our previous stay we arrived by car.

Madame de Guère reveals the treasures of this less-visited region of lovely countryside. Ancient villages have retained their particular style of harmonious architecture with adjoining dovecotes. The region also contains two of the finest Romanesque churches in France.

Using her charming stone guest house as a base, we enjoyed an unhurried sojourn through La Vielle France with Claudia as guide, interpreter, driver, hostess and chef.

Mr. & Mrs. EDWARD CARCHIA
Edison, NJ