The Lot river begins in the Cévennes mountains, flowing west through Quercy, and our little town of Fumel, and joins the Garonne River near Aiguillon, a total distance of 485 kilometres.
Today we took a 14km cruise on a bateaux from Fumel, gaining a whole new perspective of the French countryside. Luckily Roland booked as full tour (44 people). The Sun on our side as we left Fumel – sun blocked on our right sides! I think I was the only non French speaking Patron and the guide(woman) gave a rolling commentary for the two hours.. useful information translated to me by Roland and Kev. The rest of my story will be the sights from this trip with the odd snippet of info!
We motored out of Fumel – with a 50 horse power Motor? Captain protected from the sun by a turquoise umbrella!
Riverside mansion privately owned – this one we can see from our side of the river.
Under a bridge (newish) build to divert trucks and large vehicles from having to pass through the narrow streets of Fumel – kayaks for hire at rivers edge, a number of which we passed further up on our journey.
This tower is a Gite or holiday home for rent rising out of the rivers edge.
My right side view on the way up was mainly bush as forests, wildlife and the odd kayak…until we arrived at the loch…
Here you can see the dam that holds the water in the higher regions of the river.
About to enter the loch – our end opened and water empties to our level, we enter, this is closed and the other end opens (slowly) and the loch fills up until are at the higher level of the upper side ( this is repeated in reverse on the way back)
It was very hot and airless when closed inside the loch.
It was a happy day for the Tournesols (sunflowers) all turned towards the sky!
A man fishing on the side, actually snagged a small one – big net tiny fish!
Back into the loch on return
Gates closing behind as water let out the other end and lowers us to the river level.
This castle – privately owned, was huge and the information I gathered is that the owner also purchased the land on the other side of the river (to the top of large hill) that is all in forest so that now one could destroy his view!
A perfect Mirror day if you look closely you can see the ducks and geese sheltering in the shade at the waters edge.
A small village out of Fumel (that we rode our bikes through last week)
And near Fumel – which main industry was a steel mill, now closed, this building on the hill and at riverside harboured a cable car which transferred a special mineral (they used in the steel) to boats to be transported to the mill on the other side of Fumel town.
And two hours later – our village on the hill – we are back, Sue needing a bathroom and tummies needing some food! The temperature now showing 38 degrees. The plan this afternoon was to spend it at the local pool, however after a great lunch prepared by Rols, we all decided a lie down in the cool was more favoured!
All who wander are not Lost girls 