The area is famous for its walks and long stretches of river where canoeing is a frequent pastime.

The Lot has been described as "the Departement that time forgot", which refers to the many mediaeval towns either nestling at the edge of the Dordogne, or tucked away behind a small hill or country road. Each small town has its own local bar and restaurant where you can still have lunch for 11 euros, and this always includes a carafe of local wine!!

If you are a rugby fan, the area boasts many successful rugby clubs, including Brive, which is in the top French rugby division. Toulouse and Montauban rugby clubs are about and hour and a half away.

The closest golf course is the Souillac Country Club, about a half an hour away, and the area's largest aquatic centre is less than five minutes away.

The Ski Slopes of Super Lioran

Less than 10 minutes from the house in Betaille is the train station of St Denis Martel, which has its own ski train servicing the Massif Central's major Ski Station - Super Lioran. The journey takes less than one hour forty-five minutes, dropping you off at the foot of the slopes!

The ski centre has over 140 kilometres of both downhill and cross country ski ing and a skating rink. The International Ski School forms part of the ski complex.

A useful web cam on the Ski Centre's web site allows you to see conditions in real time from their camera perched at the top of the slopes!

See the ski centre in the Winter at www.lelioran.com