Rocamadour

Rocamadour is a steep, stony, historic commune in the Lot department in southwestern France.It is notable for its scenic setting above the Dordogne River, and for its religious monuments including a sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary and depictions of the 12 Stations of the Cross carved into the mountainside.

Turning Seasons in the Lot Valley

Depending on details of soil, weather, and exposure, features in the landscape of the Lot Valley can look like summer, fall, or winter.

Geoffre de Padirac

This day we went to two of the star tourist attractions of this part of France: Geoffre de Padirac and Rocamadour. Padirac first.

From Wikipedia: "The Padirac Chasm (French: Gouffre de Padirac) is a cave located near Gramat, in the Lot department, Occitanie region, France.

"The chasm itself is 103 m (338 ft) deep, with a diameter of approximately 35 metres (115 ft). Visitors descend 75 m via a lift or a staircase before entering into the cave system. The cave contains a subterranean river system that is partly negotiable by boat, and is regarded as 'one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena of the Massif Central'.

"The chasm was created at an undetermined point in time when the roof collapsed into a large internal cavern. It is known that the cavern existed in the 3rd century, and was inhabited during the 15th and 16th centuries during which time Potassium nitrate was excavated from the area."

 The cave, like many such caverns around the world, is vividly lit by colored lights.

The countryside outside is similarly colored in the Fall.

The underground river system emerges, and there are reasonable hopes that other caves exist. This diver (who was working with a companion) is hoping to discover another.

One imagines that if this rock were under water, it would look like those in the chasm.

Along the Cele River

Farm houses and barns are built of stone, with red tile roofs, along the Cele River near Figeac: it's a well-known wine growing area, among other crops. The deep gorge is particularly striking with its fall colors and old stone houses and chateaux. The last two scenes, with their brownish-gray and dark green colors, remind me of Cezanne's paintings.

Figeac Food and Drink

As in every French town, there are inviting places to eat and drink.

Old Stone Buildings in Figeac

Figeac has a long and diverse history. It has a medieval abbey in the center of town. Champollion, who deciphered hieroglyphics, was born here. And its current economy is based on aerospace and agro-food industry.

Figeac Orange

Bright orange on a bright blue day in the commune of Figeac.