Lauzerte (Tarn-et-Garonne)
Lauzerte is a beautiful medieval hilltop village overlooking valleys with orchards and vineyards.
One of the most beautiful villages in France - this is the government classification given to this medieval hilltop village! The traditional centre of the village, with its church on one side of the arcaded square, has bars and the Tourist Office.
On the lower levels of the village you will find all commerces bordering the main village street. There is a bank, laundry/dry cleaners, butchers, three bakers, general store, supermarket, hairdressers, newsagent/tobacconist and a choice of restaurants.
From the top of the village there is a viewpoint and an interesting walk to the Pilgrim's Garden, with other walks through the narrow streets with their stone houses. Pilgrims pass through the village (sometimes leading donkeys) en route to the shrine of St James in Santiago, Spain.
The rural surroundings are beautiful at all times of the year. The roadside verges are thick with cowslips in the spring , followed by a variety of wild orchids through until June. Much of the area is covered by orchards of apples, plums (many of them dried to become prunes), cherries, peaches, apricots, hazelnuts and walnuts. The vines produce grapes for the dark Cahors wines or a very special dessert grape called Chasselas.