Saint-Germain-du-Bel-Air is a small, medieval village in the Lot department of southwestern France surrounded by wooded hills and limestone plateaus, vineyards and walnut groves. It is located roughly 22km north of Cahors. It is ideal for walking, cycling, swimming and enjoying nature.

In and around the village

The village, located at the bottom of the hill below the cabin, has an épicerie (village deli), a boulangerie, a boucherie, a pharmacie, a doctor and a beekeeper. It also has a cash machine and a post office.

Swimming

Sitting below the village is the lake and the municipal pool. The pool is typically open in the afternoons during July and August and costs about 2 Euros to use.

The campsite

Next to the lake is the Le Moulin du Bel-Air campsite, part of the old watermill. The campsite is run by our good friends Anne & Thibaud.

During the season, which runs from April to September, it is the perfect place to have a relaxing cold beer or a glass of wine at their outside bar and restaurant. It is literally a 5-minute walk from the cabin. It also hosts live music and events every week in high season.

Music festival

The village hosts its annual 3-day music festival in late August; this is when the village really wakes up. It’s very communal and high-energy.

The Grand Braderie (Brocante)

The village also hosts its annual grand bric-a-brac, which takes up most of the village on the day.

Walking and Hiking

If you like hiking, the Saint-Germain-du-Bel-Air Loop (approx. 10km) is ideal for a half-day trek directly from the cabin.

Local Markets

Life in the Lot revolves around the table, focusing on rich, traditional flavours and high-quality local produce.

• Cahors Wine: Known as “Black Wine” for its deep colour, this robust Malbec-based red is a regional staple.
• Local Specialities: Look for truffles (the “black diamond” of Quercy), saffron, walnuts, and Rocamadour goat’s cheese.
• Weekly Markets: Visiting a local market, such as those in Cahors
  or Figeac, is a core holiday experience for sourcing fresh bread, cheeses, and charcuterie.

Our favourites:

• Wednesdays and Saturdays – Cahors
  In the morning, all year round (60 to 100 exhibitors)
• Friday – Prayssac
  In the morning, all year round (70 to 130 exhibitors)
• Saturday – Gourdon
  In the morning, all year round (70 to 100 exhibitors)