Camphinie is located in the Lot Region, midway between the Dordogne and Lot Rivers in the World Heritage Site known as the Causses National Park. While the house is suited to slow days, big meals, entertaining and relaxation, there are numerous attractions, markets, historical landmarks, cultural events and sporting and recreational activities to be found nearby.
Markets: There are markets on almost every weekday in the numerous small villages near Camphinie. Fresh produce, antiques and collectibles and artisanal wares can be found here and market days are generally busy and festive. Notable markets include: Labastide Murat, Cahors, Gourdon, Cabrerets, Vers, Gramat, Figeac, Sarlat.
General grocery shopping can be done in Labastide Murat, which has a well-stocked supermarket (Carrefour) as well as a boulangerie.
Sport: The area is well-known for its exceptional cycling routes, with the tour-de-france passing through on occasion. Visitors enjoy a short, pleasant cycle to the boulangerie in Labastide Murat for croissants or longer, more ambitious cycles through the valley and to the historical towns in the region. Bikes of all varieties (including e-bikes) can be rented from Velo du Lot, who deliver and collect from the house.
Labastide Murat has a well-equipped tennis club and swimming pool in lovely surroundings.
Boating and canoeing trips can be booked along the Dordogne river about 1 ½ hours drive away. Book through: Safaraid Dordogne, Copeyre Dordogne or enquire at Tourist Office Labastide Murat.
Swimming and Picnics: Aside from the charming municipal swimming pool at Labastide Murat, visitors enjoy swimming in the various rivers near the house. Pack a picnic and spend a day by any of the following beautiful and quiet natural rivers.
Vers River: Le Lavoir, St Martin de Vers (10 minutes drive).
The Lot River: Vers (20 minutes drive) - our favourite for a picnic,
Célé River: Cabrerets, Sauliac or Marcilhac Sur Célé (40 minutes drive).
Historic Villages and Landmarks: Camphinie is in the centre of the World Heritage site known as Les Causses du Haut Quercy which stretches between the Dordogne in the north and the Lot River in the south. This is a controlled reqion where no development, construction or alterations can take place to buildings without strict approval, and where every effort is made to preserve the indigenous fauna and flora and cultural history of the region. It is famous for its food, known as Quercy Produce and best known delicacies originating here include truffles, foie-gras, and cabecous (a delicious goats cheese patty), walnut based oils, Armagnac, several herbs, and not least the deep red Cahors wine, a Malbec/Cabernet Franc blend and one of the earliest wines of France. The history of this region is visible in all the towns and villages and recalls Roman settlements, Crusades, Cathars, Templars, Hospitaliers, 100 years war, French Revolution, the two World Wars and most importantly because it is so recent in the history of families in the area, La Résistance of the 2nd World War. Some of the historic and cultural attractions we recommend are:
Albi, birthplace of artist Toulouse Lautrec with its famous cathedral, market and museum and gallery of Toulouse Lautrec.
Peche Merle, world famous pre-historic cave paintings or Padirac, world famous potholes.
St Cirq Lapopie, medieval town perched on top of a precipice above the Lot River.
Rocamadour, spectacular pilgrimage town on the Route Compostella.
Gourdon, another early fortified hill town with its impressive ramparts and annual market.
Walking: Visitors need only step out the front door to experience the beautiful countryside surrounding Camphinie. Any of the farm / tarred roads will take you through exquisite scenery, fields and forests. Ask the owners for their favourite routes or just go wandering!