Cruise and ride in the lot

Leading boating holiday specialist the Le Boat group has a great formula for exploring the magnificent Lot region of France by both horseback and boat. After collecting your self-drive cruiser from Le Boat’s base at Douelle you cruise upstream to meet your horses just outside the medieval town of Cahors. Here you take on board all the feed and equipment you’ll need, including stakes and electric fencing for corralling the horses overnight.

Allowing up to five hours’ riding a day, maps are provided detailing the best places to meet up with those on the boat and where to moor overnight, in addition to noting nearby village shops, cafés and restaurants.

The Lot valley takes you through stunning scenery and wide gorges cutting through towering limestone cliffs. Enjoy swimming in clear waters on a hot summer’s day or look for eagles and herons soaring overhead. Other treats include sampling the famous Biere d’Olt at Arcambal, admiring honey-coloured houses in St Cirq Lapopie, riding and cycling to the Pech-Merle caves - and watching out for the rest of the party when the bridle paths come closer to the river banks in the days nearing Crégols.

Boat hire prices for a one-week holiday start from just £775 per week (£130 per person) based on six people sharing a three cabin cruiser. Le Boat’s cruisers sleep from two to twelve people and short-breaks of 3,4 and 5 nights are also available in addition to one-week or longer holidays. Each horse costs £238 for the duration, including all feed, tack and equipment and there is a minimum requirement of two horses.

No previous boating experience is required as the boats are easy to operate and helpful base staff ensure you are comfortable at the helm before setting off on your holiday. Also, for those new to boating holidays Le Boat provides a DVD with techniques and tips to introduce cruising.

Comprising the renowned brands Crown Blue Line, Connoisseur and Emerald Star, the Le Boat group has been providing self-drive river and canal holidays for over 40 years. For more information visit Leboat.co.uk.