Location
Fazende is located just a short drive from Les Arques, a small village in the department of Lot, in the French Midi-Pyrénées. From the vantage point of its headland, Les Arques looks out over the wooded valleys of the Bouriane.
On the edge of nearby unspoilt village Les Arques, there is a very nice restaurant called La Recréation. Up the hill from La Recréation is the heart of the village, where you will find a few stone houses encircling the Romanesque church and the Dean's lodge with its 12C tower (Logis et Tour du Doyen).
Russian-born sculptor Ossip Zadkine settled in this "enchanting countryside" in 1934. The local museum dedicated to him was set up as a cultural centre and attracts plenty of visitors. The museum has on display some of his prestigious works and documents which bear witness to his creativity; large wooden sculptures, powerful bronzes, engravings and photos. Five large sculptures also stand in the lanes of the village and religious works are exhibited in the church.
The character of the Lot region is formed by its 'causses' (limestone plateaux) through which the Lot, Dordogne and Célé rivers have carved their way. It is studded with major tourist attractions and beautiful villages such as Rocamadour, Cahors, Figeac and Saint Cirq Lapopie. Man and Nature have both left their imprint on the Pech Merle caves and Padirac Chasm. When you're rambling or cycling in the unspoiled countryside, the authentic nature of the Lot is plain to see.
Home to excellent local produce and fine food and wines, the Lot has many treats to offer your taste buds, including truffles, foie gras, lamb and melons from Quercy, and Cahors Malbec Wine.
Malbec wine - always used to be known simply as Cahors red but now Malbec is so popular internationally they’ve changed tack a bit!
Cazals is our nearest shopping/bar/market town to the north and Catus is similar size to south. Montgesty is the nearest bar and small shop plus it has a public tennis court.
Fazende is surrounded by glorious walking and cycling (we have several old bikes which you are free to borrow.) A few suggestions of local walks can be found here.
In nearby Catus is a well kept Plan d’Eau, or the Green Lake as it is fondly known. Natural swimming areas are popular in this part of France, many also feature playgrounds and tennis courts; a large selection can be found here.
For other beauty spots further afield, St Cirq Lapopie is well worth a visit and the Dordogne is only 30 mins away. Canoeing and kayaking on the Lot and Dordogne rivers are popular activities. A 50 minute drive away is the beautiful meandering River Célé; local company Kalapca offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as canoeing and kayaking, climbing or caving.
For most who visit the house, the joy is the utter peace, tranquility and remoteness. With just two neighbours, Fazende is a private and secluded haven.