Guide to the Lot & Properties for Sale in Department 46

Explore the Lot & Properties in the Area

Like other departments in this region of France, Lot is named after the river that meanders through the beautiful countryside, where the warm shades of thick greenery obscure properties scattered along the river banks. During the French Revolution in 1790, Lot was known as Quercy, part of the original 83 departments compared to the 96 known today. Neighbours of Lot include Aveyron, Tarn-et-Garonne and Dordogne; in fact, it’s the valleys of the Lot, Dordogne and Cele, where you will find its notorious limestone highlands.  These dramatic limestone plateaus divide the department (number 46), covering much of the North, Centre, and South of the region, with rolling hills that shelter the East and West sides.  Also running from North to South through the middle of the Lot department is the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, where almost 29,000 people live within its 176,000 hectares of magnificent landscapes.

A Lot of Culinary Delights

In addition to its notable scenery, Lot is renowned for its diverse range of foods. Awaken your taste buds with the local produce of truffles, foie gras, Cabecou cheese and, of course, the full-bodied wines of Cahors. The capital of Lot, Cahors, sits on a small peninsula in a loop in the river Lot and, as we have previously mentioned, is best known for its production of ‘black’ wine. Cahors has a rich Celtic history and was once a large Roman city, filled with monuments that can still be seen today.

The Treasures of Cahors

Tourists visit Cahors to explore its medieval quarter and admire the famous 14th-century Valentré Bridge. When visiting or passing through Cahors, you must spend some time at the famous Pont Valentré, it’s just beautiful and is rightfully listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval town experienced significant growth due to the arrival of bankers and merchants in the 13^th century.

Large brick houses and arcades filled with shops were built, and these can be explored along the Rue Nationale, Rue du Château du Roi, and Rue des Soubirous. More recently, in the 19th century, Cahors’ main road, the Boulevard Gambetta, was built along the moat that surrounded the original town and is now the city's central route.

The Tranquil Lot Landscape

There are very few main roads throughout the Lot Valley; less traffic allows you to discover the region as if it had never been touched. The land's history is visible to all who visit, dating back to prehistoric times and leaving numerous caves and ancient stone monuments in its wake.

This area of Occitanie is characterised by the sleepy market towns, bastide villages and picturesque, tranquil countryside, many of which were built by the English in the 13th Century.  Some medieval bastide towns have even managed to remain unspoiled, adding to the land's allure.

Beautiful Medieval Villages

Among the hills in Northern Lot, you will find the historic village of Prayssac, with a collection of classic stone properties to suit every style, boasting private pools, guest houses, and beautiful gardens that stretch into the countryside.

Figeac, in the heart of the Célé Valley, is a medieval town and a sub-prefecture of the Lot. The town is renowned for its rich historical heritage, its authentic town centre, and its well-preserved buildings, including the Romanesque and Gothic Saint-Sauveur Abbey Church. Figeac is also a significant stop on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

Capdenac, known as Capdenac-le-Haut, is situated on a rocky spur overlooking the valley. This historic town, now classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, boasts a rich heritage that combines Gallo-Roman antiquity with medieval influences.

History Meets Modern Living 

In contrast to the strong historical past that runs through much of Lot, you could reside in one of the contemporary homes within walking distance of the main towns in the department. You can enjoy a tranquil lifestyle in the pretty villages of Puy-l’Eveque and Rocamadour, or live surrounded by the vineyards of Cahors, and discover the highlights of the Lot.

Key Information about the Lot (46)

• Main City/Prefecture: Cahors
• Nearest Airport: Brive–Souillac Airport or Toulouse
• Population: Around 174,000 (as of the latest census)
• Area: 5,217 sq. kilometres and 2,014 sq. miles
• Landmark: Rocamadour, a stunning cliffside village and pilgrimage destination.
• Number of Tourists/Year: Approx. 1.8 million, charmed by its caves, vineyards and medieval towns.

Types of Properties for Sale in Lot

The Lot features a diverse range of real estate options. Here, traditional stone houses stand alongside family villas and contemporary homes, offering something for every lifestyle, whether you dream of a country retreat with a little land or a home near amenities in a historic village.

Common Property Styles in the Department

• Traditional village houses: Old properties often in picturesque towns, with stone facades and original architectural details.
• Country homes and farmhouses: Set in rural areas, these properties often have large plots and renovation potential.
• Luxury villas and character estates: Prestigious homes, classic or modern, offer privacy, space, and often swimming pools.
• Contemporary houses: Modern builds in growing villages and residential areas prioritise comfort and energy efficiency.
• Townhouses & apartments: Found in larger towns, often with gardens or terraces, blending modern living with heritage charm.

Property Prices in the Lot in 2025

• Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €1,623 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
• Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €1,557 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
• Price trends: -9% over the last 12 months, +25% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)

House Prices in the Main Towns in Lot

• Average House Price in Cahors: €1,676 per sq. metre
• Average House Price in Figeac: €1,620 per sq. metre
• Average House Price in Gourdon: €1,643  per sq. metre
• Average House Price in Souillac: €1,347  per sq. metre

(source: Le Figaro - October 2025)

Is the Lot the Right Place for Your Next Home?

• Quintessential Southwest Magic: The Lot, known for dramatic cliffs, medieval villages and truffle-scented forests, offers stone farmhouses and riverside homes, often 30% cheaper than the Dordogne.
• Strong Rental Appeal: With tourists flocking to its Plus Beaux Villages, canoeing on the River, and the Fête de la Truffe, properties here achieve 6–9% annual yields, especially for gîtes near Cahors or in the Quercy.
• Easy Accessibility: Toulouse & Brive Airports (1h30m), the A20 motorway, and proximity to the Dordogne.
• Continental Climate: Hot summers (30°C+) for swimming, vineyard tours, and local markets, and cool winters (2–8°C).
• Quercy Lifestyle: A region of traditions with wine festivals, local markets, and medieval fêtes. 

If you are seeking to purchase a property in the Lot, browse our listings below, and please let us know your search criteria.