The Lot département, the area to the east and south-east of the The Dordogne, was known as the Quercy prior to the French Revolution.

The River Dordogne flows from east to west along its northern edge and the River Lot along its southern edge. Most of the Lot département is still often referred to as the Haut (or High) Quercy. The southern part of the Quercy is around the River Lot and known as the Bas (or Low) Quercy.

The pilgrimage site of Rocamadour

Although not as well known as the neighbouring Dordogne, the Quercy nevertheless includes some fascinating sites. Not least of which is the world-famous pilgrimage site of Rocamadour. It also features two vast Causses or arid limestone plateaux and some amazing natural sites like the Gouffre de Padirac. In the west of the Haut Quercy lies the Bouriane, a fertile area which resembles the Périgord.

In the south lies the Lot Valley along whose banks grow the Malbec grapes used to produce the fabulous Black Wine of Cahors.