The Lot is the Dordogne's quieter, less-discovered neighbour, and for families who want the same golden-stone beauty and river-holiday magic without the summer crowds, it is an absolute gem. The River Lot winds through a landscape of dramatic limestone causse plateaus and lush valley floors, passing cliff-perched villages like Saint-Cirq-Lapopie – frequently voted the most beautiful village in France — and medieval market towns where the pace of life is almost comically unhurried. Canoe hire is plentiful and well-organised for families, the river swimming is excellent, and the network of quiet country lanes makes cycling with children genuinely safe and enjoyable. The region has a strong food culture – Cahors is famous for its dark, structured red wine, and the local markets overflow with foie gras, walnuts, truffles and slow-cooked cassoulet – and farmhouse accommodation tends to be wonderfully generous in space and character. Children who need a project will love the cave paintings at Pech Merle; those who just need a pool and some space will find plenty of that too.