Gourdon is not Our Gourdon

Not far from our gite in the village of Frayssinet (Lot) is the small town of Gourdon (Lot) [map]. Knowing so well our "own" perched Medieval village of Gourdon in the Alpes-Maritimes, we headed up here to check out the "new" Gourdon. In fact, a quick research shows us that there are Gourdons scattered all over France.

Gourdon (Lot) is a Medieval village, but not perched. It is located on a small hill overlooking the surrounding countryside, and the old village streets are arranged in a circle around the ancient center.

The main street is a "ring road" that circles the inner Medieval village, and most of the shops and stores are along this main street. There are shops for just about everything here, including one of our favorite types: an ancient, small hardware-household shop that has absolutely everything.

Lots of terrace cafés along the main drag, so sitting in the shade and watching the world go buy is an easy option.

The old town streets are very interesting, well worth wandering through, examining ancient architecture, carved wooden doorways, or heading up to the top for the great view.

The Rue du Majou is one of the more interesting little streets leading from the main drag, through a 13th-century "portail" into the old town. Along the Rue du Majou is the Office de Tourisme, where the welcome was the most friendly, and the biggest smile, that we've experienced. For walkers/hikers, they had eight interesting loop-walks based in eight different villages of the area. Each walk is presented on a color brochure of heavy paper, with photo, map, and instructions. All free.