The Canyon of the Allier river is partially cut several hundred meters deep into the plateau. The river meanders in wide loops on the granite surface. The partially wooded steep slopes fall down to 500 m. This area becomes more deserted and wilder as we venture on. We are in awe of this breathtaking nature which makes us forget our everyday lives.

Laguiole is the undisputed capital of knife-making. The first blacksmith began his work in 1829. The folding knives served the farmers and shepherds as a practical all-purpose tool. It is comparable to the Swiss pocket knife. Production was discontinued around the turn of the century. The modest tourism and a good marketing concept made it possible to resume knife production in 1981. The quality label "Laguiole Origine Guarantee" guarantees the quality and origin of the Laguiole knives.

Laguiole is the undisputed capital of knife-making. The first blacksmith began his work in 1829. The folding knives served the farmers and shepherds as a practical all-purpose tool, comparable to the Swiss pocket knife. Production was discontinued around the turn of the century, but modest tourism and a good marketing concept made it possible to resume knife production in 1981. The quality label "Laguiole Origine Guarantee" guarantees the quality and origin of the Laguiole knives. Every knive is a unique piece. It will be marked with the precious logo, the decorated spring will be added, along with the famous bee.

In a side valley of the Lot that is difficult to access you will find the abbey of Conques and the Abbatiale Ste-Foy, a work of ecclesiastical art that is unparalleled and famous far beyond the borders of the region. The stone sculptures are among the most beautiful works of art of the Middle Ages.

The mysterious masonry columns on the hills of the town attract our attention. The medieval town possessed the rare right of minting coins. The most famous son of the town is Jean-Francois Champollion (1790-1832), who succeeded in deciphering the Egyptian hieroglyphics in 1822. The famous "Stone of Rosette" from 196 BC served as the key to this success. Worn out by work, the first professor of Egyptology died at the young age of 42. The museum in his honor in Figeac can be visited.

The village of Rocamadour is a sanctuary and an important center of the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. It is located on a sheer limestone rock, majestically overlooking the Alzou canyon. What a wild and beautiful environment! We set out to conquer the 216 steps of "The Grand Escalier" that lead us to the seven sanctuaries of Rocamadour, including the well-known Black Madonna. From the top of the medieval village, or more precisely, from the fortifications of the old castle, the view over the Alzou canyon and the Causses du Quercy Natural Park is truly breathtaking.