The site of this gravity defying village dominates the impressive landscape. The single street of the main town, lined with souvenir shops and cafés, runs along the steep hill. The town is best approached from the small village of L' Hospitelet. You take a long flight of steps or an elevator from the lower town (Basse Ville) to the Cité Réligieuse where a cluster of chapels and churches nestle half way up the towering cliff. You can then take a second elevator to the medieval walls of Chateau de Rocamadour, a 14th century fortification offering spectacular panoramic views from the ramparts.  One of the oldest places of pilgrimage in France, Rocamadour became famous as a cult centre of the black Madonna. Zacchaeus, who entertained Christ at Jericho, supposedly founded it. He reputedly came here with a black wooden statue of the Virgin of the Black Madonna.

Rocamador is situated 1½ hours drive from Labarde and is well worth a day trip. You could also take in a visit to one of the spectacular limestone underground caves (grottes). Many are advertised on the road side but one to look out for is Grottes de Lacave. You travel by train along 1.6 km of cavern with subterranean lakes, impressive stalagmites and stalactites and visit the vast 60 metre high 'salle de grand dome'.  

Link to the Rocamadour web site

Sarlat La Caneda

Sarlat is the capital of Black Perigord and a principle town of the Dordogne. It is a well preserved medieval market town. Well maintained renaissance architecture can be seen side by side with half timbered houses. The public gardens, above the Palace de Justice, were laid out by the 17th century designer of the royal gardens at Versailles. Famous for its markets and artisan shops, you can amble through the narrow streets, select local produce of duck, paté du foi gras and walnuts. Cafes line the streets and special chocolate shops tempt tourists and locals alike. The town has a truly holiday atmosphere especially on market days which are Wednesdays and Saturdays. It lies a picturesque 1½ hours drive from Labarde and is well worth a visit.

Link to the Sarlat Web Site

Millau  Bridge

This bridge is the world's highest road bridge. Opened in January 2005, it spans the valley of the River Tarn, a 2.5 km (1.6 miles) wide gorge dividing two plateaux in France's rugged Massif Central. Part of the A75 motorway from Paris to Barcelona, it enables motorists to drive through the sky, often above the clouds. Built in steel-and-concrete, the bridge is more than 300metres (984ft) high - taller than the Eiffel Tower. It floats 270 metres (891 feet) above the Tarn valley, its concrete and steel pillars soaring high above the valley floor. The construction of the bridge began in December 2001, using innovative techniques. Norman Foster (Lord Foster), the architect, said his cable-stayed bridge was designed to have the "delicacy of a butterfly". It is a spectacular tourist attraction which lies 3 hours drive from Labarde in the Languedoc department.

Link to the Millau web site

Bordeaux

The Bordeaux region is considered the international wine capital of France and boasts 113,000 hectares of vines, 57 different appellations and produces over 800 million bottles of wine per year.  Wine tours leave daily from the tourist office in Cours du XXX Juillet between May and September, but it is advisable to ring in advance as they get very busy. (tel 0556 00 66 24)

The city lies at the head of the Gironde estuary about 90 miles from the atlantic coast of south west France. Surrounded by fertile floodplanes and valleys the climate is ideal for grape production. The city itself is full of historical architecture, charming squares, parks and museums. It bustles with entertainment and cultural activities and is a focal point for the regions fine dining and shopping. You can take guided walks around the city or go it alone with a street plan from the tourist office. The hop on hop off open top bus tours are an ideal way of seeing the sights if your visit is only a short one.The stories that are set in the stone facades of buildings or the bronze of statues show a city that represents the wine of the region and bears witness to that very activity on every corner.

The city lies 2 hours drive from Labarde along the course of the river Lot and it's confluence with the Garrone River. and is lined with vinyards in this wine growing department.