Larroque-Toirac

Larroque- Toirac ( Occitan: La Roca de Toirac ) is a southern French village with 141 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in the department of Lot in the Midi-Pyrénées region. It is part of the Regional Natural Park of Causses du Quercy.

Location

Larroque- Toirac lies on the north bank of the River Lot in a height of about 180 meters above sea level. inst on the southwestern edge of the Massif Central. Figeac, the nearest large town, just 15 km ( driving distance ) in a northeasterly direction is removed; the town of Cahors is located about 62 kilometers west.

Demographics

In the 19th century the place had mostly around 450 inhabitants. As a result of the phylloxera crisis in the wine and the mechanization of agriculture, the population declined steadily in the first half of the 20th century back to the lows in the 1990s.

Economy

In skin -Quercy agriculture was operated primarily for self- care, which included the wine until the 19th century, but was abandoned almost entirely after the phylloxera crisis. Today - in addition agriculture, small trade and crafts - the tourism in the form of apartment rentals ( gîtes ) a major role in the economy of the community.

Attractions

• The castle (château ) was created - starting from a castrum of the 13th century, which has been repeatedly used in the Hundred Years' War ( 1337-1453 ) by the British - in its present state largely in the second half of the 15th century. The decorative wall paintings inside are taken from the years 1515 to 1531. The building is privately owned, but open in the summer (July 1 to September 30) for visitors; it was classified as a monument historique in 1993.
• The castle is also a dovecote ( pigeon ) from ziegelsteingefülltem timber, stands on four stone pillars.
• The local parish church is a building of the 19th century.