the essential
The COMMERCE Prize Winner: Le Quercy Bourian – The beating heart of Lavercantière. SEPTUORS EVENING from LOT 2024 on Tuesday, November 26. A trophy presentation which took place at the heart of a show by illusionist Rémi Larrousse.
In Lavercantière, in the Lot, Le Quercy Bourian does much more than offer local services. Bar, restaurant, grocery store, tobacconist, press… This multi-service business, taken over in 2000 by Sébastien and Liliane Cazagou, embodies conviviality and vitality in the heart of a small village.
In a village where most of the shops have disappeared, Le Quercy Bourian is a real breath of fresh air. Since taking over this business in 2000, Sébastien and Liliane Cazagou have transformed a struggling grocery store-restaurant into an essential address. The couple has multiplied initiatives to diversify the services offered: bar, local grocery store, tobacconist, press, gas depot, and even a swimming pool area, making this place unique in the region. Sébastien explains: “We fought to obtain the FDJ and the press, a rare service in a village like ours. “.
The grocery store, measuring around forty square meters, now benefits from the status of “Relais des Mousquetaires” thanks to a partnership with Intermarché. This allows them to offer a real fresh section, with well-stocked fridges and freezers. This service, vital for the residents of Lavercantière and the surrounding area, has strengthened their role as a local business. In summer, to respond to the influx of customers, particularly tourists, the team expands with two part-time employees, proof of the newfound vitality of this warm and welcoming place.
A restaurant that highlights local flavors
The Quercy Bourian restaurant has become a reference in the region thanks to its traditional and authentic cuisine. With a room that can accommodate 50 people and a terrace ideal for sunny days, the establishment attracts both locals and visitors. “We work with local producers to offer fresh, quality products,” emphasizes Sébastien. Meats, cheeses, eggs, fruits and vegetables come from neighboring farms, as do the Cahors wines which accompany the dishes. This local sourcing is real added value, making it possible to support producers while guaranteeing an authentic culinary experience. The restaurant is open five days a week out of season, for lunch, and also offers evening services during the summer. Thanks to this flexibility and a cuisine that appeals, the establishment has been able to build customer loyalty and establish its reputation.
A success that energizes the village
Quercy Bourian, with its extended hours (7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and Sunday mornings), has become much more than a simple business. It is the rallying point of a village where there are no other businesses left. Bar in the morning for a shared coffee, grocery store for last-minute shopping, restaurant for tasty lunches: this place embodies social ties in a region where services are becoming scarce. Thanks to the commitment of Sébastien and Liliane, Le Quercy Bourian is today a symbol of dynamism and conviviality, proving that, even in a small village, a well-thought-out business can become an essential pillar of the community.