Most Beautiful Villages of the Lot

The Lot is home to some of the most beautiful villages in France, true gems of golden stone nestled in the heart of the causses. Just a few kilometres from Rocamadour, three classified villages absolutely deserve a visit: Autoire, Loubressac and Carennac. A timeless escape into authentic Quercy.

These villages have preserved their medieval character and traditional architecture, far from the tourist bustle. They offer an immersion into the deep soul of the Lot, between cobbled streets, Renaissance manors and breathtaking panoramas.

Autoire: The "Little Versailles of Quercy"

Autoire is often nicknamed the "Little Versailles of Quercy" due to its elegant 15th and 16th-century manors and manor houses. Nestled at the bottom of a spectacular natural cirque, the village offers an enchanting setting.

Not to Be Missed

• The Autoire Cirque: natural amphitheatre of limestone cliffs
• The Waterfall: 30-metre cascade (accessible on foot in 20 min)
• The Castle of the English: medieval fortress perched on the cliff
• Saint-Pierre Church: Romanesque from the 11th century
• Renaissance Manors: with their towers and dovecotes

Loubressac: The Village with Panoramas

Loubressac is perched on a promontory overlooking the Dordogne and Bave valleys. This fortified village offers one of the finest panoramas in the Lot, with views of the castles of Castelnau-Bretenoux and Saint-Laurent-les-Tours.

Not to Be Missed

• The Belvedere: 360-degree view over three valleys and several castles
• Medieval Streets: half-timbered houses with stone slab roofs
• Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church: with its typical wall bell tower
• The Castle: private but visible from outside
• Terraced Gardens: in bloom all summer

Carennac: Romanesque Gem on the Dordogne

Carennac nestles by the Dordogne, dominated by its 11th-century Cluniac priory. Fenelon was prior here in the 17th century and is said to have written part of Telemachus. The village has preserved exceptional Romanesque heritage.

Not to Be Missed

• Sculpted Romanesque Portal: masterpiece of Romanesque art (Christ in Majesty)
• The Cloister: preserved Romanesque and Gothic galleries
• The Entombment: 15th-century polychrome sculpture
• Calypso Island: islet on the Dordogne accessible in summer
• Deans' Castle: Renaissance, visitable

Our Recommended Circuit

Here's our ideal itinerary to visit all three villages in one day:

1. 9:00 AM: Depart from hotel to Autoire (25 min)
2. 9:30-11:30 AM: Visit Autoire and hike to the waterfall
3. 11:45 AM-12:30 PM: Discover Loubressac and lunch
4. 2:00-4:00 PM: Visit Carennac and stroll along the Dordogne
5. 4:30 PM: Return to hotel to enjoy the pool