Located at the geographical heart of the golden triangle Sarlat-Rocamadour-Padirac, Hotel Les Vieilles Tours is the ideal starting point to explore the riches of the Lot and Dordogne. Many major sites are accessible in less than an hour, allowing you to explore a new discovery each day while returning to the comfort of your base each evening.
Strategic Location
- Rocamadour: 3 km (5 min)
- Padirac Chasm: 12 km (15 min)
- Sarlat-la-Caneda: 55 km (50 min)
- Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: 45 km (50 min)
- Cahors: 55 km (50 min)
Within 20 Minutes: The Essentials
Start by exploring the treasures close to the hotel. These sites can be visited in half a day, leaving you time to enjoy the pool or restaurant.
Must-Sees
- Rocamadour (5 min): The sacred city, its sanctuaries, the Way of the Cross
- Padirac Chasm (15 min): Underground navigation 103m deep
- Monkey Forest (10 min): 150 Barbary macaques roaming free
- Rock of Eagles (5 min): Birds of prey in free flight
- Lacave Caves (20 min): Illuminated formations, little train
Our Tip
Reserve your first day for Rocamadour and Padirac. Both iconic sites deserve 2-3 hours each. Start with Padirac in the morning (less waiting) and finish with Rocamadour late afternoon for the best light.
Within 45 Minutes: Authentic Quercy
Expand your radius to discover typical Quercy villages and landscapes. These excursions make complete days with lunch on site.
North: The Dordogne
- Carennac (25 min): Most beautiful village, Romanesque cloister, Calypso island
- Autoire (30 min): Natural cirque, 30m waterfall, Quercy manors
- Loubressac (25 min): Hilltop village, panorama over Dordogne valley
- Martel (30 min): City of 7 towers, truffle market in winter
- Castelnau-Bretenoux Castle (30 min): Imposing medieval fortress
South: The Causse
- Gramat (15 min): Animal park, capital of the Causse
- Labastide-Murat (25 min): Historic bastide, Murat museum
- Cougnac Caves (35 min): Prehistoric paintings, less known than Lascaux
East: La Bouriane
- Gourdon (35 min): Medieval city, panoramic views, Cougnac caves
- Presque Caves (30 min): 10m high columns
Within One Hour: Major Destinations
These major sites justify a full day excursion. Leave in the morning, enjoy lunch on site, and return late afternoon.
Capital of the Perigord Noir, Sarlat has the highest density of listed monuments in France. Medieval streets, Renaissance mansions, unmissable Saturday market.
Combine with: Marqueyssac Gardens, Beynac Castle, La Roque-Gageac
Regularly voted "France's most beautiful village", perched on a cliff 100m above the Lot. Artisan workshops, cobbled streets, exceptional views.
Combine with: Towpath, Pech Merle Cave, Cahors
Prefecture of the Lot, city of art and history. Pont Valentre (14th century) is UNESCO listed. Renowned vineyard for Cahors "black wine" (Malbec).
Combine with: Wine route, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Lot valley
Dordogne castles: Beynac, Castelnaud, Les Milandes (Josephine Baker). Gabarre boat or canoe descent between cliffs.
Combine with: Domme, La Roque-Gageac, Marqueyssac Gardens
Multi-Day Itinerary Suggestions
3-Night Stay
- Day 1: Rocamadour + Padirac Chasm
- Day 2: Sarlat + Dordogne castles
- Day 3: Quercy villages (Autoire, Loubressac, Carennac)
5-Night Stay
- Day 1: Rocamadour (in-depth visit)
- Day 2: Padirac Chasm + Lacave Caves
- Day 3: Sarlat + Dordogne valley
- Day 4: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie + Lot valley
- Day 5: Quercy villages + hotel relaxation
Week-Long Stay
- Days 1-2: Rocamadour and immediate surroundings
- Day 3: Most Beautiful Villages circuit (Autoire, Loubressac, Carennac)
- Day 4: Sarlat and Perigord Noir
- Day 5: Dordogne castles
- Day 6: Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and Lot valley
- Day 7: Cahors and vineyards, or hotel relaxation
Why Choose Rocamadour as Base Camp
Central Location
Rocamadour sits exactly between Perigord to the north, Quercy to the south, and the Lot valley to the east. This strategic position allows alternating between regions without long journeys.
Avoid Moving Around
Rather than changing hotels every two days, settle in comfortably for your entire stay. You avoid the stress of packing and fully enjoy each day.
Return "Home" Every Evening
After a day of exploration, find the familiar comfort of your room, hotel amenities (pool, restaurant), and the peaceful estate setting.
Total Flexibility
Changeable weather? Fancy a quiet day? From your base, you can adapt your plans day by day without booking constraints elsewhere.
Hotel Les Vieilles Tours Advantages
Why Choose Us
- Unique location: On the heights, panoramic valley views
- Outdoor pool: Perfect after a day of excursions
- Gourmet restaurant: Local cuisine without taking the car
- Free parking: Convenient for exploring by car
- Absolute calm: Away from Rocamadour's tourist bustle
- Personal advice: Our team knows every secret of the region
Make Rocamadour Your Base Camp
Book your stay at Les Vieilles Tours and explore the Lot and Dordogne in complete serenity. Our team helps plan your excursions and recommends the best addresses.
Book Your Stay