Perched on a cliff 100 metres above the Lot, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is regularly voted "France's most beautiful village". Just 45 minutes from Rocamadour, this medieval jewel and the surrounding valley deserve a full day of exploration, or more for hiking and heritage enthusiasts.
At a Glance
- Distance from hotel: 45 km (about 50 min)
- Recommended duration: 1 to 2 days
- Highlights: Medieval village, cliffs, artisan workshops, towpath
- Best period: April-June and September-October
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: A Timeless Village
Listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages in France" and a Grand Site Occitanie, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie has captivated the greatest artists. Andre Breton, founder of surrealism, lived here and declared: "I have ceased to wish myself elsewhere". One understands why when strolling through its cobbled streets.
Village Must-Sees
- The fortified church from the 16th century with its Romanesque bell tower
- Half-timbered houses with brown tile roofs
- Artisan workshops: wood turners, potters, glassmakers
- La Gardette Castle and its Rignault museum
- The viewpoint from the castle ruins
Practical Tip
Arrive early in the morning (before 10am) or late afternoon to avoid summer crowds and enjoy the best light for photos. The main car park (paid) is below the village.
Exploring the Lot Valley
The Lot meanders majestically between limestone cliffs and terraced vineyards. This valley offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in Quercy and is perfect for hiking, cycling or simply contemplation.
The Towpath
A former navigation route, the towpath follows the Lot for kilometres. The section between Bouzies and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is particularly spectacular:
- Distance: 7 km one way (14 km round trip)
- Duration: 2h to 2h30 one way
- Level: Easy, flat terrain
- Highlight: Passage through a tunnel carved into the cliff
Valley Villages
Not to Miss
- Bouzies: Start of the towpath, canoe rental
- Cabrerets: Pech Merle cave (exceptional prehistoric art)
- Cenevieres: Renaissance castle overlooking the Lot
- Calvignac: Little-known hilltop village with panoramic views
Stopover in Cahors
Continuing west, the Lot valley leads to Cahors, the department's capital and a city of art and history. Allow 30 extra minutes from Saint-Cirq-Lapopie.
Cahors Treasures
- Pont Valentre: Masterpiece of medieval architecture (14th century), UNESCO listed
- Saint-Etienne Cathedral and its Byzantine domes
- Secret gardens: Discovery trail through the old town
- Cahors wines: Tastings at wine estates
Cahors Vineyard
Famous for its "black wine" made from Malbec grape, the Cahors vineyard covers 4,000 hectares. Several estates offer tours and tastings: Chateau Lagrezette, Clos Triguedina, Chateau du Cedre...
Suggested Day Itinerary
9:00am - Depart from Hotel Les Vieilles Tours
9:50am - Arrive at Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
10am-12:30pm - Village visit: streets, church, artisan workshops, viewpoint
12:30pm-2:00pm - Lunch at one of the village restaurants with valley views. Le Gourmet Quercynois and L'Oustal offer quality local cuisine.
Option 1 - Hiking: Towpath to Bouzies (2h round trip)
Option 2 - Culture: Pech Merle Cave at Cabrerets (1h15 guided tour)
Option 3 - Wine route: Head to Cahors with tasting stops
5:30pm - Return to hotel to enjoy the pool
Pech Merle Cave
At Cabrerets, halfway between Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and Cahors, the Pech Merle cave houses prehistoric paintings 25,000 years old. It's one of the few decorated caves still open to the public with its original paintings.
Practical Information
- Visit duration: 1h15 (guided tour required)
- Booking: Strongly recommended in season
- Adult price: Approximately 15 euros
- Highlights: Spotted horses, negative hands, human footprints
Practical Tips
How to Get There from Rocamadour
- By car: D673 then D662 via Gramat and Cajarc (50 min)
- Scenic route: Via Labastide-Murat and the Causses (1h10)
Where to Park
- Main car park (paid, 6 euros/day): Below village, 10 min walk
- Upper car park: Limited access, often full
- Free shuttle in summer from car park
When to Visit
- April-June: Ideal, nature in bloom, moderate crowds
- July-August: Very busy, prefer early morning
- September-October: Perfect, autumn colours, harvest season
- Winter: Authentic village but some shops closed
Your Ideal Base for Exploring the Lot Valley
Hotel Les Vieilles Tours offers you the perfect starting point to discover Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and the Lot valley. After a day of exploration, return to the peace of our estate with pool and panoramic views.
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