A few kilometres from Cahors, hidden away in the cliffs of the Lot valley, a magnificent road leads to one of the most surprising villages in the South-West: St Cirq Lapopie.
Perched 100 metres above the Lot, the village blends perfectly into the cliff, displaying all its elegance: princely dwellings, a cascade of roofs showing the patina of age, fortified gates and medieval, half-timbered houses…St Cirq Lapopie is now a listed site and home to no fewer than 13 listed buildings! With this protection to support it, village still works its charm as you walk along its streets in the shade of hollyhocks and wisteria.
In the course of the 20th century the village drew many artists and gallery owners, including the writer and poet, André Breton, one of the founders of the Surrealist movement. They were fascinated by the magic of this place and left their mark. This is to be found in the many studios and in the international artists’ residence that was installed in the Maison Daura..
Not to be missed!
- The Château at Cènevières - www.chateau-cenevieres.com - Tel: +33 (0)5 65 31 27 33
A magnificent château dating from the 13th, 14th and 16th centuries and overlooking the Lot. It is a former stronghold that was converted into a Renaissance palace, with a keep, a gallery, an alchemist’s study and paintings from the end of the 16th century.
- The Rignault Museum at St Cirq Lapopie - Tel: +33 (0)5 65 31 23 22
Temporary exhibitions of contemporary art during the season. Terraced gardens overlooking the Lot valley.
- The Pech Merle Caves at Cabrerets - www.pechmerle.com - Tel: +33 (0)5 65 31 27 05
A rich and varied tour discovering the underground world. Seven rooms provide a complete sample of natural geological formations, amongst which are a succession of prehistoric paintings and carvings more than 20,000 years old. Mammoths, horses, bison, signs, hands and human outlines…a real art gallery in nature’s own palace.
- Boat Cruise along the cliffs to Bouziès – www.safaraid-croisieres.com - Tel: +33 (0)5 65 35 98 88
From April to October, take a cruise along the Lot between Bouziès and Saint Cirq Lapopie. During the one and a quarter hour round-trip you will follow the towpath and have a magnificent view of the village.
- Departmental Museum at Cuzals - www.patrimoine-lot.com - Tel: +33 (0)5 65 31 36 43
This museum, located in the Célé valley presents the rural and agricultural history of the Lot. In a natural setting, this place of recollection is a living encyclopaedia of the culture and skills that, slowly but surely, would otherwise tend to be lost in the mists of time.
Saint Cirq Lapopie on the map
Our holiday ideas
 Contact:Hôtel la truite Dorée - 46090 VERSTel: +33 (0)565314151 e-mail:latruitedoree@wanadoo.fr Web:latruitedoree.fr |
 Hotel La Truite Dorée at Vers – 2-star hotelLocated in a small village in the Lot valley, this beautiful 14th-century Quercy style building has for five generations, been a traditional inn. The very comfortable rooms, all with a balcony or a terrace are split between the main building and the annex that overlooks the stream.2 nights in half board from €108 per person |
Contact : Mme DADOUN - La Treyne |
Bed and breakfast at St Cirq Lapopie – 3 épis (ears of corn)A 15th-century building overlooking the river Lot, with a dining-room that has a monumental fireplace, a suspended terrace and small private areas that are conducive to a restful stay. As regards meals, you will be spoilt for choice, both on the spot and in the surrounding area. 2 nights with breakfast from €70 per person |
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