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Maison d'hôtes Les Hauts de Sauliès, façade en pierre au cœur du parc

Discover the Lot in a Different Way

Located in the heart of the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, Les Hauts de Sauliès is an ideal starting point for exploring the most beautiful landscapes of the Lot, as well as parts of the Dordogne, the Aveyron, and the Tarn.

In less than an hour’s drive, you can explore villages listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” world-famous prehistoric caves, unspoiled valleys, medieval castles, authentic markets, and some of the most beautiful panoramic views in southwestern France.

To help you save time during your stay, we’ve designed a series of tried-and-true, optimized sightseeing itineraries starting from Les Hauts de Sauliès. Each itinerary has been designed to minimize travel time, avoid unnecessary back-and-forth trips, and allow you to make the most of your day.

Why choose our itineraries?

Unlike traditional travel guides, each of our tours is designed based on our in-depth knowledge of the area.

There you will find:

  • actual travel times;
  • the most logical order of visit;
  • the best viewpoints;
  • gourmet stops;
  • villages you shouldn’t miss;

By staying several nights at Les Hauts de Sauliès, you’ll be able to explore the Lot’s main tourist attractions without ever feeling like you’re retracing your steps.

Our Must-See Itineraries

View of the village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie from the Lot valley

Visit Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Pech Merle, and the Château de Cénevières

Discover three of the Lot’s most iconic sites in a single day: the Pech Merle Cave, the village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, and the Château de Cénevières. An unmissable itinerary combining prehistory, medieval heritage, spectacular panoramic views, and the Lot Valley.

What can you do in Cahors in a day?

Spend a day exploring Cahors on foot as you discover its iconic landmarks, medieval alleyways, Secret Gardens, and the famous Valentré Bridge. A comprehensive itinerary combining heritage, gastronomy, and the art of living in the heart of the Lot region’s capital.

View of the Valentré bridge in Cahors, Lot department
Rocamadour village in the Lot department, medieval houses stacked on top of each other on a cliffside overlooking the green valley.

Visiting Rocamadour, Martel, and Carennac: A One-Day Itinerary in the Dordogne Valley

Set out to explore Carennac, Martel, and Rocamadour—three gems of northern Lot—all part of a one-day itinerary that takes you through medieval villages, exceptional heritage sites, and spectacular panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley.

Visiting Figeac, Marcilhac-sur-Célé, and Capdenac-le-Haut: A One-Day Itinerary Combining Cultural Heritage and the Célé Valley

Explore eastern Lot on a route that combines heritage, culture, and stunning landscapes. From the Abbey of Marcilhac-sur-Célé to Figeac and Capdenac-le-Haut, discover the treasures of the Célé Valley and eastern Quercy.

Musée Champollion de Figeac in the Lot department
Puy-l'Évêque at flood stage

The Lot Valley, Puy-l’Évêque, and Bonaguil Castle

This day trip takes you to the western part of the Lot Valley, where you’ll discover charming villages, medieval heritage sites, remarkable gardens, and legendary fortresses.

Visiting the Padirac Chasm: Itinerary Including Autoire and Loubressac

Discover three of the top must-see attractions in northern Lot: the Gouffre de Padirac, the village of Autoire, and Loubressac. An itinerary that combines spectacular underground landscapes, historic villages, and exceptional panoramic views of the Quercy valleys.

The large dome room at Gouffre de Padirac in the Lot department
Castelnau Bretenoux castle in the Lot department

Visit the Castelnau-Bretenoux Castle and Saint-Céré

Let yourself be charmed by one of the most impressive medieval castles in the Lot and stroll through the narrow streets of Saint-Céré. An itinerary combining heritage, history, and exceptional panoramic views in the heart of the northern part of the department.

Visiting the Cloup d’Aural Phosphate Mines: Guide and Itinerary

Immerse yourself in the heart of the Cloup d’Aural and Concots phosphate mines—a unique journey through geological heritage, fossils, nature, and the authentic charm of the Quercy region. An ideal excursion for lovers of science, landscapes, and unusual discoveries.

Phosphatières du Cloup d'Aural in the Lot department
The Iron Gate of the village of Conques

Exploring Conques in a Day: A Complete Guide and Itinerary

Discover Conques, one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, during a day spent exploring Romanesque heritage, the pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, and exceptional panoramic views. An unmissable getaway just outside the Aveyron region.

Visiting Moissac: Itinerary Including Lauzerte and Montcuq

Explore Moissac, Lauzerte, and Montcuq—three iconic villages in Quercy where Romanesque heritage, medieval bastides, and rolling landscapes come together. An ideal itinerary for exploring the Way of St. James and the Quercy Blanc region.

Drone view of the village of Montcuq in the Lot department

Visiting Cordes-sur-Ciel: Itinerary Including Penne and Saint-Antonin

Discover Cordes-sur-Ciel, Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, and the fortress of Penne—three medieval gems of Occitanie—all in a single day filled with heritage, panoramic views, and history.

Visiting Villefranche-de-Rouergue: Itinerary Including Villeneuve-d’Aveyron

Set out to discover two magnificent bastides in the Rouergue region on a journey that takes you through medieval heritage sites, Gothic architecture, and charming villages. An ideal excursion to explore another side of Occitanie at the gateway to the Lot.

Visiting Najac: An Itinerary Including Caylus and Beaulieu-en-Rouergue

Explore Najac, Caylus, and the Abbey of Beaulieu-en-Rouergue on a day trip that takes you from a royal fortress to medieval villages and Cistercian heritage sites. An authentic getaway in the heart of the Aveyron Gorges and the Rouergue region.

Visiting Sarlat: Itinerary Including Souillac and the Lacave Caves

Take the time to explore Sarlat, Souillac, and the Lacave Caves on a day trip that combines medieval heritage, Périgord cuisine, and underground wonders. A must-see excursion just outside the Lot region.

Lively shopping street in the historic center of Sarlat la Canéda, stone houses and terraces
The Autoire waterfall in the Lot department

The Most Beautiful Hikes in the Lot: 15 Must-See Routes

Explore the most beautiful trails in the Lot with our selection of 15 must-do hikes. From the cliffs of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie to the Célé and Lot valleys, discover Quercy on foot, surrounded by unspoiled nature.

Itineraries Based on the Length of Your Stay

Are you staying for 2 nights?

We recommend:

Are you staying for 3 nights?

Add an unforgettable day in the Dordogne Valley

Are you staying for 4 nights?

Discover the Célé Valley.

Are you staying for 5 nights?

Add an unforgettable day in the western part of the Lot Valley.

Are you staying for a week?

You’ll be able to explore the main attractions of the Lot, as well as parts of the Aveyron, the Tarn, and the Dordogne Valley. We especially recommend:

Why stay at Les Hauts de Sauliès?

Ideally located in the heart of the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, Les Hauts de Sauliès is an excellent starting point for exploring the most beautiful tourist attractions in the Lot. Thanks to our central location, you can explore a new destination every day without having to make long drives.

By staying with us for several nights, you can fully enjoy all the region has to offer while returning each evening to the tranquility of our home, far from the hustle and bustle of major tourist attractions.

From Les Hauts de Sauliès, the main attractions are easily accessible:

  • 15 minutes from the Pech Merle Cave
  • 20 minutes from Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
  • 30 minutes from Cahors
  • 45 minutes from Rocamadour
  • 50 minutes from the Gouffre de Padirac

This prime location allows you to make the most of your time here, minimize daily travel, and explore the Lot at your own pace. That’s why each of our itineraries has been designed to start from Les Hauts de Sauliès: you’ll enjoy a well-planned route with no unnecessary detours, while exploring the region’s most beautiful landscapes and villages.

Our tip: To explore the must-see attractions of the Lot at a leisurely pace, we recommend a stay of 4 to 6 nights. This will give you time to visit the major sites, enjoy the local markets, relax by the pool, and fully savor the Quercy way of life.

How many days does it take to visit the Lot?

The Lot is brimming with must-see sites: historic villages, prehistoric caves, castles, valleys, and traditional markets. We recommend a stay of 4 to 6 nights to explore the main attractions at a leisurely pace. A longer stay will also allow you to fully enjoy the local cuisine, outdoor activities, and the region’s charm.

What’s the best starting point for visiting the Lot?

Located in Vers, in the heart of the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, Les Hauts de Sauliès is ideally situated for exploring the entire department. Most of the major tourist attractions are less than an hour’s drive away, making it easy to explore the area without changing accommodations.

Are the itineraries suitable for a day trip?

Yes. All our itineraries are designed to be completed in a single day, starting and ending at Les Hauts de Sauliès. They combine the main points of interest in a single area to minimize travel time and allow you to fully enjoy each visit.

When is the best time to visit the Lot?

The Lot can be visited year-round, but the periods from April to June and from September to October are particularly pleasant thanks to mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for enjoying the markets, rivers, water sports, and the many events offered in the villages.

Can you visit the main attractions without traveling long distances?

Yes. Thanks to our central location, the main tourist attractions are easily accessible: about 15 minutes from the Pech Merle Cave, 20 minutes from Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, 30 minutes from Cahors, 45 minutes from Rocamadour, and 50 minutes from the Gouffre de Padirac.

Are the itineraries accessible by car?

Yes. All our itineraries are designed to be done by car. The roads are pleasant and make it easy to travel between the different villages and tourist sites. We also provide travel times to help you plan your day.

Where can I find the best tips for planning my trip to the Lot?

In addition to our itineraries, we provide numerous articles dedicated to the must-see attractions in the Lot: the most beautiful villages, natural sites, markets, outdoor activities, and top recommendations. Feel free to reach out to us during your stay: we’re happy to share our tips and favorite spots to help you discover the authentic Lot, away from the most crowded tourist routes.

All Routes