From Les Hauts de Sauliès, set off to discover some of the Lot’s greatest treasures. From the mystical depths of the Gouffre de Padirac to the hanging villages of Autoire and Loubressac, this itinerary immerses you in a setting where stone, water, and light interact in harmony.
- Padirac Cave – 58 minutes
- Lunch at Relais des Gourmands (Gramat) – 15 minutes
- Autoire – 19 minutes
- Loubressac – 10 minutes
- Return to Les Hauts de Sauliès – 58 minutes
Padirac Cave – Travel time: 58 min
The Gouffre de Padirac is a veritable gateway to the underground world. This spectacular natural site plunges visitors into a monumental cavity, shaped by thousands of years of erosion and water. As soon as you descend, the light gives way to the coolness and mysterious echoes of an underground river.
It is recommended that you wear warm clothing (13°C) and waterproofs in case of rain (the visit takes place in a damp environment).
Opening hours: April to October — 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. — Reservations strongly recommended
Lunch – Le Relais des Gourmands restaurant (Gramat)
Opposite the small train station in Gramat, chef Carl Jenner and his team offer generous, authentic local cuisine made with regional products.
Phone: +33 (0)5 65 38 83 92 (closed on Mondays)
Autoire – Travel time: 14 min
Nicknamed “the little Versailles of the Lot,” Autoire captivates visitors with its timeless charm. Surrounded by a majestic natural amphitheater, this listed village is one of the most photogenic in the region, with its half-timbered houses and Renaissance manors.
The waterfall
At 30 meters high, it is the most spectacular waterfall in the Lot region: a breathtaking and refreshing site in the heart of a lush green cirque. It can be reached via a 1.2 km shaded trail from the village, ideal for a summer stroll. Classified as a sensitive natural area, the site offers a splendid panorama, especially after rain, when the waterfall is at its most abundant.
Saint Peter’s Church
Built between the end of the 11th and the beginning of the 12th century, it formed the village’s first fortified complex together with the seigneurial castle. Built in the Romanesque style, it is distinguished by its dome and its richly decorated modillions, capitals, and columns.
The castle of the Lords of Autoire
Or castrum, once formed a medieval U-shaped complex around an inner courtyard. Today, most of what remains is the main western section, notable for its limestone masonry and the nobility of its architecture.
💡 Suggestion: If you are feeling brave and are well equipped, you can follow the Reculée d’Autoire trail (5.6 km – approx. 2.5 hours), which offers a superb hike in the heart of a spectacular landscape of limestone cliffs, dominated by the “Château des Anglais” and the famous waterfall. This valley, carved into the Gramat plateau, reveals a unique geological landscape and a preserved ecosystem classified as a Sensitive Natural Area.
📖 Autoire Valley Trail
Loubressac – Travel time: 10 min
Ranked among the “Most Beautiful Villages in France,” Loubressac overlooks the Dordogne Valley. Its cobbled streets and golden stone houses invite visitors to stroll around in a peaceful and authentic atmosphere.
Church of Saint John the Baptist (14th century)
It is distinguished by its vast nave with two bays flanked by side chapels and a five-sided choir with ribbed vaulting. Its imposing bell tower, accessed by a spiral staircase with a circular vault, dominates the whole structure. The adjoining sacristies and architectural details bear witness to the Gothic craftsmanship of the period.
Loubressac Castle
Built in the 14th century by Adhémar d’Aigrefeuille, it dominates the village. Originally the residence of barons, then a manor house in the 19th century, it combines various architectural styles reflecting its successive owners. Now privately owned, it is not open to visitors.
The Maday Bridge
Listed as a Historic Monument, it is the oldest bridge in the region. Dating back to the 14th century, it crosses the Bave River on the old pilgrims’ route to Rocamadour, with its three arches, one of which is original.
Return to Les Hauts de Sauliès – Travel time: 58 min
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