From Les Hauts de Sauliès, set off on a captivating getaway into the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Causses du Quercy, where art, history, and preserved nature meet. This one-day itinerary will take you through the decorated caves of Pech Merle, true prehistoric sanctuaries, to the hanging village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, a medieval gem overlooking the Lot Valley, before reaching the Renaissance castle of Cenevières, a testament to a refined way of life.
- Pech Merle – 23 minutes
- Saint-Cirq Lapopie – 18 minutes
- Château de Cenevières – 15 minutes
- Return to Les Hauts de Sauliès – 38 minutes
Pech Merle Caves and Prehistoric Museum – Travel Time: 23 min
The Pech Merle cave is a journey back in time of 20,000 years. In this preserved cavity, Paleolithic rock art coexists with fascinating natural formations. It is one of the few sites still open to the public in France.
🕓 Opening Hours: April to October — 9:30 AM to 12 PM and 1:30 PM to 5 PM. Continuous hours in July and August
Reservation required
Saint-Cirq Lapopie – Travel Time : 18 min
Famed village perched above the Lot, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a living postcard. Its half-timbered houses, artisans, and stunning views make it an essential stop.
📖 Visitor Guide
Saint-Cirq Lapopie Church
Dedicated to Saint Cyr — young martyr of Tarsus — and to Saint Julitte, his mother, whose name is the origin of the toponym “Cirq” of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, this Gothic church dominates the village from its rocky promontory. Built starting in 1522, it incorporated the former Romanesque parish church of the 12th century, of which it retains several remarkable elements.
🕓 Opening Hours: open access.
Rocher Lapopie
At the top of the cliff, the Popie — a rocky spur overlooking the Lot — housed the first fortress of the site, built in the 10th century and later modified in the 12th century. This strategic promontory used to control the valley and the river crossing, constituting the heart of the feudal power of Saint-Cirq.
🕓 Opening Hours:Free access from the historic center.
💡 Suggestion : At the end of the visit, you can take the opportunity to buy Rocamadour from our supplier, the Létou farm.
Phone: 06 17 58 84 17
Château de Cenevières – Travel Time: 15 min
This Renaissance castle, still inhabited by the same family, overlooks the Lot valley. A guided tour allows you to discover its sumptuous decor and fascinating history from the 13th to the 18th century. Opening hours: 10 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM (closed on Mondays)
Return to Les Hauts de Sauliès – Travel Time : 40 min
💡 Suggestion : On your way back, you will be able to see in Cabreret, the devil’s castle, a troglodyte castle dating from the Hundred Years’ War.
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