The Lot is a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Between the Lot, Célé, and Vers valleys, the limestone cliffs of the Causses du Quercy, the towpaths, villages listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” and the legendary pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, the department offers an exceptional variety of landscapes and trails suitable for all skill levels.
Thanks to our prime location in the Hauts de Sauliès, in the heart of the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, you can reach some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Lot in less than an hour. Whether you’re looking for a family stroll along the river, a scenic loop across the limestone plateaus, a challenging hike, or a leg of the Camino de Santiago, you’re sure to find a route that suits your preferences.
We’ve selected the itineraries we most often recommend to our guests. Some offer a different perspective on major tourist attractions such as Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Cahors, Marcilhac-sur-Célé, and Autoire. Others reveal much more off-the-beaten-path spots, where nature, dry-stone huts, ancient Roman roads, and untamed valleys come together to form remarkably well-preserved landscapes.
Each hike is accompanied by practical information: duration, difficulty level, travel time from Les Hauts de Sauliès, points of interest, tips for visitors, and links to the official guidebooks from the Tourist Office or the “Circuits Lot & Dordogne” app. This will make it easy for you to plan your days based on your fitness level, the weather, or the time you have available.
Whether you’re a casual hiker, a fan of long-distance trails, or a pilgrim on the Way of St. James, this selection is an excellent starting point for discovering the Lot in a different way—at your own pace, up close to its landscapes, heritage, and history.
Near Vers
- The Towpath (Bouziès–Saint-Cirq Lapopie) – 8.5 km – 3 hours – Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Circular Hike – Via Causs'mos (Vers to Sauliac-sur-Célé) – 62 km – 18 hours – Difficulty Level: Easy
- To Vercinge(to)ry (Vers-Saint Gery) – 14.7 km – 4 hours 15 minutes – Difficulty level: Difficult
- The Pointed Rock – 4 km – 1 hour 30 minutes – Difficulty Level: Easy
- Let's Go See La Rauze (Francoulès) – 9 km – 2 hours 30 minutes – Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Arts Trail (Laroque des Arcs) – 12.5 km – 5 hours – Difficulty Level: Difficult
- The 13-Turn Trail (Saint Martin de Vers) – 2.9 km – 1 hour 45 minutes – Difficulty Level: Easy
Cahors
- Cahors along the banks of the Lot – 5.2 km – 2 hours – Difficulty level: Easy
- The Mont Saint-Cyr Trail – 6 km – 2 hours – Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Cahors and Boating on the Lot River – 5.2 km – 1 hour 30 minutes – Difficulty Level: Very Easy
The Célé Valley
- On the Heights of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie – 3.3 km – 1 hour 30 minutes – Difficulty Level: Easy
- Marcilhac Caselles Trail – 6.7 km – 2 hours – Difficulty Level: Easy
- The cliff trail known as the Sentier des Anglais – 5.1 km – 2 hours – Difficulty level: Easy
- The Espagnac Priory Hike – 9.5 km – 3 hours – Difficulty Level: Moderate
Other iconic routes in the region
- Autoire Valley Loop – 5.6 km – 2 hours 30 minutes – Difficulty Level: Moderate
- The Via Podiensis (GR®65) – The Main Pilgrimage Route
- The Célé Trail (GR®651) – A wilder, more contemplative route
- The Rocamadour Trail, the GR®6,
- The GR®46, from Rocamadour to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
Most of these itineraries are available on the Tourist Office website or on the Circuits Lot & Dordogne mobile app, which we recommend you download.
The Towpath – departs from Bouziès in 24 min
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie via the towpath
This walk along the banks of the Lot, the towpath, and the Causse plateaus offers a perfect blend of nature and heritage. Here you can admire the cliffs, the reflections of the medieval village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, and the peaceful tranquility of the Quercy region.
The poet André Breton, captivated by the beauty of the place in 1950, made it his summer retreat, declaring: “I have ceased to long for anywhere else.” You can swim in the Lot at the village beach, but be careful: the towpath may be flooded during periods of heavy rain.
📖 Hiking Guide
Circular Hike – Via Causs’mos – departs from Vers, 9 min away
Via Causs’Mos – Art in the Heart of the Lot, Célé, and Vers
Valleys The Via Causs’Mos offers a unique artistic and sensory experience in the heart of the Lot, Célé, and Vers valleys. Spanning three stages of about twenty kilometers each, this loop trail takes you through the Causses de Gramat, Saint-Chels, and Limogne, where you’ll discover unspoiled nature and authentic rural heritage.
Along the entire route, contemporary artworks dot the path, inviting you to contemplate and engage with the interplay between art and landscape. A journey through art and nature, to be enjoyed at your own pace.
📖 Hiking Guide
💡 Tip: You can just do the first stage—a beautiful 5-kilometer walk along the Vers River, which takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes round trip.
In Vercinge(to)ry (Vers-Saint Gery-Vers) – 9 minutes from Vers
Vercingéry – The Vers Valley and Panoramic Views of the Lot
This dynamic and scenic route offers a superb hike up the Vers Valley, through wild nature and lush green landscapes. The trail then climbs up onto the causse, revealing spectacular panoramic views of Saint-Géry and the Lot Valley.
Combining physical challenge, discovery, and wonder, this loop offers a blend of challenging hiking and visual delight—ideal for lovers of the great outdoors and breathtaking panoramas.
📖 Hiking Guide
The Pointed Rock (Saint Gery) – 17-minute walk from Saint Gery
Saint-Géry Panoramic Trail Overlooking the charming village of Saint-Géry, this trail offers magnificent views of the Lot Valley and its limestone cliffs. With its steep trails, unspoiled nature, and breathtaking panoramas, this hike invites you to contemplate and find serenity in the heart of the Quercy landscape.
📖 Hiking Guide
Let’s Go See La Rauze (Francoulès) – 10-minute drive from Francoulès
Rauze Valley Trail – Unspoiled Nature and Biodiversity
Perfect for cool mornings, this peaceful trail winds through the Rauze Valley, an exceptional natural site designated as a Natura 2000 site. Nestled between cliffs and forests, it offers an immersive experience in the heart of a preserved ecosystem home to bats, crayfish, dragonflies, butterflies, and rare orchids.
Accessible to horseback riders and mountain bikers, this trail invites you to explore nature gently and respectfully, but should be avoided during summer thunderstorms.
📖 Trail Guide
Circuit des Arts (Laroque des Arcs) – departs from Laroque des Arcs in 18 min
Sporting Trail of the Ancient Cahors
Aqueduct Starting at the Récollets Church, this challenging trail winds through the towns of Laroque-des-Arcs, Valroufié, and Lamagdelaine, offering a variety of landscapes ranging from valleys and plateaus to remarkable viewpoints.
The route follows the path of the Gallo-Roman aqueduct of Divona Cadurcorum, built in the 1st century to carry water over 32 km from a spring on the Vers River to Cahors. Combining ancient history with untamed nature, this hike blends physical challenge, discovery, and excitement.
⚠️ Caution: Technical and slippery descent on the return trip toward the Saint-Roch Chapel, between points 7 and D.
📖 Hiking guide
The 13-Turn Trail (Saint-Martin-de-Vers) – departs from Saint-Martin-de-Vers, 16 min away
Between River and Memory – The Mills of the Vers
Set against a backdrop of nature and memory, this poetic tour invites you to “dance through the village” and weave together the tapestry of the history of the Vers landscapes. Here, you can still hear the music of old village festivals, the sound of cowbells, and the murmur of the wild Vers River, once harnessed for its power.
More than thirty mills once dotted its course, and in Saint-Martin, three ruins bear witness to this bygone activity. An emotionally evocative walk, blending rural heritage, nature, and Quercy traditions.
📖 Discovery guide available at www.parc-causses-du-quercy.fr and www.tourisme-labastide-murat.fr.
⚠️ Hiking boots are essential: the path slopes steeply after point 1, and there is a slippery section after point 3.
📖 Hiking guide
Cahors along the banks of the Lot—departure from the Valentré Bridge (Cahors) in 27 min
From Bridges to Gardens – A Stroll Through the Heart of Cahors
A leisurely walk along the banks of the Lot River, connecting the city’s two landmarks: the Valentré Bridge, a medieval masterpiece listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Saint-Étienne Cathedral. This tour invites you to discover Cahors’ hidden treasures—secret gardens, ancient alleyways, and Renaissance facades—in a peaceful atmosphere along the river.
📖 Guidebook
The Mont Saint-Cyr Loop – departs from the Saint-Georges Parking Lot (Cahors) in 27 min
Mont Saint-Cyr and the Panoramic Views of Cahors
From the heights of Camp des Monges to the Mont Saint-Cyr lookout point, this trail offers a series of exceptional views of the bend in the Lot River and the medieval town. You can make out the pink rooftops of Old Cahors, the cathedral and its domes, and the old city wall, now known as Boulevard Gambetta.
⚠️ The trail can be slippery in rainy weather—follow the yellow markers (PR) for a safe route.
📖 Hiking guide
Cahors and a boat ride on the Lot River – departs from the Saint-Georges Parking Lot (Cahors) in 27 min
Cahors Along the Lot—Between Waterways and Heritage
This stroll takes you past the city’s bridges, locks, and quays, tracing the history of river life in Cahors. With its secret gardens, medieval monuments, and reflections on the Lot, it’s an experience that’s both historic and idyllic—perfect for appreciating the harmony between the city and its river.
On the Heights of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie – departs from Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, 33 min away
The Heights of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie – Geology and Panoramas of Quercy
This tour invites you to explore the geological and scenic heritage of Quercy, nestled among valleys and limestone plateaus. From the heights, a unique view of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie unfolds before your eyes, revealing the beauty and diversity of the Causse landscapes. Discover this area with the geological guide to the Causses du Quercy or the “Circuits Lot & Dordogne” app for a complete immersion in this region designated a UNESCO Global Geopark.
📖 Hiking Guide
Marcilhac Caselles Trail – departs from Marcilhac-sur-Célé, 35 min away
The Caselles of Marcilhac – Dry Stone Structures and Rural
Heritage On the Causse, not far from the ruins of the Romanesque abbey, lies a remarkable sensitive natural area: the caselles, dry-stone huts built in the 19th century. These structures bear witness to rural ingenuity and ancestral craftsmanship. Their preserved environment is part of the Natura 2000 network, dedicated to safeguarding the ecosystems of the Lot.
⚠️ Note: Another 18-km trail starts from the same point.
📖 Hiking Guide
The cliff trail known as the Sentier des Anglais—starts in Brengues, 40 min away
The English Trail – Célé
Fortress and Cliffs After climbing the hillside and passing through a fortified gate, the hike leads to the spectacular “Château des Anglais,” a troglodytic fortification clinging to the cliff. Some of these sites date back to the 11th century and served as strategic refuges for lords and villagers in the event of an attack. A true lesson in history and geology brought to life.
⚠️ A shorter 8-km loop starts from the same point.
📖 Hiking guide
The Prieuré Walk – departs from Espagnac Sainte Eulalie, 40 min away
The Célé Valley – From the Val-Paradis Priory to Sainte-Eulalie
This route follows the river before climbing up onto the causse, offering spectacular views of the Célé Valley. The route connects the Val-Paradis Priory to the church of Sainte-Eulalie, near a prehistoric cave—a symbol of the ancestral bond between humans and nature in these remote valleys.
🚴 Trail accessible to mountain bikes—please respect natural sites and private property.
📖 Trail guide
Autoire Valley Loop – departs from Autoire at 59 min
The Autoire Gorge – Waterfall and Château des Anglais
This exceptional site, formed by a deep cut in the Gramat plateau, is home to the famous “Château des Anglais” and the Autoire Waterfall, the highest in the Lot. The trail winds through rugged terrain and reveals a rare geological phenomenon: the expansion of limestone layers creating two parallel faults.
⚠️ Difficult trail—risk of falling, loose rocks; throwing rocks is prohibited. Avoid during thunderstorms, strong winds, or thawing conditions.
📖 Hiking guide
The Pilgrimage Routes to Santiago de Compostela in the Lot – Where Spirituality Meets Exceptional
Landscapes A true legend among hikers, the GR®65 – Via Podiensis connects Le Puy-en-Velay to Santiago de Compostela, winding through the Lot region and its incredibly diverse landscapes. Amid lush valleys, medieval villages, and limestone plateaus, this centuries-old trail offers an experience that is at once human, spiritual, and rich in cultural heritage.
Two main routes cross the department:
The Via Podiensis (GR®65) – The Main Pilgrimage Route
This is one of the four major French routes to Santiago de Compostela. It connects Le Puy-en-Velay to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, then on to Spain, and crosses the Lot region for nearly 200 km, from the Causse de Limogne to Montcuq.
➡️ Route through the Lot: Montredon – Figeac – Cajarc – Limogne-en-Quercy – Lalbenque – Cahors – Lascabanes – Montcuq – Montlauzun
The Célé Trail (GR®651) – A wilder, more contemplative route
A few kilometers past Figeac, hikers have another option: the GR®651, a more natural, secluded, and unspoiled route that follows the Célé Valley to Bouziès before joining the GR®65 in Cahors. This route, crisscrossed by several trails, stretches nearly 120 km between Figeac and Cahors.
➡️ Route: Béduer – Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie – Marcilhac-sur-Célé – Sauliac – Cabrerets – Bouziès
Other routes connect the major sites in the Lot:
The Rocamadour Trail, the GR®6
This route connects the GR®65 to the sacred town of Rocamadour, a major pilgrimage site.
➡️ Route: Figeac – Lacapelle-Marival – Gramat – Rocamadour – Souillac
Stretching 1,360 km between Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye and Arcachon, the GR®6 crosses the Lot from east to west, from Figeac to Souillac, passing through Lacapelle-Marival and Rocamadour. Connected to the Puy-en-Velay route (GR®65), it offers pilgrims a stopover on their way to the sacred city of Rocamadour, before continuing either toward Sarlat and the Dordogne or on to Cahors to rejoin the Via Podiensis.
The Rocamadour Route stretches nearly 300 km, from Figeac to La Romieu, passing through Agen. It follows several marked trails: the GR®6, the GR®64, and the GR®652.
The GR®46, from Rocamadour to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
This beautiful section runs through the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, a UNESCO Global Geopark.
➡️ Route: Rocamadour – Labastide-Murat – Vers – Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
💡Our tip
Spring and fall are the ideal seasons for exploring the trails of the Lot. The temperatures are pleasant, the light makes the limestone cliffs look stunning, and the number of visitors remains moderate. In summer, it’s best to set out early in the morning or choose routes through the valleys, which offer more shade, such as the Bouziès towpath, the Célé Valley, or the Rauze Valley.
Before each hike, check the weather forecast, bring enough water, and wear good hiking shoes. To make the most of your stay, alternate a day of sightseeing (Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Rocamadour, or Cahors) with a day of hiking: in our opinion, this is the best way to discover all that the Lot has to offer.
FAQ
The towpath between Bouziès and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is one of the most famous. It combines historic sites, cliffs, the river, and one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Yes. The “Chemin des 13 Virages,” the hills above Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, the “caselles” of Marcilhac, and the banks of the Lot River in Cahors are accessible to most hikers.
The Célé Valley offers several remarkable trails, particularly around Marcilhac-sur-Célé, Brengues, Espagnac-Sainte-Eulalie, and Sauliac-sur-Célé.
Yes. The GR®65, GR®651, GR®6, and GR®46 trails cross the Lot region, and several of their stages are easily accessible from Les Hauts de Sauliès.
Spring (April through June) and fall (September through October) offer the best weather conditions.
Extend the experience from Les Hauts de Sauliès
Our prime location, just a few minutes from the Vers Valley, the Pech Merle Cave, and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, makes Les Hauts de Sauliès an ideal starting point for exploring the most beautiful trails in the Lot. After a day of hiking, return to the comfort of our guesthouse, relax by the pool, or enjoy dinner at our table d’hôtes before setting out the next day to discover a new landscape. Thanks to our many sightseeing and hiking routes, every day of your stay becomes a new adventure in the heart of Quercy.
To make the most of your stay, check out:
Useful links:
- Lot Tourist Office
- Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park
- Lot & Dordogne Tours App
- French Hiking Federation – GR65
Other day trips starting from Les Hauts de Sauliès
-
The Most Beautiful Hikes in the Lot: 15 Must-See Routes Around the Hauts de Sauliès
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.
-
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 capital of the Lot.
-
Visiting Moissac, Lauzerte, and Montcuq: A One-Day Itinerary Between Quercy Blanc and the Way of St. James
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.
-
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.
-
Visit Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Pech Merle, and the Château de Cénevières: The Must-See Itinerary in the Lot
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.
-
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.
-
Exploring the Lot Valley: A One-Day Itinerary Between Les Arques, 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 Cordes-sur-Ciel, Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, and the Penne Fortress: A One-Day Itinerary
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 the Castelnau-Bretenoux Castle and Saint-Céré: A One-Day Itinerary in Northern Lot
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 that combines heritage, history, and exceptional panoramic views in the heart of the northern part of the department.
-
Visit the Cloup d'Aural Phosphate Mines: A Nature and Heritage Tour in the Heart of Quercy
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.
-
Visiting Najac, Caylus, and the Abbey of Beaulieu-en-Rouergue: A One-Day Itinerary Through the Aveyron Gorges
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 Villefranche-de-Rouergue and Villeneuve-d'Aveyron: A One-Day Itinerary Through the Heart of the Rouergue Bastides
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 the Gouffre de Padirac, Autoire, and Loubressac: A One-Day Itinerary in Northern Lot
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.
-
Exploring Conques in a Day: A Complete Guide and Itinerary Starting from Les Hauts de Sauliès
Discover Conques, one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France, on a day trip featuring Romanesque heritage, the Camino de Santiago, and exceptional panoramic views. A must-see getaway just outside the Aveyron region.
-
Visiting Sarlat, Souillac, and the Lacave Caves: A One-Day Itinerary Between Périgord and Quercy
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.
Discover more from Les Hauts de Sauliès
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.