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Want to discover another side of Quercy, with its Romanesque heritage, medieval bastides, and rolling landscapes? This itinerary takes you to three charming villages located on the edge of the Lot region: Moissac, Lauzerte, and Montcuq. A day filled with history, the art of living, and pilgrimage routes.
Starting from Les Hauts de Sauliès, this excursion first takes you to Moissac, one of the most important centers of Romanesque art in France. Its Saint-Pierre Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela, impresses with its cloister featuring sculpted capitals and its famous Last Judgment tympanum. The Cacor canal bridge, a true feat of 19th-century engineering, rounds out this tour where religious heritage and river heritage come together.
You’ll then continue your journey to Lauzerte, a medieval bastide perched on the hills of Quercy Blanc. Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, it charms visitors with its Place des Cornières, art galleries, cobblestone streets, and peaceful atmosphere. An iconic stop on the Way of St. James, Lauzerte also offers superb panoramic views of the southwestern countryside.
The day ends in Montcuq, a medieval village with authentic charm dominated by its count’s tower. Its historic houses, ramparts, renowned market, and friendly atmosphere make it an unmissable stop for exploring the Quercy Blanc region. Combining cultural heritage, fine dining, and a relaxed way of life, this excursion reveals a region still untouched by mass tourism.
Suitable for everyone, this itinerary will appeal to lovers of history, religious heritage, photography, and charming villages. It offers an excellent alternative to the Lot’s most famous tours, while providing a chance to immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful parts of Quercy.
Practical Information
- Moissac – 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Lauzerte – 25 minutes
- Montcuq – 15 minutes
- Back to Les Hauts de Sauliès – 51 minutes
Map of the route
The Day’s Schedule
Moissac – Travel time: 1 hr 10 min
A “City of Art and History” on the banks of the Tarn, Moissac is a jewel of Romanesque heritage, famous for its Benedictine abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also a major stop on the Way of St. James.
Saint-Pierre Abbey Church (11th century)
Founded in the 11th century and affiliated with Cluny, the Abbey of Saint-Pierre de Moissac became a major spiritual center in southwestern France and a key stop on the Pilgrimage Routes to Santiago de Compostela; it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stands as a testament to the monastic and artistic power of the Middle Ages, blending religious fervor with sculptural beauty. Hours: April through October from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. – Open continuously until 7 p.m. from June through September
Cloister of Saint-Pierre
A masterpiece of Romanesque art, the cloister at Moissac, with its 76 carved capitals, is one of the few to have retained its original decoration. The monumental 12th-century tympanum, depicting the Last Judgment, is striking for its detail and symbolic power. Together, they embody the grandeur of the Cluniac heritage.
The Abbey Church and Its Treasures
The Church of Saint-Pierre, which is partly Romanesque and partly Gothic, houses remarkable 15th-century sculptures: a polychrome Pietà, a Flight into Egypt, and a Entombment carved from walnut wood that is strikingly realistic. It reveals the continuity between spirituality, architecture, and sacred art. The abbey holds other wonders: the upper hall of the bell tower, the Sainte-Foy guesthouse, and its “Patus” courtyard garden—true havens of peace.
Cacor Canal Bridge (1846)
Stretching 356 meters long, it allows the Canal des Deux Mers to cross the Tarn—a masterpiece of engineering and elegance that builds on Moissac’s monumental heritage.
Lauzerte – Travel time: 25 min
Perched on a promontory in the Quercy Blanc region, Lauzerte is a splendid example of medieval architecture. Surrounding the Place des Cornières and the Church of Saint-Barthélemy, its Gothic and Renaissance mansions are a reminder of the prosperity of the wealthy merchants of yesteryear. City walls, museums, art galleries, and artisan workshops round out a visit to this lively bastide town on the Camino de Santiago.
Place des Cornières
At the heart of the bastide, the Place des Cornières is lined with arcades and historic houses dating from the 15th to the 18th centuries, bearing witness to medieval community life. Its name comes from a corner house with arcades, and today it is famous for its “Coin relevé,” a contemporary work by ceramic artist Jacques Buchholtz, which makes it a place that is both historic and artistic.
St. Bartholomew Church
Overlooking the upper town, the Church of Saint-Barthélemy stands out for its simple square bell tower and its blend of architectural elements dating from the 13th to the 18th centuries. Inside, two treasures catch the eye: a leather sculpture of Christ, crafted by a prisoner, and a Baroque gilded wooden altarpiece dedicated to the Virgin Mary, executed with great finesse.
Montcuq – Travel time: 15 min
Perched on a sun-drenched hill, Montcuq charms visitors with its picturesque appeal and the atmosphere of a typical village in southwestern France. Made famous by Daniel Prévost in the 1970s, it now draws visitors and curious travelers eager to explore its medieval streets, its Sunday market, and the laid-back Quercy lifestyle. Visitor Guide
The Count’s Tower and the City Walls
A symbol of medieval power, the count’s tower (12th–14th centuries) overlooks the village with its original trapezoidal layout and machicolations. Surrounding it, the three successive walls and the remains of the rampart bear witness to the fortified might of the medieval town, now transformed into a promenade.
Saint-Hilaire Church
Built in the 13th–14th centuries and later remodeled after the Wars of Religion, the Church of Saint-Hilaire features southern Gothic architecture with a vaulted nave, a brick bell tower and porch, and 19th-century stained-glass windows depicting the life of Christ. It is bathed in colorful light that highlights its cut-off choir.
City Hall and historic houses
The current town hall, a former 13th-century consular house, is a reminder of Montcuq’s commercial prosperity. In the streets of Pla and Aste, visitors can discover beautiful medieval half-timbered houses with mullioned windows, testaments to the flourishing trade and architectural expertise of the 12th–15th centuries.
It’s worth noting the quality of the market held on Sunday mornings.
Back to Les Hauts de Sauliès – Travel time: 51 min
💡Our tip
Start your day as soon as Moissac Abbey opens so you can fully enjoy the cloister in a peaceful atmosphere. If your schedule allows, try to visit on a Sunday so you can end your trip in Montcuq and explore its market, one of the most famous in Quercy. Also take the time to stroll through the narrow streets of Lauzerte: beyond the main monuments, it’s often the artisans’ workshops, the scenic views, and the architectural details that make the visit unforgettable.
FAQ
We recommend setting aside a full day to fully enjoy the three villages and their main sights.
Yes. This itinerary was designed to allow you to visit all three villages comfortably, starting from Les Hauts de Sauliès—especially during school breaks and the summer months.
Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures. In summer, the gardens and the canal provide a refreshing coolness.
Its Saint-Pierre Abbey is a major stop on the Way of St. James and features one of the most remarkable Romanesque complexes in Europe.
Yes. Its medieval bastide, Place des Cornières, and remarkably well-preserved heritage have earned it this prestigious designation.
Sunday morning is ideal for exploring its market, renowned for its local producers and friendly atmosphere.
You can extend your stay by visiting Cahors, the Cahors wine region, the Lot Valley, or Saint-Cirq-Lapopie.
Extend the experience from Les Hauts de Sauliès
Our prime location in the heart of the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park allows you to explore both the major attractions of the Lot and the hidden gems of Quercy Blanc and Tarn-et-Garonne, all without changing accommodations. After a day spent exploring Romanesque heritage, medieval bastides, and the Way of St. James, return to the tranquility of Les Hauts de Sauliès before continuing your journey to Cahors, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, the Lot Valley, or Rocamadour, thanks to our exclusive itineraries designed to help you explore the region’s most beautiful landscapes.
To make the most of your stay, check out:
Useful links:
- Moissac Abbey & Cloister
- Lauzerte (bastide)
- Montcuq
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