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Village · Cahors, Occitânia
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
Medieval village on a cliff 100 metres above the Lot, about 30 km from Cahors, ranked among the most beautiful in France. It began to attract artists in the 20th century.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a medieval village built on a cliff about 100 metres above the Lot, roughly 30 km east of Cahors. Its position, chosen for defence, makes the village one of the best-known images of the Quercy. It is part of the association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.
Steep stone streets climb between houses with dark roofs, studios and artisan shops, up to the fortified church and the castle ruins at the top, from where you can see the Lot valley. The village lies within the Parc naturel régional des Causses du Quercy, which is a UNESCO Global Geopark.
At the beginning of the 20th century the painter Henri Martin began to paint the village, and other artists followed. The writer André Breton, of the Surrealist movement, had a house there.
From the village a towpath runs along the Lot, partly cut into the rock, which was formerly used to pull boats.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 3 hours.
Best time
Early morning or late afternoon, before and after the groups. July and August are the busiest months. Outside the season, some shops close.
How to get there
It is about 30 km from Cahors, roughly a 40-minute drive through the Lot valley. There are parking lots at the entrance to the village. In season there are buses from Cahors, but with limited timetables.
Tip
Climb to the castle ruins for the valley view and, if you have time, walk a stretch of the towpath along the river.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
Is Saint-Cirq-Lapopie far from Cahors?
About 30 km, roughly a 40-minute drive by car through the Lot valley.
What to do in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie?
Climb the cobbled streets up to the church and the castle ruins, visit the artists' studios, and walk along the towpath on the banks of the Lot.
Can you combine it with Pech Merle?
Yes, the cave is nearby, just a few kilometres away, and both visits can fit into a day trip from Cahors.