Day Trips

21km

Pech Merle is the extensive cave system at Cabrerets – well worth visiting not only for the limestone formations but for the early cave paintings, which are some of the finest in France outside Lascaux.  Visits (in guided parties only) take about an hour; English translations of the introductory talk are available.  There is a small museum, shop and café on site.  Booking is advisable in July and August (preferably a week ahead as numbers are limited).  

Cabrerets boasts a good selection of restaurants and snack bars, including Hôtel de la Sagne (05 65 31 26 62), and Hôtel des Grottes (05 65 31 27 02) overlooking the river.

Adults 10 euros; children (4-14) 6.  

05 65 31 27 05 or 05 65 31 23 33  |    www.pechmerle.com. 

Distance: 48km 

Spectacular limestone formations in series of caves approached by boat along an underground river.  Can be busy in season so get there early.  Guided visits take 1 ½ hours.  

This excursion is easily combined with a trip to Rocamadour and/or the Forêt des Singes. You can pass through Gramat en route if you want to do a supermarket shop or visit the Zoo, or enjoy a meal at the Relais des Gourmands (05 65 38 83 92) near the station.

Adults 10.30 euros; children 6.90.   

05 65 33 64 56  |  www.gouffre-de-padirac.com. 

Other local caves include Grottes de Foissac, 13k south of Capdenac, which served as a burial chamber 5000 years ago, open 10..0-18.00 July and August and more limited times out of season, 06 19 12 98 28; Grottes de Merveilles at Rocamadour which, like Pech Merle boasts neolithic cave paintings, open 9.30-17.00 July and August, closed over lunch April, May, June and September, 05 65 33 67 92.

37km

One hour guided tours of 19th century phosphate mines at Bach which have exposed fossils from the tertiary period and unusual flora. Pleasant picnic spot with snack hut, park describing local flora and children’s discovery trail. 

An excellent visit but, unfortunately, guided tours are not yet available in English, although printed outlines in English are provided.  Can easily be combined with a trip to Cajarc and the Chateau de Cénévières, or to Limogne, where Au Rince Cochon serves an excellent lunch (reservation essential: 05 65 23 87 20).

Open daily July and August, 11.00 – 18.00, (visits 15.00 and16.30 the rest of the season).  

Adults 7 euros; children (6-14) 4.50. 

37km

On the main road into Gramat is a large zoo (over 40 hectares so allow at least two hours for a visit) housing over 1000 species of wild and domesticated European animals.  Excellent family outing; cafe or take a picnic.  Wolves fed at 11.30; bears 14.30, otters 17.00.  

Adults 11 euros; children 6.50.  

05 65 38 81 22  |  http://www.gramat-parc-animalier.com.

45km

A 20 hectare park beyond Gramat where 150 Barbary Macaques wander free and will eat from your hand.  It is an important breeding place for this endangered species.  

Easily combined with a trip to Rocamadour, Rocher des Aigles, and or/the Gouffre de Padirac.

Adults 9 euros; children 5.50.  

05 65 33 62 72  |  www.la-foret-des-singes.com

47km

A bird of prey centre near Rocadamour, with flight displays approximately every 90 minutes.  This was one of our children’s favourite trips. 

Easily combined with Rocamadour, Forêt de Singes, and or/the Gouffre de Padirac.

Adults 9.80 euros; children 6

05 65 33 65 45  |  www.rocherdesaigles.com

16km

Open air museum of local agriculture between 18th and 20th centuries, off the valley road 12k beyond Marcilhac.  Well set out with plenty to interest both adults and children; café, picnic area, etc with a series of demonstrations (threshing, butter-making, weaving etc.) on Sunday afternoons.  Open July-August; remaining season Wednesday- Sunday afternoons.  

Adults 5 euros;  youths (12-26) 2.50.  

05 65 31 36 43  |  http://musees.lot.fr/index.php/musee-cuzals

30km

In this museum Figeac celebrates its son Champollion, who deciphered hieroglyphics, and the history of writing over 5,300 years.  Well set out with plenty of interactive material for older children.  Open July-August daily, 10.30-18.00; remaining season 14.00-17.30, closed Monday.  

Figeac itself is an interesting and very attractive historic town with a market on Saturday mornings.

05 65 50 31 08. |  www.musee-champollion.com

23km

Charming small château on the Lot (approach via Marcilhac).  Medieval dungeons and Renaissance villa (still inhabited).  Guided tours mid-April – end of September, closed Sunday morning; October – mid-November afternoons only; and out of season by arrangement.

Easily combined with a trip to Cajarc and the Phosphatières du Cloup d’Aural, Bouzies (see above/ below).

Adult 6.5 euros; children (7-15) 3 euros

05 65 31 27 33 |  www.chateau-cenevieres.com  

The tow path along the Lot from Bouziès provides a charming walk with the added interest of some low-relief carvings.   It is also the startng point for short cruises on the Lot.  The walk can be combined with a meal at the Hotel Restaurant les Falaises (booking usually necesary 05 65 31 26 83).

16km

Remains of 16th century château with impressive classical facade.  Open daily July and August, 10.00-12.30, 14.00-18.45; rest of season closed Tuesday.   

Adults over 25: 3 euros 

05 65 40 40 99. 

18km 

Imposing and quirky fortified château on the Lot (with dungeons and bats!).  Open daily July – September.

Guided tours 6 euros; children (4-12) 3.

06 12 37 48 39 or 06 60 08 80 10   |  www.chateautoirac.com

27km

‘Un des plus beaux villages de France’ (‘one of the most beautiful villages in all of France’).  Well-preserved and restored mediaeval walled town in defensive position high above the Lot.  Home to André Breton and centre for artists in the early 20th century.  Fine views over the Lot from the remains of the Roman ramparts; exhibitions in Musée Rignault and the château; craftsmen selling pottery, woodwork, ironwork, paintings, puppets etc.  Several cafes and restaurants, including Auberge du Sombral (05 65 31 26 08) and Le Gourmet Quercynois (05 65 31 21 20), both recommended.

Combine this with a  walk along the Lot at Bouziès for some stunning cliff carvings.

33km

Another of ‘les plus beaux villages de France’ (but smaller and quieter than St Cirq), just a few kilometres beyond Figeac, is a mediaeval fortress overlooking the Lot, which claims to be the site of the Uxellodunum, the last Gaul town to hold out against Caesar.  Recently beautifully restored it now has a hotel/restaurant offering reasonably-priced meals.

Combine with a trip to Figeac.

50km

Cahors is the departmental capital with long and interesting history; some fine old buildings near the cathedral and a recently-developed series of mediaeval gardens in the centre and by the river. The Pont Valentré, a bridge going over the Lot has its own interesting legend.  (Roman remains left exposed in central underground car park off Rue du President Wilson).

12km

This village with picturesque and interesting remains of a priory, now the village church, is only 12km along the valley road towards Figeac.

31km

A charming bastide (fortified town) with medieval gate is on the road to Villefranche de Rouergue. The part-Romanesque church boasts 14th century wall paintings of pilgrims. 

38km 

Sign-posted from Cajarc, Villefranche de Rouergue is a lively town with narrow streets in the old centre round cathedral (the misericords are especially good). It has an excellent market on Thursday mornings but parking can be difficult. 

Easily combined with Cajarc and Villeneuve, and with the Gouffre de Lantouy (see below).

20km

A magical small natural lake with deep clear blue water.  Take the D24 (to Villefranche) and immediately after Salvagnac take a right turn and follow the signs to the Gouffre.  There is a simple parking spot near-by.

15km

This is an area rich in neolithic remains, including many dolmens (stone communal burial chambers), two of which are in St Sulpice Commune (on the Causse behind the house near Le Rat and over the bridge just beyond Le Mas de Jean Blanc n the hill opposite).  The largest, however, is La Pierre Martine, near Livernon.  It weighs several tons, is over seven metres long but could originally be rocked with one finger.  It is well signposted from Livernon and there is a car park near the dolmen (only a short walk across a field).  

In Livernon there are two pleasant restaurants/bars: Auberge de la Causse (05 65 40 55 24) and Cafe de la Paix (05 65 40 55 05).

46km

Rocamadour has been a pilgrimage site since the 12th century overlooking the Dordogne.  It is spectacular but commercialised and you need to leave the main street and climb the steps to the shrine of the black Madonna to understand why it is so revered. 

Easily combined with: Rocher des Aigles, Forêt de Singes, Grottes de Merveilles and/or the Gouffre de Padirac.

74km 

Further away, in the direction of Rodez, a justly famous mediaeval pilgrim town with a fine Abbey (note particularly the fine 12th century tympanum, and the modern windows by Soulages).  It has recently been regenerated by the return of a Cistercian community; the opening of a guesthouse for pilgrims en route to Compostella and daily worship in the Abbey. 

65km

Just beyond Limogne; an Augustinian priory (13th -17th centuries) with frescoes in the Chapter House.  Open afternoons mid-July – late September; closed Tuesday.  Adults 6 euros.  

Visit warmly recommended; combine with Beauregard where mediaeval market building includes, hollowed into the walls, measures for standard volumes of grain.

www.laramiere.new.fr

105km

The Abbey of Moissac is further afield but both the Abbey itself and the Cloisters are outstanding examples of romanesque (as are the well-known churches at Sarlat, St Cere, Carennac and Souillac on the Dordogne).

There are also many local smaller churches in the area of considerable interest:

Toulonguergues and Ginouillac - Vizigoth churches, dating back to 9c, with distinctively high walls and rounded corners. Toulonguergues has interesting wall paintings but is only open at present Wedensday afternoons (15.00) in August, and Ginouillac is in private hands and is not open although visitors are able to view the outside. To drive, turn right off D922 just south of Villeneuve d’Aveyron and Ginouillac then head towards exit 56 of the A20, cross motorway on to D801 for 6k and turn right.

Saint–Pierre–Toirac on the river Lot, has a remarkable church dating from the 11c was fortified in 14/15c, with defensive walls and a well pierced in the nave floor to withstand sieges. Interesting capitals, especially in the apse.  Open daylight hours. 

There is another impressive fortified church at Rudelle – west of Lacapelle Marival on N140 – but we have never found it open.  Note that the highest points of the defences were a 19thc embellishment.

Soulomes has a small Templer Commandery dating from the first half of the 12c, later taken over by the Knights Hospitalers, and a church with 16c wall paintings of the Resurrection. Church open daylight hours. It can be found on D17 south-east of Labstide Murat

Lunegarde church, built after the Hundred Years’ War, has a fortified room above the apse and boasts delightful 16c murals celebrating the Nativity.  Church open in daylight hours. To get there turn right off D802 on D42

Caniac–du–Causse is a church that retains its 12c crypt housing a reliquary of the local Saint Nymphaise – a soldier under Roland who became a hermit in this bleak region, uncovered sources of water and healed the sick in the middle ages.  Approach through Soulomes or right off D13 through Senaillac Lauzes).