📍 France

LOT: MEDIEVAL QUERCY AND LOT VALLEY MEDIEVAL VILLAGES

Villages clinging to cliffs, lanes slipping under vaulted passages, limestone gorges carved by water. Quercy, out of time.

≈ 9
Days
218
Km
8
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore Lot between medieval cities and limestone gorges. Cross Valentré bridge at Cahors. Wander Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, clinging to its cliff. Climb to Rocamadour, spiritual landmark. Discover Figeac and its historic center. Visit Martel and its ramparts. Stone structures every stage of the journey.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Cahors

bridge town medieval rampart

Cahors - Photo 1Cahors - Photo 2Cahors - Photo 3Cahors - Photo 4Cahors - Photo 5Cahors - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Valentré Bridge (UNESCO).
2
Rignault House.
3
Champollion Museum.
🎯

Activities

→
Cahors vineyards (Malbec).
→
Lot Loop.
→
Towpath.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 23.8 km
Travel time: 48min
2
Day

Saint Cirq Lapopie

cliff village stone crown

Saint Cirq Lapopie - Photo 1Saint Cirq Lapopie - Photo 2Saint Cirq Lapopie - Photo 3Saint Cirq Lapopie - Photo 4Saint Cirq Lapopie - Photo 5Saint Cirq Lapopie - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Writings Square.
2
Religious city (sanctuaries).
3
Notre-Dame Chapel (Black Virgin).
4
Chasm (103 m).
🎯

Activities

→
Giant Rosetta Stone.
→
Eagles' Rock.
→
Gouffre de Padirac nearby.
+1 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 42.7 km
Travel time: 1h25
3
Day

Figeac

medieval street stone beauty

Figeac - Photo 1Figeac - Photo 2Figeac - Photo 3Figeac - Photo 4Figeac - Photo 5Figeac - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Underground river.
2
Rain Lake.
3
"City of seven towers".
🎯

Activities

→
Gramat causses hiking.
→
Truffadou tourist train.
→
Jazz festival (July).
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 50.7 km
Travel time: 51min
4
Day

Rocamadour

sanctuary cliff sacred stone

Rocamadour - Photo 1Rocamadour - Photo 2Rocamadour - Photo 3Rocamadour - Photo 4Rocamadour - Photo 5Rocamadour - Photo 6Rocamadour - Photo 7Rocamadour - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Raymondie Palace.
2
Sainte-Marie Abbey Church (Romanesque art).
3
Automaton Museum.
4
Medieval town.
+2 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Dordogne Valley.
→
Surrounding bastides.
→
Gouffre de Padirac nearby.
+2 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 19.9 km
Travel time: 40min
5
Day

Martel

rampart town medieval tower

Martel - Photo 1Martel - Photo 2Martel - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
"City of seven towers".
2
Medieval covered market.
3
Raymondie Palace.
🎯

Activities

→
Truffadou tourist train.
→
Market Wednesday and Saturday.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 14.7 km
Travel time: 29min
6
Day

Souillac

abbey stone medieval church

Souillac - Photo 1Souillac - Photo 2Souillac - Photo 3Souillac - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Sainte-Marie Abbey Church (Romanesque art).
2
Automaton Museum.
3
Old town.
🎯

Activities

→
Jazz festival (July).
→
Dordogne Valley.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 24.5 km
Travel time: 49min
7
Day

Gourdon

hilltop village medieval crown

Gourdon - Photo 1Gourdon - Photo 2Gourdon - Photo 3Gourdon - Photo 4Gourdon - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Medieval town.
2
Saint-Pierre Church.
3
Cougnac Caves (prehistoric).
🎯

Activities

→
Panorama.
→
Saturday market.
→
Surrounding bastides.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 42 km
Travel time: 1h24
8
Day

Puy L Eveque

wine river medieval village

Puy L Eveque - Photo 1Puy L Eveque - Photo 2Puy L Eveque - Photo 3Puy L Eveque - Photo 4Puy L Eveque - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Medieval village on the banks of the Lot.
2
Fortified church.
3
Keep.
🎯

Activities

→
Vineyards.
→
River cruise.
→
Gastronomy.

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 7 and 11 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.