📍 France

BASTIDE VILLAGES: CLIFFS, ABBEYS AND HIDDEN HERITAGE

Villages clinging to cliffs, abbey bells echoing through gorges, fountains murmuring on squares, ramparts overlooking endless valleys. Secret Occitanie.

≈ 6
Days
264
Km
5
Stops
📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Explore secret Occitanie. Discover Najac and its fortress. Wander Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Climb to Rocamadour. Admire Autoire waterfall. Visit Conques. Time seems suspended.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Najac

fortress crowns clifftop majestically

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9 photos
Day 1
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Discover

1
Cordes-sur-Ciel — ascent through the Porte des Ormeaux and crossing of Gothic streets (Houses of the Grand Veneur, of the Grand Écuyer).
2
Saint-Michel Church of Cordes — southern Gothic nave and sculpted portal.
3
Najac — stroll through the medieval town among half-timbered houses and artisan shops.
🎯

Activities

→
Royal Castle of Najac — climb to the keep and panorama over the Aveyron valley.
→
Saint-Jean Church of Najac — visit of the late Romanesque decoration.
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Next stop
Distance: 30 km
Travel time: 48min
2
Day

Saint Cirq Lapopie

village grips river dramatically

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6 photos
Day 2
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Discover

1
Route Najac → Saint-Cirq-Lapopie through valleys and gorges — photo stops on viewpoints.
2
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie — climb through the cobbled streets, corbelled houses and art workshops.
3
Church of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie — forecourt as viewpoint over the Lot valley.
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Activities

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Viewpoints of Saint-Cirq (high viewpoint) — sunset photo session.
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Short walk on the towpath (Bouziès, section carved into the rock) — easy round trip.
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Next stop
Distance: 68 km
Travel time: 1h24
3
Day

Rocamadour

sanctuary carved stone vertically

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

Discover

1
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie — last view from the top of the village.
2
Rocamadour — Religious city clinging to the cliff: small square, pilgrims' stairway, chapels.
3
Sanctuaries of Rocamadour — discovery of the Black Virgin and troglodytic chapels.
🎯

Activities

→
Way of the Cross to Rocamadour castle — panorama over the Alzou canyon.
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L'Hospitalet viewpoint — overall view of the site.
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Next stop
Distance: 60 km
Travel time: 1h12
4
Day

Autoire

waterfall dances fountain grace

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

Discover

1
Rocamadour — tour of the castle ramparts (exterior) and lower streets.
2
Autoire — village of blonde stone houses at the foot of the cirque.
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Activities

→
Autoire waterfall — walking loop to the falls (short round trip).
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Cornices of the Autoire cirque — viewpoints (one way from the village).
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Site of the "châteaux des Anglais" (troglodytic shelters, view from the path).
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Next stop
Distance: 23 km
Travel time: 30min
5
Day

Conques En Rouergue

abbey bells float valleys

Conques En Rouergue - Photo 1Conques En Rouergue - Photo 2Conques En Rouergue - Photo 3Conques En Rouergue - Photo 4Conques En Rouergue - Photo 5Conques En Rouergue - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Route Autoire → Conques — countryside crossing and valleys of Aveyron, photo stops.
2
Conques — medieval town on the Dourdou, half-timbered houses and sloping alleyways.
3
Sainte-Foy Abbey Church — Last Judgment tympanum, stained glass windows by Pierre Soulages.
🎯

Activities

→
Treasure of Conques — medieval goldsmithery (reliquary of Saint Foy).
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Pilgrims' Bridge (called "Roman") — walk along the Dourdou and views of the abbey.
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Next stop
Distance: 83 km
Travel time: 1h54

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🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

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❓ 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 5 and 7 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

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