Around Figeac

Other Top Tourist Destinations in Occitania / Pyrenees-Mediterranean

• Villefranche de Rouergue / Najac: the 'bastide' towns of Villefranche de Rouergue and Najac, 22 km apart in the upper Aveyron Gorge, are two treasures certainly worth a visit.
  www.tourisme-villefranche-najac.com

• Rocamadour: a sacred place where people came to venerate the Black Madonna, Rocamadour is an amazing arrangement of stone buildings constructed on a series of levels up the cliff face.
  www.visit-dordogne-valley.co.uk

• Saint Cirq-Lapopie and Pech Merle Caves : perched 100 metres above the River Lot, Saint Cirq-Lapopie is the gem of the Lot Valley. Just 10 minutes away, see the remarkable cave art at Pech Merle.
  www.saint-cirqlapopie.co.uk

• Conques : a key staging post on St James's Way to Santiago de Compostela, Conques is an important centre of Romanesque art.
  www.tourisme-conques.fr

• Cahors : the Middle Ages were a golden age for Cahors, a period you can re-live by exploring the little streets around the historic centre.
  www.holidays-cahors.co.uk

Villages

• Capdenac-le-Haut : this former Gallo-Roman oppidum, of strategic importance in the Middle Ages, provides an amazing panorama over the Lot Valley. The village is officially recognised as one of the most beautiful in France.

• Faycelles : a picturesque and beautifully restored little village which was once a medieval castrum built on top of the remains of a Roman camp.

• Cardaillac et Lacapelle-Marival : these two villages 13 km apart are officially recognised as two of the most beautiful villages in France. Each features a castle, a keep and houses of character.

Châteaux

• Château de Larroque-Toirac : clinging to the cliff top above the River Lot, this château features powerful architecture that has endured the centuries, in magnificent surroundings.. www.tourisme-lot.com

• Château d’Assier, Assier : this Renaissance château built by Galiot de Genouillac, Grand Master of Artillery for Francis I, adds to the charm of this typical Quercy village. Tél. 05 65 40 40 99 – www.tourisme-lot.com

Abbeys

• Marcilhac-sur-Célé Abbey : these impressive ruins stand as testament to the past splendour of this once very powerful Benedictine abbey. To really appreciate the magic of this abbey, join a guided tour. Contact: Tourist Office – Tél. 05 65 40 68 44.

Museums

• Le musée éclaté, Cardaillac : so called because it is split up ('éclaté') all around Cardaillac and visited on a short circuit around the village, from the chestnut-drying house to the plum-drying barn, and including the walnut oil mill and old classroom. This touching museum has been created entirely by the villagers. Tél. 05 65 40 15 65 – www.tourisme-lot.com

• The Musée Départemental de Cuzals, Sauliac-sur-Célé : a former hamlet that has been transformed into a 40-hectare living museum of peasant life in the Quercy. Regular events. Tél. 05 65 31 36 43 – www.tourisme-lot.com

Outdoor activities

Rambling

• The Aiguille du Pressoir circuit : an easy 4.5km ramble along a section of the Le Puy route of St James's Way to Santiago de Compostela.
  
  

Site of outstanding natural beauty

• The Célé Valley : west of Figeac, the Célé Valley carves a deep gash through the limestone uplands of the Causses du Quercy. The countryside here is both wild and pleasant, and completely unspoilt. On the way you'll come across the pretty villages of Espagnac-Sainte Eulalie, Marcilhac-sur-Célé, Sauliac-sur-Célé and Cabrerets.
  
  

Canoeing

• Descent of the Célé : a fabulous cliff-lined route down the River Célé, which flows into the Lot. This gently flowing, cool river is ideal for a family canoeing trip. 
  Canoe and kayak hire : Nature et Loisirs base in Sauliac-sur-Célé. Tél. 05 65 30 25 69 – www.tourisme-lot.com
  

Swimming

• The Lac du Tolerme, Sénaillac-Latronquière : a lovely 38-hectare lake set among rolling meadows and mature trees. Swimming area with lifeguard service and beach. Canoes, small boats and rowing boats for hire.. http://lac-tolerme.com