Autoire, the jewel of Quercy: nestled amongst cliffs, waterfalls and stately homes
Autoire, in the heart of Quercy, awaits you in a spectacular natural cirque. Limestone cliffs and waterfalls along the Autoire torrent reveal the village, its blonde stone houses with brown roofs and its elegant manor houses. As you wander through the narrow streets, you’ll discover turrets, dovecotes and fountains. Head up to the heights to admire a panoramic view of the valley…
Ready to be amazed?
The ‘Little Versailles’ of Quercy
Nestled amongst the cliffs and surrounded by greenery, Autoire is a haven where nature and heritage come together to offer a rejuvenating break in the heart of the Lot.
In the words of the people of Autoire
In days gone by, the leading figures of Saint-Céré used to come to Autoire on holiday to enjoy the cool, peaceful surroundings. Their elegant manor houses earned this haven of peace a prestigious nickname: ‘Little Versailles’.
Your experiences to live in Autoire
©Jun TANAKA
Explore the ‘Our Most Beautiful Villages’ tour
Whether on foot or by bike, follow the route linking Autoire to Loubressac, another of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France”. Nestled between valleys and cliffs, this outing promises a feast of the Lot’s spectacular scenery.
Enjoy the panoramic view from the Siran viewpoint
Climb up to the viewing point and take in the view of the Autoire cirque at sunset
Walk up to the Château des Anglais
Follow the paths leading to the Château des Anglais, perched on the cliffside. This semi-troglodyte fortress offers a breathtaking view of Autoire and the valley.
Ideas for everyone, all the time
From April 20, 2026 to Nov. 22, 2026 from 2 p.m.
Festival Résurgence X : exposition Rémanences - rétrospective Stéphanie Poincloux
Stéphanie Poincloux has been crafting paper for over thirty years
Stéphanie Poincloux has been working with paper for over thirty years. Her approach, characterized by radical minimalism, is rooted in the essentials: recycled paper pulp, natural pigments, and food-grade binders. For six months, the Manoir de Laroque Delprat becomes the setting for a unique journey. Her sculptures, like relics or surviving forms, engage in a natural dialogue with the limestone strata
and the memory of our ancient walls. Here, time does not alter; it reveals.
This exhibition invites visitors to a silent immersion in a world of simplicity and poetry. Each work seems to have always been a part of this place, creating a bridge between contemporary creation and ancient stone.
In harmony with the Manoir’s commitment to defending minority cultures, Stéphanie Poincloux’s work celebrates the power of simplicity and the enduring nature of artisanal craftsmanship transformed into art. A unique sensory experience at the heart of the Quercy region’s heritage
Next dates:
- From 04/20/2026 to 11/22/2026
Open every day
46400 AUTOIRE
The Sept. 13, 2026
Rencontres du Manoir de Laroque Delprat - Dominique Sampiero, la beauté des vies simples
Poet, novelist, and screenwriter (It starts today), Dominique Sampiero explores the human condition through poetry, novels, theater, and cinema
Poet, novelist, and screenwriter (It starts today), Dominique Sampiero explores the human condition through poetry, novels, theater, and cinema. His writing, true to its working-class roots, captures the beauty of simple gestures and the spirit of the world
By reservation
Next dates:
- 09/13/2026
46400 AUTOIRE
The Sept. 26, 2026
Trail d'Autoire
In the heart of the Cirque d'Autoire, you'll have the pleasure of running an exceptional trail race. Come out in large numbers to discover or rediscover this village nestled among the most beautiful cliffs of the Lot
In the heart of the Cirque d'Autoire, you'll have the pleasure of running an exceptional trail race. Come out in large numbers to discover or rediscover this village nestled among the most beautiful cliffs of the Lot
Next dates:
- 09/26/2026
From Nov. 21, 2026 to Nov. 21, 2026
Résurgence X : ateliers création papier dans le cadre de l’exposition Rémanence
Artist Stéphanie Poincloux offers two fully immersive workshops
Artist Stéphanie Poincloux offers two fully immersive workshops. Adults will learn how to make recycled paper. After sorting materials and preparing the pulp baths, they will explore the use of natural pigments to dye their paper black.
Children will learn how to transform sorted packaging into paper pulp to create unique sculptures.
Through these two approaches, participants will discover how to transform ordinary waste into a new and unique material while learning about the life cycle of objects
Open to all ages, ages 5 and up
Reservations required
Next dates:
- 11/21/2026
Open every day - 11/21/2026
Open every day
46400 AUTOIRE
The Nov. 22, 2026 from 5 p.m.
Résurgence X - finissage de l'exposition " Rémanences "
The closing event for the “R%E9manence” exhibition will open with a performance by St%E9phanie Poincloux
The closing event for the “R%E9manence” exhibition will open with a performance by Stéphanie Poincloux. Created day by day since the exhibition opened to the public in April 2025, this collective piece will be offered to the fire in the fireplace, sealing the cycle dear to the artist (birth, transformation, disappearance, survival). This artistic gesture will interact with the voice of Zingonia Zingone. An internationally renowned Italian-Costa Rican poet and novelist, she will present, among other works, her collection “ *Les naufragés du Désert*” (co-translated by Aurélia Lassaque, published by La Rumeur Libre, 2025). To conclude this evening celebrating traces and transitions, participants will be invited to share a moment of stillness centered around a mysterious and ancestral ritual, like a final metamorphosis
Reservations required
Next dates:
- 11/22/2026
Open every day
46400 AUTOIRE
Guided tours in Autoire
Let a local guide tell you the story of Autoire. Choose between a discovery tour featuring anecdotes and history, or a fun tour with quizzes, mime and drawing to get everyone involved!
Rock climbing
Test your limits on the Autoire cliffs, a varied playground for climbers of all levels. From the ‘Grand côté’ or ‘Bolivaria’ routes, take in the view of the valley and the waterfall below.
Autoire Gorge Circular Walk
Follow the 6 km of paths winding through the cirque of cliffs and, as the path curves, catch a glimpse of the Autoire waterfall and the Château des Anglais for a unique view over the Lot.
Map of Autoire
Prepare your stay at Autoire
Office de Tourisme Vallée de la Dordogne
Accessibility
Autoire
# Accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite : Village accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite et aux poussettes
# Parking : Stationnement payant ou partiellement payant en fonction de la période et de la situation
# Aire de stationnement pour camping-car : Aire de stationnement pour camping-car à moins de 15 mn à pieds
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