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Carennac
Lot
Set off for Carennac, a treasure trove of history and nature in the Dordogne Valley
On the banks of the Dordogne, let yourself be charmed by Carennac. Cobbled streets and stone houses with brown roofs and carved windows wind their way around the 11th-century Cluniac priory where Fénelon once lived. From its rocky terrace, admire the valley and the panoramic views that make the Dordogne so beautiful.
Ready to wander through this medieval gem and discover its secrets?
A Cluniac retreat in the Dordogne Valley
Set along the river, Carennac blends the Dordogne, fair-coloured stone and Cluniac heritage for a timeless getaway.
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Word of Mouth
It was in Carennac that Fénelon, the future Archbishop of Cambrai, is said to have written *The Adventures of Telemachus* for Louis XIV’s grandson. A masterpiece born on the banks of the Dordogne!
Your experiences to live in Carennac
©Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Strolling through the village
Set off to explore Carennac by following the ‘Pays d’Art et d’Histoire’ walking tour! From the cloister to the bridge over the Médéric, let yourself be guided through the cobbled alleyways, past the Renaissance houses and across the panoramic views of the Dordogne.
Sample the local flavours
On summer Tuesdays, head to the castle grounds for the farmers’ market! Sample the produce, have a chat and stock up on local specialities straight from the producers of the Lot region.
A stroll along the banks of the Dordogne
Fancy a moment of peace and quiet? Follow the path that runs alongside the Dordogne, listen to the murmur of the water and make the most of the benches for a contemplative break overlooking the river.
Ideas for everyone, all the time
From Oct. 17, 2026 to Oct. 31, 2026
Festival Résurgence : Château des Doyens - Expositions et visite libre
The Heritage Area of the Pays d?art et d?histoire Causses et Vallée de la Dordogne is arranged in the form of exhibitions in the Château des Doyens
The Heritage Center of the Causses and Dordogne Valley Region of Art and History is organized as a series of exhibitions within the Château des Doyens. Built in the 16th century to serve as a prestigious residence for the deans, it exemplifies Renaissance art with its sculpted dormer windows and corner turrets. Inside, the state room is adorned with a remarkable painted ceiling from the early 17th century. The name Fénelon, tutor to Louis XIV’s grandson, remains closely associated with this château, as he served as its dean from 1681 to 1695. ----------------------------------
Theme of the temporary exhibition: “The Castles Tell Their Stories!” July 1 through October 31, 2026. Put on your finest shoes and set out to discover the region’s castles. From medieval castles to contemporary “museum” castles, including a 16th-century residential mansion, come discover the eventful history of these iconic monuments and how they’ve evolved over the centuries. Through interactive displays, observation activities, and age-appropriate materials, this exhibition for all ages will help you understand how these monuments have shaped our region. So, are you ready to set out on a journey to explore the castles?
The exhibition design is by Compagnie la Rotule.
For more information, visit www.cauvaldor.fr or call 05 65 33 81 36.
Next dates:
- From 10/17/2026 to 10/31/2026
Open every day - From 10/17/2026 to 10/31/2026
Open every day
46110 CARENNAC
From Oct. 27, 2026 to Oct. 31, 2026
Stage Créatif en itinérance "La maison aux histoires"
For 5 days, meet in Carennac to invent and build the scenes of the great "Haunted Castle" which will be presented on October 31 in front of the village and the public, very curious about this type of event
On the program for this workshop:
Imagine scenes to inhabit the haunted castle after the 100-year war,
to make people laugh, shiver and surprise
Create sets, props, lights, sound effects
..
For 5 days, meet in Carennac to invent and build the scenes of the great "Haunted Castle" which will be presented on October 31 in front of the village and the public, very curious about this type of event
On the program for this workshop:
Imagine scenes to inhabit the haunted castle after the 100-year war,
to make people laugh, shiver and surprise
Create sets, props, lights, sound effects
.... just like in a real escape game
And put together an immersive journey working together
Accommodation and activities by age group.
Next dates:
- From 10/27/2026 to 10/31/2026
The Oct. 29, 2026 from 3 p.m.
Pays d'Art et d'Histoire : Atelier famille - A vos tampons, prêt, château !
After a brief tour of the exhibition *Les Châteaux se racontent!*, make your own stamps with illustrator Anne Rouquette, and play with repeating shapes to create original postcards from the Lot.
In conjunction with the R%E9surgence festival, Chose publique
After a brief tour of the exhibition *Les Châteaux se racontent!*, make your own stamps with illustrator Anne Rouquette, and play with repeating patterns to create original postcards from the Lot region.
In conjunction with the R%E9surgence festival, Chose publique. Ages 6 and up.
Next dates:
- 10/29/2026
Open every day
The Oct. 30, 2026 from 7 p.m.
Pays d'Art et d'Histoire : Rencontre-Conférence - Soirée Cult / Science et pop’ culture
The Cauvaldor Community of Municipalities and the Carrefour des Sciences et des Arts association invite you to a brand-new, one-of-a-kind “Soirée Cult”!
The medieval era will be under the microscope!
A fun and interactive event blending science and pop culture: discover movie clips, analyze scenes from cult movies and TV shows with our experts, plus quizzes, raffles, and popcorn!
Alternative venue in case of extreme cold: Salle du Vieux Quercy, Carennac
The Cauvaldor Community of Municipalities and the Carrefour des Sciences et des Arts association invite you to a brand-new, one-of-a-kind “Soirée Cult”!
The medieval era will be under the microscope!
A fun and interactive event blending science and pop culture: discover movie clips, analyze scenes from cult movies and TV shows with our experts, plus quizzes, raffles, and popcorn!
Alternative venue in case of extreme cold: Salle du Vieux Quercy, Carennac. Registered participants will be notified in the event of a venue change.
Ages 8 and up.
Next dates:
- 10/30/2026
Open every day
The Nov. 5, 2026 from 6:30 p.m.
Pays d'Art et d'Histoire : visite ludique en famille "Les apprentis géologues !"
Discover Carennac from a different angle, that of a geologist! Equipped with magnifying glasses, mini-zooms and a booklet, observe the rocks and place them on the time scale. For further information, call 05 65 33 81 36 and at www.pays-vallee.dordogne.com
Next dates:
- 11/05/2026
Open every day
From Dec. 12, 2026 to Dec. 13, 2026
18è marché de Noël de Carennac
This year, once again, let yourself be enchanted by a Christmas Market like no other, nestled in the exceptional, history-laden setting of the magnificently illuminated cloister
Once again this year, let yourself be enchanted by a Christmas Market like no other, nestled in the exceptional, history-laden setting of the magnificently illuminated cloister. Passionate craftspeople, local designers and producers of sweet treats await you to share their know-how, handmade treasures and the warm spirit of Christmas. A market that warms the heart, celebrates the handmade and makes the eye shine? Come with family, friends or simply to enjoy an enchanted interlude
Next dates:
- 12/12/2026
Open every day - 12/13/2026
Open every day
Cycling loops
From Carennac, there are several cycle loops waiting for you to explore the Dordogne Valley! Among them is a lovely 80 km ride linking other ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’ such as Martel, Collonges-la-Rouge and Curemonte, perfect for cycling with friends through the Lot countryside.
‘Around the Ruins of Taillefer’ Walk
Set off to explore Carennac and the surrounding area. Walk along the banks of the Dordogne up to the plateau and admire the ruins of Taillefer Castle, perched high above the valley, for a panoramic view steeped in history.
Canoeing and kayaking on the Dordogne
Fancy cooling off? Paddle down the Dordogne in a canoe, kayak or even on a stand-up paddleboard. Choose your route (10, 15 or 25 km), glide along the water and enjoy the river and its scenery, for an afternoon combining adventure and relaxation.
Map of Carennac
Extend the visit to near Carennac
Loubressac
(8 km)
Curemonte
(9 km)
Martel
(10 km)
Prepare your stay at Carennac
Office de Tourisme Vallée de la Dordogne
Accessibility
Carennac
# Accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite : Village accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite et aux poussettes
# Parking : Stationnement gratuit toute l'année
# Parking : Emplacements de stationnement pour vélo
# Aire de stationnement pour camping-car : à moins de 15 mn à pieds
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Carennac
