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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 Aug. 31, 2026 to Sept. 27, 2026
Exposition de photographies - Dieuzaide et l'architecture médiéval occitane
The exhibition features black-and-white photographs taken by Jean Dieuzaide of Occitan medieval heritage
The exhibition features black-and-white photographs taken by Jean Dieuzaide of Occitan medieval heritage. Their aesthetic is compared to visual media of the past and present
10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Sundays
Next dates:
- From 08/31/2026 to 09/27/2026
Open every day - From 08/31/2026 to 09/27/2026
Open every day
46110 CARENNAC
From Sept. 1, 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 09/01/2026 to 10/16/2026
Open every day - From 09/01/2026 to 10/16/2026
Open every day - From 10/17/2026 to 10/31/2026
Open every day
46110 CARENNAC
The Sept. 18, 2026
Conférence - Olympe de Gouges, liberté, égalité, humanité
Olympe de Gouges (1748–1793), a committed woman of letters, a pioneer of feminism, and a passionate abolitionist, defended %E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9equality and human rights until her death.
A toast to friendship
Olympe de Gouges (1748–1793), a committed woman of letters, a pioneer of feminism, and a passionate abolitionist, defended %E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9%E9equality and human rights until her death.
A toast to friendship
Next dates:
- 09/18/2026
46110 CARENNAC
The Oct. 17, 2026 from 9:30 a.m.
Festival Résurgence X : atelier participatif - sylvafresque
Nestled in a wooded area, the Sylvafresque workshop offers participants the opportunity to explore the fundamental needs and functioning of the %forest ecosystem, the services provided by the forest, and the work of foresters in the context of climate change
Bring-your-own picnic
Ages 17 and up
By reservation
Nestled in a wooded area, the Sylvafresque workshop offers participants the opportunity to explore the fundamental needs and functioning of the %forest ecosystem, the services provided by the forest, and the work of foresters in the context of climate change
Bring-your-own picnic
Ages 17 and up
By reservation
Next dates:
- 10/17/2026
Open every day
46110 CARENNAC
The Oct. 21, 2026 from 3 p.m.
Pays d'Art et d'Histoire : Atelier - Blason en papier
Using recycled paper, the children learn how to make paper pulp, then create their own coats of arms using stencils and colored fibers
Using recycled paper, children learn how to make paper pulp, then create their own coat of arms using stencils and colored fibers. A fun workshop for designing personal symbols and coats of arms.%A0
A workshop led by artist Charlotte Clauzel.
In conjunction with the R%E9surgence festival, Chose publique.
Free for accompanying adults. Reservations required only for participating children.
Next dates:
- 10/21/2026
Open every day
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
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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