Discover Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, the medieval gem of Quercy and home to one of the most beautiful views of the Lot Valley
Perched above a bend in the river, Saint-Cirq-Lapopie draws you into the heart of its medieval atmosphere through its narrow streets lined with houses with sloping roofs, its fortified church and the ruins of its castle.
As you explore the village, you’ll come across historic doors, gardens and artisan shops. A village that inspires, it captivated André Breton and continues to attract artists past and present.
A medieval getaway on the Lot
Let yourself be captivated by the artistic spirit and medieval charm of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, where fortifications, works of art and panoramic views come together to create a unique scene.
In the words of a Saint-Cirq resident
In 1950, André Breton discovered Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and fell under its spell. He made the former Auberge des Mariniers his summer residence and even declared, “I no longer long to be anywhere else!”
Your experiences to live in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
©Gérard Trang – Cahors Lot Valley Tourist Office
Follow the towpath
For an easy yet spectacular walk, follow the towpath carved into the cliff face and admire the reflections of the River Lot on the 30-metre-long bas-relief sculpted by Daniel Monnier. An ideal family stroll along the riverbank.
Sample the specialities of the Quercy region
Fancy sampling some local specialities from Quercy? Why not try ‘pastis quercynois’ (an apple dessert flavoured with rum or Armagnac), foie gras, truffles or Rocamadour cheese? Wash it all down with a glass of Cahors wine (in moderation, of course!) for a real local feast!
Take part in the Saint-Cirq-Lapopie Triathlon
Swimming, cycling and running await you through the Lot and Célé valleys, on a route that combines speed with stunning views. So, are you ready to take on this unique sporting challenge?
Ideas for everyone, all the time
From April 28, 2026 to Nov. 11, 2026
Exposition: Radicale 2024
Radicale 1924 is an innovative artistic residency and exhibition project in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, founded by Belgian choreographer Chantal Yzermans. Over a four-year period (2021-2024), the "Radicale 2024" project welcomes artists and researchers, inviting them to live and work at the Maison Routier in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. This period of artistic residency will lead to a final celebration in 2024, the centenary of André Breton's Manifesto of Surrealism, published in 1924. With an exhibition running from September 28 to October 14, 2024, Radicale 1924 will take over the Centre International du Surréalisme et de la Citoyenneté mondiale for the final stage of the "Radicale 2024" project's final celebration. An exceptional opportunity to look at surrealism in the light of our present by inviting artists who reveal the present with playful, sensory, performative and poetic works, the program strives to address the multiple challenges of today?s world.
Next dates:
- From 04/28/2026 to 11/11/2026
Open every day - From 04/28/2026 to 11/11/2026
Open every day
46330 SAINT-CIRQ-LAPOPIE
The Oct. 10, 2026
Rencontre avec les artistes en résidence à la Maison Daura
We invite you to discover the six young artists currently in residence at Maisons Daura during a friendly gathering
We invite you to discover the six young artists currently in residence at Maisons Daura during a casual gathering. As you explore the works on display and the pieces currently in progress in their studios, you’ll have the opportunity to talk with the artists about their creative processes, their sources of inspiration, and their experiences discovering the Quercy region. The discussions will continue over a casual buffet.
As a reminder, four recent graduates are participating in the Horizons program, which brings together the Maison des arts and the four art colleges in the Occitanie region: Manon Crison-Carle (isdaT, Toulouse), Marie Izaac (ESAD Pyrénées, Pau-Tarbes), Cheyenne L’Huillier (MO.CO Esba, Montpellier), and Anafs Roubertou (ESBAN, Nîmes). As part of a partnership with the %C9SA—%C9cole sup%E9rieure d'art de La R%E9union—we are also hosting the artist C%E9lia Ringuin-Velleyen. In addition, Brazilian artist Sara Costa is participating as part of the France-Brazil Season and Villa Fatumbi, a residency program organized by the French Embassy in Brazil, in partnership with the Centro Cultural do Cariri (Crato, Brazil) and the Consulate General of France in Recife. Finally, Marion Zilio, a professor, researcher, curator, and art critic, has been invited to meet with the artists in residence for a week and to write a critical essay on each artist’s practice. As part of the Journées des Ateliers d’Artistes d’Occitanie
Next dates:
- 10/10/2026
46330 SAINT-CIRQ-LAPOPIE
From Oct. 10, 2026 to Oct. 11, 2026 from 11 a.m.
Visite de l'atelier de l'artiste Martine Tulet Art
To celebrate the Occitanie Artists’ Studios Open House, artist Martine Tulet invites you to visit her studio.
Artistic focus: Painting
My artistic career began in the 1980s in New York with black-and-white photography on the theme “the beauty of the female body as seen by a woman.”
To celebrate the Occitanie Artists’ Studios Open House, artist Martine Tulet invites you to visit her studio.
Artistic focus: Painting
My artistic career began in the 1980s in New York with black-and-white photography on the theme “the beauty of the female body as seen by a woman.” This allowed me to exhibit in many countries before trying other mediums to express myself. It was a journey of discovery: how did I want to express myself, and in what way? I experimented with many artistic mediums, including “Polaroid transfer,” digital collage and montage to create unique images from my photographs, watercolor, and gradually I moved toward painting. I learned the basics from French and American painters, but above all by working every day. I exhibit at pastel and art shows and in galleries. I have a studio in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie where I display my work.
Next dates:
- From 10/10/2026 to 10/11/2026
Open every day
46330 SAINT-CIRQ-LAPOPIE
From Nov. 7, 2026 to Dec. 5, 2026
Chantier muret en pierres sèches
Since 2023, the Friends of Saint Cirq have been restoring the old road from Cahors to Saint-Cirq
Since 2023, the Friends of Saint Cirq have been restoring the old road from Cahors to Saint-Cirq. Come and join us on this work site to share a nice moment and....learn how to make dry stone walls.
Next dates:
- 11/07/2026
Open every day - 12/05/2026
Open every day
A visit to the Létou Farm
Just a few minutes from the village, discover the Létou Farm and watch Alpine goats being milked in the open air. From the glass-fronted room, watch the famous Rocamadour AOP cheese being made. Young and old alike will love this outing, which is both educational and a treat for the taste buds!
Canoeing down the Lot or the Célé
An afternoon of canoeing is the perfect way to enjoy some quality time with friends in spectacular natural surroundings. Combining physical activity, a picnic, a swim and plenty of laughter, discover the Lot Valley on routes suitable for all levels.
Hike along the GR®651
This alternative route on the Way of St James from Le Puy follows the Célé Valley and offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature and heritage. Ideal for a day’s hike (or longer), it immerses you in the unspoilt countryside of the Lot, allowing you to fully recharge your batteries.
Hiking Cruise on the Lot
Admire Saint-Cirq-Lapopie from its cobbled streets … and from the River Lot! Set off from the village on a one-hour cruise to the port of Bouziès, then walk back along the towpath.
A walk in the hills above Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
Follow the footpaths around the village to reach the ridges and enjoy breathtaking views over the Lot and its cliffs. A 1½-hour walk, ideal for admiring the autumn colours across the valley and breathing in the fresh air.
Map of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
Prepare your stay at Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
Office de Tourisme Cahors Vallée du Lot
Accessibility
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
# Accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite : Village peu accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite et aux poussettes hors place du Sombral
# Parking : Stationnement payant ou partiellement payant en fonction de la période et de la situation
# Aire de stationnement pour camping-car : à moins de 15 mn à pieds
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