Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

Lot
Art & crafts
International Centre for Surrealism Artists’ residencies
Way of St James
Itinéraire alternatif à la voie du Puy-en-Velay
Nature & landscapes
Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park
River
The River Lot

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.

Centre international du surréalisme et de la citoyenneté mondiale pbvf

Centre international du surréalisme et de la citoyenneté mondiale

Step into the worlds of André Breton and Joseph Rignault. This unique centre blends poetry, creativity and social commitment, and features contemporary art exhibitions, panoramic gardens and space for reflection.

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Site du vieux château pbvf

Site du vieux château

Perched above the village, the old castle still bears traces of its medieval fortifications and towers.

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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

Follow the towpath ©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

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

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

Exposition: Radicale 2024

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
31 rue Joseph Emile Rignault
46330 SAINT-CIRQ-LAPOPIE
Journées Européennes du Patrimoine : Conférence de Michel Auvray : André Breton, Abel Bessac et l'affaire du Pech Merle

The Sept. 20, 2026 from 5:30 p.m.

Journées Européennes du Patrimoine : Conférence de Michel Auvray : André Breton, Abel Bessac et l'affaire du Pech Merle

At the mason de la Fourdonne - salle des mariages. Conference followed by a friendly drink at 7pm.

Next dates:

  • 09/20/2026
    Open every day
Maison de la Fourdonne
46330 SAINT-CIRQ-LAPOPIE
Triathlon de Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

From Sept. 26, 2026 to Sept. 27, 2026

Triathlon de Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

With a completely natural setting, the Causses du Quercy are ideal for triathlons! The Lot is a river that flows peacefully through the valley, so swimming will be fast because you'll be going with the flow! The roads of Quercy, ideal for triathlon! Fast through the Lot and Célé valleys, but also with some great climbs! A course offering 90 Km and 1,600 M of D+! The paths of Saint Cirq Lapopie, both hard and splendid! You'll arrive in the historic village at the end of the run, and pass along the towpath on the way there and back! The course will be 21 km long, with a D+ of 90 m! The different formats : xXL: 3.8Km Nat - 180Km Vélo - 42Km CAP The L is 2 Km Nat - 90 Km Bike - 21 Km CAP The M is 1.5 Km Nat - 38 Km Vélo - 10 Km CAP ? The S is 0.750 Km Nat - 20 Km Bicycle - 5 Km CAP ? The L Relay is 3 Km Nat - 98 Km Bike - 21 Km CAP

Next dates:

  • From 09/26/2026 to 09/27/2026
46330 SAINT-CIRQ-LAPOPIE
Triathlon de Saint-Cirq Lapopie

From Sept. 26, 2026 to Sept. 27, 2026

Triathlon de Saint-Cirq Lapopie

The Saint-Cirq Lapopie Triathlon takes place in the heart of the Causses du Quercy, in the emblematic town of Saint-Cirq Lapopie, one of the most beautiful villages in France

The Saint-Cirq Lapopie Triathlon takes place in the heart of the Causses du Quercy, in the emblematic commune of Saint-Cirq Lapopie, one of the most beautiful villages in France. 30 minutes from Cahors 1 hour from Rocamadour, a UNESCO World Heritage site 1? hours from Toulouse international airport

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Next dates:

  • From 09/26/2026 to 09/27/2026
Chantier muret en pierres sèches

From Oct. 3, 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:

  • 10/03/2026
    Open every day
  • 11/07/2026
    Open every day
  • 12/05/2026
    Open every day
46330 SAINT-CIRQ-LAPOPIE
Journées des Ateliers d'Artistes d'Occitanie :  rencontre avec les artistes en résidence à la Maison Daura

The Oct. 10, 2026

Journées des Ateliers d'Artistes d'Occitanie : rencontre avec les artistes en résidence à la Maison Daura

This fall, from September 7 to October 18, the Maison des arts is hosting six young artists in residence at the Maisons Daura.%A0

Four recently graduated artists 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 Isaac (ESAD Pyrénées, Pau-Tarbes), Cheyenne L’Huillier (MO.CO Esba, Montpellier), and Anafs Roubertou (Esban, Nîmes).

As part of a partnership with the %C9SA —the École supérieure d’art de La Réunion—we are also welcoming artist Célia Ringuin-Velleyen, who recently graduated from the school.%A0

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.%A0

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.%A0



Come meet the artists in residence as part of the Occitanie Artists’ Studios Days.

This fall, from September 7 to October 18, the Maison des arts is hosting six young artists in residence at the Maisons Daura.%A0

Four recently graduated artists 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 Isaac (ESAD Pyrénées, Pau-Tarbes), Cheyenne L’Huillier (MO.CO Esba, Montpellier), and Anafs Roubertou (Esban, Nîmes).

As part of a partnership with the %C9SA —the École supérieure d’art de La Réunion—we are also welcoming artist Célia Ringuin-Velleyen, who recently graduated from the school.%A0

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.%A0

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.%A0



Come meet the artists in residence as part of the Occitanie Artists’ Studios Days.

Next dates:

  • 10/10/2026
Maison Daura
46330 SAINT-CIRQ-LAPOPIE

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!

©Teddy Verneuil – Cahors Lot Valley Tourist Office

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

Extend the visit to near Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

Villeneuve

(29 km)

Capdenac-le-Haut

(34 km)

Cardaillac

(35 km)

Prepare your stay at Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

Office de Tourisme Cahors Vallée du Lot

Office de Tourisme Cahors Vallée du Lot

How to get here?

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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