Saint Cirq Lapopie

Tip for an even more exceptional visit.

For a smart visit to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, the trick is to ignore the lower parking lot and park in the P5 (Bancourel) lot located on the heights. This allows you to enter the village from above and immediately enjoy a breathtaking view over the slate roofs without having to tackle the climb. Don't just stick to the main street: the real secret is to climb to the Rocher de la Popie, where the old castles once stood. It's the highest point and offers the most spectacular panorama of the Lot River loop, 100 meters below. To escape the hustle and bustle of the art galleries, head down towards the Porte de Rocamadour and look for the small path that leads to the terraces of the Rignault Museum; its hanging gardens are havens of peace often overlooked by groups. As evening falls, leave the heart of the village and head towards the Bouziès towpath: it's from here, by the water's edge, that you truly appreciate the incredible feat of the village, literally clinging to its cliff. Finally, for a touch of the unusual, look out for the old workshops of woodturners, a historical specialty of the village, to discover handcrafted objects that are not mass-produced.