Which campsites are ideal for visiting Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (near Cahors) in the Lot?

Camping around Saint-Cirq-Lapopie can be a great way to discover this iconic village while enjoying an outdoor experience. The village is set in splendid natural surroundings, with impressive cliffs and lush vegetation. Most of the campsites allow you to immerse yourself in this picturesque atmosphere and get close to nature, whether you're hiking, canoeing or simply enjoying the fresh air. We've selected for you:

There are 2 campsites in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, near Cahors:

Campsite La Truffière in Lot/Quercy

La Truffière campsite *** : Open from April to the end of September, La Truffière campsite offers around a hundred pitches and over 20 rental accommodation options, particularly chalets. There's a heated outdoor swimming pool with two 25-metre pools, a paddling pool, a solarium and a wellness area with a spa. A variety of activities and entertainment are available, including volleyball, kayaking, horse riding, hiking and bike hire. Children can have fun at the mini club and motorhome owners can take advantage of a craft terminal inside the La Truffière campsite.

Campsite with swimming pool and beach at St Cirq Lapopie (46330) in the Lot valley - Quercy

Looking for a family campsite with a beach in the Lot?

Discover Camping La Plage ****: this second campsite in the village itself (46330) is also open from early April to late September and is set in a nature park with direct access to the village's famous and only beach. With 120 pitches and 30 rentals ranging from tents to chalets and mobile homes, the choice is yours! When it comes to sports, you can hire canoes, kayaks and paddles, as well as playing basketball, volleyball and badminton. During the school holidays, children can take advantage of the entertainment provided by the top-notch team of activity leaders, and the whole family can get together for evening entertainment with top-quality service.

3-star campsite around Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: family campsite in the Lot valley with swimming pool

Aux Lodges du Mas de Nadal *** campsite in Sauliac-sur-Célé. This campsite is less than 20 km from the village of St-Cirq-Lapopie, voted one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Set in the forest in the regional nature park, it has over 40 pitches and more than 20 tent rentals. For your leisure, a heated swimming pool is available on site, as well as a snack bar, volleyball and table tennis, and entertainment during the summer season. A real family campsite in the Lot.

Cheaper campsites near Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: family campsites in Quercy

Camping Bel air ** in Limogne-en-Quercy. It's only 14 km from the village of St-Cirq-Lapopie and has the advantage of being open all year round! Of its 50 pitches, 10 are reserved for rental, with canvas bungalows, mobile homes and tents. An aquatic area with an outdoor swimming pool is available on site, as well as a paddling pool for the little ones, a children's play area and an area for motorhomes inside the campsite with an approved passageway. Pets are allowed on the pitches. Bike hire is available. Badminton, petanque, tennis and table tennis are available for your stay at the campsite.

If you'd like to explore the Lot from every angle, the Lot, Célé and Dordogne valleys and the Quercy region, you can find all the campsites in the Lot by clicking here.

What are the village's must-see treasures?

The historic centre, a medieval treasure trove

The village is entirely pedestrianised, preserving its timeless atmosphere and ensuring a more enjoyable and authentic visitor experience. The cobbled streets, lined with half-timbered houses, small shady squares and arched passageways, provide the perfect backdrop for strolling and losing yourself in the past. Every corner of the village seems to tell a story, from the majestic church of Saint-Cirq to the house of the painter Jean Lurçat, via the remains of the castle and its fortifications. The views over the Lot valley, with its mountains and lush green meadows, are spectacular and add to the charm of this medieval village.

The village church, typical of the Middle Ages

The church of Saint-Cirq-et-Sainte-Julitte sits at the top of the village, with a breathtaking view over the Lot valley. The building is constructed of local limestone, giving it a light colour that contrasts magnificently with the winding streets of the village and the surrounding landscape. The church is modest in size but imposing in its verticality and simplicity. It is mainly Romanesque in style, although there are also Gothic elements that have been added over time. It owes its name to the two saints venerated there: Saint Cirq (or Saint Cyr) and Saint Julitte. According to Christian tradition, Saint Cirq was a young martyr, and Saint Julitte, his mother, was killed with him. The church was erected in their memory, and iconographic elements referring to their story can be found throughout the building. Inside, the atmosphere is both intimate and majestic, with high stone walls that bear witness to the history of the place. There is a large nave, often bathed in soft light thanks to the coloured stained glass windows, which add a touch of colour to the sober interior. The ceiling is made of wood, with exposed beams, and the architecture of the building is typical of medieval churches in south-west France.

The spectacular view from the castle ruins

The view from the ruins of the château is nothing short of spectacular. At the top of the hill, more than 100 meters above the river, there is a breathtaking view over the Lot valley. The village itself seems to hang in the air, with its stone houses clinging to the mountain, their red-tiled roofs forming a picturesque patchwork. On one side, you can see the contours of the canyon carved out by the River Lot, which meanders below, bordered by wooded cliffs. On the other hand, the green hills stretch as far as the eye can see, with fields and forests that seem to blend into the landscape. The river glistens in the sunlight and the reflections of the water add a touch of magic to the whole. It's a breathtaking, almost timeless view, where nature and history meet in perfect balance. It's one of those places where every glance reveals a little more beauty and you don't want to leave.

The Breton and Rignault House

Situated at the foot of the village, this house embodies all the charm of the medieval architecture of the south-west. The building itself has stone walls, typical of the region, with small cross-hung windows and painted wooden shutters. The roof is often covered in red tiles or slate, creating perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape. Inside, the house is warm and welcoming, with exposed beams, antique fireplaces and rustic yet refined decor. The garden is a key feature. A true haven of peace, it is carefully landscaped to offer both magnificent views of the surrounding hills and shady spots in which to relax. Exhibitions on André Breton and Surrealism are often held here.

The Maison Daura, a former hospice

A former hospice dating back to the Middle Ages, the Maison Daura, named after the painter and modernist artist Pierre Daura, is a historic building distinguished by its typical regional architecture, both solid and picturesque. It was founded at a time when hospitals and hospices were essential places for pilgrims and travellers passing through. The building is characterised by its stone walls, slate roof and deep, narrow windows, all of which bear witness to the medieval period. The interior still retains some of its original features, such as ribbed vaults and stone staircases. At the time, the house was used to house the sick, beggars and pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Today, the Maison Daura is a place of remembrance and dissemination of the artist's work, but it is also a cultural centre. It hosts temporary art exhibitions and events and honours the work of Pierre Daura and his family. It is also a place that celebrates the meeting of art and nature, as it is set in an exceptional setting, offering visitors immersive experience of art while being anchored in the picturesque landscape of the Lot.

The Mariners' House, owned by André Breton

A fascinating place, especially for those interested in literary history and art. This house was once owned by André Breton, the father of Surrealism. Breton acquired the house in 1952, and it served as his refuge and source of inspiration for several years. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, with its picturesque narrow streets and medieval architecture, is a place for reflection and imagination. Breton came here to get away from the hustle and bustle of Paris and to work on his writings. The house, overlooking the Lot valley, was both a place of creation and contemplation. A visit to the house reveals not only the story of this great writer, but also the special atmosphere that reigned there. There are Breton's personal objects, surrealist works of art, and decorative elements that reflect his taste for the bizarre and dreamlike. There are also references to his poetic universe and his encounters with other emblematic figures of Surrealism. A fascinating discovery.

Discovering hiking routes

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is an excellent starting point for walks in and around the Lot. Nestling on the banks of the River Lot, this village also offers an exceptional setting for nature lovers. Discover the Causses du Quercy or the towpath carved into the cliff towards Cahors. The Pech Merle cave trail takes you to the famous cave and its prehistoric paintings. You'll pass through a variety of landscapes, with cliffs, forests and breathtaking views over the Lot valley. The Pech Merle site is well worth a visit, with its rock paintings and exceptional geological formations. The walk is of medium difficulty and covers 9 km, taking around 2? hours.

The Viewpoints trail. This trail offers magnificent views of the cliffs of the Lot and the village of St-Cirq-Lapopie. The route is easy, but offers incredible views over the Lot valley, particularly from the Forêt des Aresquiers plateau and the valley ridge. The gradient is moderate, and the walk is estimated to take between 2? and 3 hours.image

The beach at St-Cirq, a refreshing break

It's a picturesque, peaceful spot, ideal for relaxing by the water. Situated on the banks of the River Lot, this small beach is easily accessible from the village. It is well-maintained, with splendid views of the cliffs and hanging houses of the village, creating a beautiful and soothing setting. Swimming is permitted and even supervised in summer but beware of the depth of the water and the currents, depending on the season and the level of the river. It's a perfect place to cool off on hot summer days. Here you can go canoeing and kayaking (canoe hire) and discover the magnificent river scenery as you glide along peacefully. It's also an ideal spot to spend some quality time with family and friends.

The atmosphere here is really relaxed and friendly, perfect for a day out or a quiet afternoon after exploring the charming medieval village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie.