In the surroundings

Walcome to Cajarc: a village combining history and dynamism

Cajarc combines the charm of a Lot village with a remarkable energy, both cultural and festive. This ancient medieval town, nestling in the heart of the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, invites you to stroll along the banks of the River Lot, admire the pretty, picturesque stone houses and wander through the narrow, flower-filled streets. You’re likely to pass the 14th-century church of St Etienne, the Palais de l’Hébrardie and the Maison Quoirez (birthplace of Françoise Sagan) to get your fill of history. Famous for its link with Georges Pompidou, Cajarc is also a mecca for contemporary art, with the Maison des Arts Georges et Claude Pompidou. In July, don’t miss the much-loved Festival of African Cultures! And it would be a shame not to visit the Cajarc market (Saturday afternoon) and chat to the local shopkeepers about local delicacies (and try them, of course)! Take the time to stop off at La Plogne viewpoint a little further on and admire the panoramic views over Cajarc and the Lot valley. Get out your camera!

An invigorating moment at the Plan d'Eau de Cajarc: between relaxation and sporting activities

Who doesn’t dream of meeting up at the water’s edge on a hot summer’s day? Just the thing! No need for the sea or the ocean, the Plan d’Eau de Cajarc (Cajarc Nature Evasion) welcomes you to a natural and relaxing setting just a 10-minute walk from the campsite. A real piece of paradise for all the family. Bordered by the River Lot, this landscaped site offers an ideal beach for lounging, but will also delight thrill-seekers: paddle, canoe or even water-ski. Don’t judge – a sunbathing session will do just as well! And don’t forget the shaded picnic area, perfect for a convivial lunch in the heart of nature!

Pedalos are great, but not as refreshing as a natural swim in the Lot's rivers!

For those who like to swim in the great outdoors, and those who like to spot small perch and roach, head for the secret spots of Saujac and Marcilhac. At Saujac (5km from Cajarc), the Lot reveals a beautiful natural beach where the water is calm and refreshing (supervised swimming). Overlooked by cliffs and surrounded by greenery, this little haven of peace and wilderness is perfect for a relaxing break or a peaceful swim. Don’t forget your towel… Moving on to another river, Marcilhac-sur-Célé (15km) offers an exceptional setting on the banks of the Célé. The crystal-clear water is perfect for a swim, and the picturesque surroundings, with Marcilhac Abbey in the background, add a touch of magic. Ideal for a refreshing moment after a good hike in the valley!

Getaway to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie: the unspoilt jewel of the Lot region

Twenty kilometres from Cajarc, this timeless hilltop village, listed as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’, will take your breath away. It’s a real trip and a moment of disconnection that won’t leave you indifferent! Welcome to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. With its narrow cobbled streets, medieval houses with brown-tiled roofs and craft shops (you’re welcome to pick up a souvenir), it’s a great place to take a stroll with the family! You’ll discover vestiges of its rich past, such as the fortified Gothic church and the ruins of the château of the Lords of Lapopie. The views over the Lot valley are breathtaking, so don’t miss out… Hiking enthusiasts can take the towpath (really, it’s worth it), carved out of the cliffs, for an unforgettable stroll along the banks of the Lot. For a gourmet break, stop off at one of the village restaurants and sample some Quercy specialities or an ice cream. And last but not least: bring your best walking shoes, because yes, the best views are often higher up… and in St-Cirq-Lapopie, it’s all uphill!

Another wonder of the Lot: Rocamadour, between heaven and earth

A local architectural and historical gem, you’ve probably already seen a photo of it… A major pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages, Rocamadour is set in a picture-postcard setting: a spectacular hilltop village on several levels, with an overhanging castle, shrines in the heart of the rock and charming cobbled streets. The view from the heights overlooking the valley offers a unique panorama. You’ll catch a glimpse of the UNESCO-listed Basilica of Saint-Sauveur and the crypt of Saint-Amadour. Take a diversion to the belvedere at l’Hospitalet, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the village and the Alzou valley. For those who don’t mind strenuous walking, head up the grand escalier des pénitents, which leads to the sanctuaries where the Black Madonna, a statue venerated for centuries, rests (yes, it’s worth it too). After the effort, it’s time for comfort! Treat yourself to a warm Rocamadour, perfect with a glass of Cahors wine (always in moderation).

The Pech Merle caves: experience a prehistoric adventure

Located half an hour from the campsite, the Pech Merle caves will take you back in time (don’t worry, it’s only for a visit…) to the heart of prehistory. This unique site is home to rock paintings created by our distant ancestors over 25,000 years ago. Among these impressive frescoes, those depicting majestic spotted horses, mammoths and human silhouettes may well speak to you! But Pech Merle is also a striking underground setting, where stalactites and stalagmites form a mineral cathedral sculpted over the centuries. Discover these buried secrets on a guided tour that’s sure to please young and old alike! For even more history (you can never have too much), the adjoining prehistory centre completes the visit with interactive exhibitions giving an insight into the life of Palaeolithic man. A must-see in the region! You don’t need animal skin to visit the site, but a fleece jacket for the coolness of the caves may be useful…

The Gouffre de Padirac: a timeless underground adventure

At 103 metres underground, you don’t need to be afraid of the cold! Welcome to one of the most spectacular natural sites in France! The Gouffre de Padirac (1 hour’s drive from the campsite) is a vertiginous descent, where the adventure begins as soon as you arrive. After taking the stairs (or the lift for the less adventurous), you’ll board a boat for an enchanting ride on an underground river. A mixture of transparent water and incredible scenery enhanced by a beautiful play of lights, creating an almost unreal atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll discover grandiose chambers such as the Great Dome Room, whose vault rises to a height of 94 metres, and rock formations that look like natural sculptures. The thousand-year-old stalactites and stalagmites shaped by water over the centuries will leave you breathless!It’s a magical experience that will amaze young and old alike. And don’t forget to bring a jumper…

Escapade in Figeac: between history, art and heritage

Figeac is a real journey back in time in the heart of the Lot. The birthplace of Jean-François Champollion (the man who deciphered the hieroglyphs), Figeac will win you over with its medieval atmosphere and heritage. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets and admire the superb half-timbered houses. Don’t miss the Musée Champollion – Les Écritures du Monde, a fascinating place that will plunge you into the history of writing and the famous linguist. You’ll probably pass the replica of the Rosetta Stone carved in stone (Place des Ecritures). If you love markets, there’s nothing like a gourmet break at the Figeac market (Saturday), where you can chat to the shopkeepers and sample the specialities of the Lot! For those who enjoy walking in the great outdoors, this is the starting point for numerous hikes of all levels in the Célé valley, to admire the sublime landscapes of the area. It’s a great day out for the whole family, with plenty of memories to be made!

A trip to Cahors: between vineyards and exceptional heritage

Welcome to the capital of the Lot! Cahors is a city of enchanting charm, combining medieval remains, gourmet delights and exceptional vineyards. One of the city’s must-sees is the famous Pont Valentré, a 14th-century jewel listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which majestically spans the River Lot. For an uninterrupted view over the town, hikers can set off on the ascent of Mont Saint-Cyr (although it does involve a few steps, but it’s suitable for all the family). At the highest point, you can admire the panoramic view over Cahors and its meander, and the Lot valley. Picnic tables or bleachers near the viewpoint are available for your snack break! The historic centre is full of treasures: Saint-Étienne cathedral and its sublime cloister, cobbled streets, old houses and lively squares where you can relax on a terrace. When it comes to gastronomy, don’t miss the Cahors market and take your pick from the local specialities: foie gras, Rocamadour cheese and, of course, Cahors wine, that famous intense, full-bodied Malbec (no less…). Wine lovers can follow the Cahors vineyards route, with tastings at family-run estates and panoramic views over the wine-growing hills. A not-to-be-missed stop-off on your holiday itinerary…

Outdoor activities in the heart of nature: to enjoy a day out with the family!

If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, you’ve come to the right place! The Cajarc region is full of nature activities for adventurers looking for thrills or leisurely strolls. Take your pick, there’s something for everyone! Between the cliffs of the Causse, the banks of the Lot and the exceptional panoramic views over the valley, experience adventure to the full. The towpath at Bouziès and the paths leading to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie are breathtaking! Take to the waterways of the Lot or Célé, in a kayak or canoe. The views are just as incredible from the river, where you can admire all the wildlife in these unspoilt surroundings. For even more thrills? Come and discover the bowels of the Lot and try your hand at caving in Cajarc (for the more adventurous, of course), accompanied by a professional. With its stalactites, underground rivers and secret caves, the Lot hides many treasures underground. And if you’d like to see the cliffs from even closer up, the climbing and via ferrata at Liauzu will take you to new heights for a unique adventure that’s as close to nature as you can get!

Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park: unspoilt nature and mystery

Welcome to the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, an area where limestone landscapes, sheer cliffs and vast plateaux mingle with lush green valleys and crystal-clear rivers. Designated a World Geopark by UNESCO, this park is not to be missed, if you want to recharge your batteries in the heart of nature.

You can venture out on hiking trails through lunar landscapes home to dolmens and cazelles, the small stone huts typical of the Quercy region. The more inquisitive can explore the park’s fascinating karstic phenomena, such as chasms and caves sculpted by water over thousands of years (don’t be afraid of a bit of adventure!).In terms of flora and fauna, the park is home to a remarkable biodiversity, including Bonelli’s eagles, roe deer and bats. And once night has fallen, the show goes on with an exceptional starry sky, recognised as one of the purest in Europe thanks to the Quercy International Starry Sky Reserve. Perfect for a relaxing evening under the stars!

Vous pourrez vous aventurer sur des sentiers de randonnée traversant des paysages lunaires abritant dolmens et cazelles, ces petites cabanes en pierre typiques du Quercy. Les plus curieux pourront explorer les phénomènes karstiques fascinants du parc, comme les gouffres ou les grottes sculptées par l’eau depuis des millénaires (n’ayez pas peur de l’aventure !). Côté faune et flore, le parc abrite une biodiversité remarquable : comme les aigles de Bonelli, chevreuils et chauves-souris. Et une fois la nuit tombée, le spectacle continue avec un ciel étoilé exceptionnel, reconnu comme l’un des plus purs d’Europe grâce à la Réserve Internationale de Ciel Étoilé du Quercy. Parfait pour une soirée détente sous les étoiles !