Bourg Médiéval de Saint-Cirq Lapopie
Bourg Médiéval de Saint-Cirq Lapopie
Bourg Médiéval de Saint-Cirq Lapopie
4.5
Historic SitesHistoric Walking AreasChurches & Cathedrals
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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22 within 5 kms
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13 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
1,007 reviews
Excellent
666
Very good
239
Average
54
Poor
22
Terrible
26
NickBrum
Southampton, UK68 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
Having visited many of the most popular historic towns and villages in the Dordogne and Aveyron regions I thought I had seen the best this part of France had to offer, so when I first set eyes on the village of Saint-Cirq Lapopie from the D8 that passes high above I was absolutely taken aback by it's beauty. This village must truly rank as one of the finest and best preserved medieval villages in all France, certainly one of my favourites, and if you are in the area I would highly recommend a visit.
Parking is very easy and plentiful, served by 2 large and modern car parks to the east of the village, with more higher up to the west. Of the two I would recommend those to the east as they afford those with a normal level of fitness the chance to approach the village via some lovely wooded lanes that slowly allow the views of the village to build as you approach, culminating with a stunning medieval vista of town and river from the Pelissaria gateway.
Your first port of call should be the tourist information office, located at the western end of the town overlooking the Place du Sombral, where you can pick up a very good free guide to the town in English, and also sit outside the many historic restaurants that line the square for a relaxing breakfast and the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere before you begin your visit.
Lapopie has so many beautiful old buildings crammed into its small number of narrow criss-crossing streets that much pleasure can be had just wandering the streets and imagining the lives and events that must have played out in them over the centuries. There is so much to see in this village, from the scattered ruins of the Senechal's fort perched high above village and river, to the church with its beautiful tower and the half-timbered medieval houses dating from the 12th to 16th centuries.
If that were all to see in Lapopie then that would be enough to warrant a visit in itself, but on completing your tour of the village descend to the shores of the Lot and follow the Chemin de Halage towpath west for a few kilometres to the nearby village of Bouzies, at first passing beneath the vertiginous wooded cliffs upon which the village stands, before crossing pleasant farmland and then the stunning towpath cut from the sheer face of the rock in 1845 to allow men and animals to pull flat-bottomed boats along the river. I’ve never seen anything like this in all my travels and it is well worth the effort.
The walk is easy, the going flat and relaxing and upon reaching Bouzies you have the option of either retracing your steps or catching a boat back. Be warned however that while there are frequent departures for stops further west there are very few that return to Lapopie and when we were there, despite it being only early afternoon, there were no more boats travelling east that day. As it was we didn’t mind as the opportunity to view the towpath and the scenery along the route a second time was even more rewarding than the first, and rather than retrace our steps all the way to the east of the village we took a detour up the marked GR36 path that branches off the road on the right, and took its steep and rough route up through the woods, coming out into the Place du Sombral just below the ramparts of the fort.
Saint-Cirq Lapopie is truly a gem of all the villages of the area and I can’t recommend this place highly enough. It remains one of our favourite days of our holiday to the region.
Parking is very easy and plentiful, served by 2 large and modern car parks to the east of the village, with more higher up to the west. Of the two I would recommend those to the east as they afford those with a normal level of fitness the chance to approach the village via some lovely wooded lanes that slowly allow the views of the village to build as you approach, culminating with a stunning medieval vista of town and river from the Pelissaria gateway.
Your first port of call should be the tourist information office, located at the western end of the town overlooking the Place du Sombral, where you can pick up a very good free guide to the town in English, and also sit outside the many historic restaurants that line the square for a relaxing breakfast and the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere before you begin your visit.
Lapopie has so many beautiful old buildings crammed into its small number of narrow criss-crossing streets that much pleasure can be had just wandering the streets and imagining the lives and events that must have played out in them over the centuries. There is so much to see in this village, from the scattered ruins of the Senechal's fort perched high above village and river, to the church with its beautiful tower and the half-timbered medieval houses dating from the 12th to 16th centuries.
If that were all to see in Lapopie then that would be enough to warrant a visit in itself, but on completing your tour of the village descend to the shores of the Lot and follow the Chemin de Halage towpath west for a few kilometres to the nearby village of Bouzies, at first passing beneath the vertiginous wooded cliffs upon which the village stands, before crossing pleasant farmland and then the stunning towpath cut from the sheer face of the rock in 1845 to allow men and animals to pull flat-bottomed boats along the river. I’ve never seen anything like this in all my travels and it is well worth the effort.
The walk is easy, the going flat and relaxing and upon reaching Bouzies you have the option of either retracing your steps or catching a boat back. Be warned however that while there are frequent departures for stops further west there are very few that return to Lapopie and when we were there, despite it being only early afternoon, there were no more boats travelling east that day. As it was we didn’t mind as the opportunity to view the towpath and the scenery along the route a second time was even more rewarding than the first, and rather than retrace our steps all the way to the east of the village we took a detour up the marked GR36 path that branches off the road on the right, and took its steep and rough route up through the woods, coming out into the Place du Sombral just below the ramparts of the fort.
Saint-Cirq Lapopie is truly a gem of all the villages of the area and I can’t recommend this place highly enough. It remains one of our favourite days of our holiday to the region.
Written 20 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
albertv1527
Utrecht, The Netherlands674 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
A beautiful and harmonious village for certain. It offers nice panoramic views over the countryside. But for me also a case of "it's not the destination, it's the journey towards it". The drive through the Lot valley, the panoramic view on Calvignac from the D622, and the hike from Bouziès to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie over the Chemin the Halage are my most fond memories at the end of the day. Going to this village was a good excuse to experience those memories.
Written 19 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AllieBucs
Fairfax, VA149 contributions
Aug 2019 • Couples
This village was hard to get to and had one parking lot outside the city, but did have a safe walking path for pedestrians. There’s a nice cliff with stairs so that you can take pictures of the village and church below. When we went in August there were a lot of tourists and shops open, but it was a really nice stop on our road trip. We had a drink at the top of the hill and had a great view of the city.
Written 8 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nickpickles
Wadebridge, UK225 contributions
Feb 2019
This is a delightful hill top village overlooking the Lot river and an absolute delight.
Everywhere was shut but the location, architecture and location and views were so worth while the visit.
We enjoyed a quiet riverside walk along the walnut trees on the river bank, very peaceful and idyllic
Everywhere was shut but the location, architecture and location and views were so worth while the visit.
We enjoyed a quiet riverside walk along the walnut trees on the river bank, very peaceful and idyllic
Written 8 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aussies_Travelling
Melbourne, Australia33 contributions
Jun 2018
This village captured our hearts and imaginations 25 years ago. This year, we returned and stayed in one of the few apartments available. It is a delightful place, and a great base for exploring other medieval towns and villages in the area - if you have a car. The village is steep, so not the best place to stay if you need assistance or struggle physically, but for those whom this is not a problem, the village is worth a decent stop on your way past, if you can't afford to be here longer.
Written 10 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tk3232
Sugar Land, TX4,264 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
The wonderfully-named St-Cirq Lapopie is as lovely and quirky as its name. Perched about 100 meters (about 325 feet) above the River Lot, it clings to the rocks in dramatic fashion. St-Cirq is definitely a place to explore on foot. The big local TI (located at main plaza) can provide a map for a self-guided walking tour through the village and its medieval streets and cobbled alleyways. In village is not much to do but you'll find picnic perches, a handful of galleries and numerous restaurants, and breathtaking views from the bottom and top of the village. Limited shopping and I could not find any groceries stores (except wine retail store).
Getting into this village was our dream for several years. And finally we visited this wonderful place. I did not see such beauty of natural views anywhere. Take a relax cruise by Lot River (a gabare operates from neighboring village Bouzies as round trip, read article about Bouzies). Climb up to the viewpoint called le Rocher de la Popie, this high point was the site of the original chateau, the view over river Lot is spectacular. Take your time if you are there, the village deserves the full day or two of slower enjoyment and leisure.
Getting into this village was our dream for several years. And finally we visited this wonderful place. I did not see such beauty of natural views anywhere. Take a relax cruise by Lot River (a gabare operates from neighboring village Bouzies as round trip, read article about Bouzies). Climb up to the viewpoint called le Rocher de la Popie, this high point was the site of the original chateau, the view over river Lot is spectacular. Take your time if you are there, the village deserves the full day or two of slower enjoyment and leisure.
Written 28 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antony S
Tetbury, UK212 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
The beautiful approach along the wooded river valley and climbing through the steep lanes, was just a warm up act. A walk from the car park started to reveal the historic village in all its glory.
A selection of well priced cafes and restaurants, and small craft shops in steep narrow lanes, lead to a short climb up to the viewing point. The top offers grand views across the village, and to the meandering river below.
This must be on your to visit list
A selection of well priced cafes and restaurants, and small craft shops in steep narrow lanes, lead to a short climb up to the viewing point. The top offers grand views across the village, and to the meandering river below.
This must be on your to visit list
Written 7 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hans-jaguar
Santa Comba Dao, Portugal24,044 contributions
Jul 2022
You can leave the car on one of the 6 parking spaces and then you walk downhill to start your visit of the village, it resembles a medieval village and is very pleasant to walk there, it has small shops, a ruin of a castle, an Tourist office, need houses and the beautiful church, and also for the empty stomachs there is plenty of choice. Highly recommended.
Written 17 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iweinvanaalst
Lille, Belgium599 contributions
Aug 2019
Saint Cirq Lapopie is beautifully located on a rock high above the river Lot. Walking its streets is stepping back in time as they are lined with lovingly restored (mostly) medieval houses.
I participated in a guided tour hosted by the Tourist Office, lasting about two hours. Leonie proved an excellent guide : knowledgeable, passionate about heritage and open to questions. She showed us the highlights of the village (castle ruins, church, main street), pointed out architectural details and commented ongoing excavations.
The entire village is a pedestrian zone and there are fine artistry shops, atmospheric restaurants and cozy terraces.
Be aware that there Is a lot of steep ground to cover.
I participated in a guided tour hosted by the Tourist Office, lasting about two hours. Leonie proved an excellent guide : knowledgeable, passionate about heritage and open to questions. She showed us the highlights of the village (castle ruins, church, main street), pointed out architectural details and commented ongoing excavations.
The entire village is a pedestrian zone and there are fine artistry shops, atmospheric restaurants and cozy terraces.
Be aware that there Is a lot of steep ground to cover.
Written 23 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
René Ramon
Stamford Bridge, UK918 contributions
Aug 2019
Nice to see this village again after 3 years. Nothing has changed and probably nothing will in years to come but, it's still a lovely town with lots of restaurants, eating places, souvenir shops etc. Nice to spend some hours overlooking the rooftops and down the valley to the river.
Written 2 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola, me gustaria saber el precio del parquing para visitar el pueblo , gracias.
Written 9 December 2018
Hola David, el parking costa 4€ per vehiculo de marzo a noviembre. El más próximo es el parking P4.
Written 11 December 2018
Ou se garer avec une personne handicapée?
Written 7 August 2018
Bonjour, Il vous faut contacter la Mairie qui saura vous renseigner en fonction de votre jour et horaire d'arrivée.
Appelez-les au 05 65 31 24 14
Bonne journée
Written 9 August 2018
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