Discovery hike in the Causses du Quercy Geopark
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationThe Lot / Massif Central
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions59.05 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Embark on a unique mineral adventure in the heart of the Causses du Quercy Geopark during a 4-day, 3-night loop stay based at the Poudally gîte. Discover a fascinating geological and historical heritage by exploring dolmens , caselles – these dry-stone shepherd's huts – and the mysterious Igues , these impressive natural sinkholes.
Immerse yourself in history by visiting the Cloup d'Aural phosphate mines , former phosphate mines harboring an exceptional paleontological treasure. Marvel at the authentic cave paintings of Pech Merle , moving testimonies of our ancestors.
And to extend the adventure, opt for an optional 5th day at the pterosaur beach , where you can observe real fossilized dinosaur footprints in the rock.
An extraordinary stay, combining hiking, exploration and historical discoveries , for a total immersion in a landscape shaped by time.
The highlights
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An extraordinary stay with wonderful heritage and cultural discoveries
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Come and cool off on the hottest days!
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A friendly atmosphere and wonderful encounters with hikers on the Camino de Santiago
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Upon request, hikes of varying lengths and elevation gains are possible, but the terrain remains relatively easy for hiking.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 308 m
- Average daily descent: 202 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
Program
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Dolmens and huts trail of Limogne
- Transportation Car - 00h25 - 21km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 329 m
- Negative elevation 268 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Head to the village of Limogne-en-Quercy for a 9km loop to discover the dolmens . If you wish, extend your walk with the huts loop (3.7km) , a charming complementary route.
From 2:30 pm , check into your room at the gîte . In the evening, dinner at 7 pm in the common room, for a convivial moment around a homemade meal.
Day 1 -
Discover the Igue de Cregols, the village of St Cirq Lapopie and the towpath
- Transportation Car - 00h41 - 29km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 290 m
- Negative elevation 144 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After breakfast served in the common room, departure for Crégols . You take the karst trail to explore the Igue de Crégols and an abandoned Quercy village .
In the afternoon, head to Bouziès for a hike along the towpath carved into the cliff , leading to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie , one of the most beautiful villages in France. Return possible on foot or by shuttle boat (tickets available on site).
Dinner at 7pm at the gîte, for a convivial moment after this beautiful day of discovery.
Day 2 -
Discoveries of phosphate mines
- Transportation Car - 00h22 - 21km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 329 m
- Negative elevation 287 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After breakfast , departure for Bach and its 9 km discovery trail around the Cloup d'Aural phosphate mines . A guided tour is highly recommended to better understand these old phosphate mines and their paleontological richness.
In the afternoon, head to Escamps to explore the butterfly wash houses , the Sompes (ancient Roman wells) and freely visit the Tempories phosphate mines .
Return to the cottage in the afternoon, with a possible moment of relaxation at the pool before dinner at 7pm .
Day 3 -
Discover the village of Cabrerets and the Pech Merle cave
- Transportation Car - 00h35 - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 283 m
- Negative elevation 106 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast , departure for Cabrerets . This loop takes you along high paths , offering magnificent views of the valley, before crossing the plateau to the Pech Merle cave .
Visit the cave and museum , a fascinating dive into prehistoric art. End of stay , unless you extend the adventure with an extra day to discover the pterosaur beach .
Day 4
Accommodation
You'll be staying 3 nights at the Gîte de Poudally , a stopover gîte on the GR65, the Way of St. James . Welcoming hikers for over 15 years, it offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere , perfect for meeting new people. Located in the heart of nature, it's the ideal place to recharge. A swimming pool is available for a relaxing break after your active days.
On-site, enjoy a variety of games and activities : pétanque, mölkky, table tennis, foosball, and various board games. You'll stay in a double room for a comfortable stay.
Access
The stay ends on day 4 at the end of the visit to the Pech Merle cave. The room must be vacated before 9:30 am.
Go to the starting point
Accessible by train at Lalbenque Fontane station (8km from the gîte) or at Cahors station then by Lio bus at the stop in the village of Lalbenque (3km from the gîte).
To access the hikes, there is no public transport, you need a private car (possibility to rent in Cahors), otherwise we can offer you hikes starting from the gîte with small heritage but you will not have access to the most remarkable sites.
Accessible by car via the A20 exit 58.
Price details
The price includes
- A self-guided hiking holiday
- Half-board
- Accommodation in a 6-person dormitory at the gîte
- Access to the cottage's swimming pool
- bed linen and towel rental
- Maps and hiking guides provided
- The tourist tax
The price does not include
- Drinks consumed on site
- Entrance to the Cloup d'Aural de Bach phosphate mine and Pech Merle caves visitor site
- Car travel to reach the starting point of the hikes
Options
- Additional night after the stay - Bed in a 6-person dormitory (adult) : CHF49.40 / unit
- Additional night after the stay - Bed in a 6-person dormitory (child) : CHF46.65 / unit
- Additional night after the stay - Bed in a 4-person dormitory (adult) : CHF53.06 / unit
- Additional night after the stay - Bed in a 4-person dormitory (child) : CHF50.31 / unit
- Additional night after stay - Double room (2 adults) : CHF117.09 / unit
- Additional night after your stay - Double room (1 adult and 1 child) : CHF111.61 / unit
- Extra night before the stay - Bed in a 6-person dormitory (adult) : CHF49.40 / unit
- Extra night before the stay - Bed in a 6-person dormitory (child) : CHF46.65 / unit
- Extra night before the stay - Bed in a 4-person dormitory (adult) : CHF53.06 / unit
- Extra night before the stay - Bed in a 4-person dormitory (child) : CHF50.31 / unit
- Additional night before the stay - Double room (2 adults) : CHF117.09 / unit
- Extra night before the stay - Double room (1 adult and 1 child) : CHF111.61 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Camera
- Water bottles
Clothing to bring
- Good hiking boots are essential; here the pebbles are our friends, but sometimes if the sole is too thin, they can hurt your feet at the end of the day.
- Your hiking poles
- Your swimsuit for the pool and river swimming
On site, you can wash your clothes by hand or in a washing machine (€4/machine), so don't bring too much!
